Artillery Cocktail

The Artillery Cocktail is an elegant and robust drink from the golden age of cocktails. It masterfully combines the botanical notes of gin with the rich, herbal sweetness of Italian vermouth. A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters add depth and a spicy complexity, tying the ingredients together. This is a quintessential stirred cocktail for those who appreciate a drink that is both strong and nuanced.
Artillery Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Artillery Cocktail is a classic cocktail from the late 19th century. It falls into the category of stirred, aromatic, spirit-forward drinks, similar in style to a Manhattan or Martinez, but with gin as its base.

Serving

Served straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a potent but relatively small cocktail. It is served cold without ice to maintain its smooth texture and clarity.
Serving size
Approximately 3 oz / 90 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Artillery Cocktail first appeared in print in the late 19th century, with a notable mention in Harry Johnson's 1882 "Bartenders' Manual". Its name is thought to be a nod to the "kick" it delivers, much like a piece of artillery. It represents an era of simple, yet potent, cocktails built on a foundation of quality spirits and modifiers.
Origin
United States, late 19th century (circa 1880s).

Artillery Cocktail

The drink is primarily known as the Artillery Cocktail. It is sometimes referred to as Artillery No. 1 to distinguish it from other drinks with similar names, though this is less common.
Original name
Artillery Cocktail
Alternative name
Artillery No. 1

Characteristics overview

The Artillery Cocktail has a smooth, silky texture with a gin-forward botanical flavor profile, balanced by sweet vermouth and spice. Its aroma is a complex mix of juniper and citrus oils, leading to a clean, warming finish.
Flavor
Gin-forward, botanical, herbaceous, slightly sweet, bitter spice
Aroma
Juniper, lemon oils, sweet wine, warm spice
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, balanced sweet and bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, warming, herbal, lingering spice
Fizziness
Still, non-carbonated
Color appearance
Clear, pale amber or light gold hue
Texture
Smooth, silky, slightly viscous
Seasonality
All-season, classic, timeless

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is spirit-forward and moderately intense, with a clear balance between the gin's botanicals, the vermouth's sweetness, and the bitters' spice. It is not overly sweet, sour, or bitter.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires three key ingredients: a good quality gin as the base, sweet vermouth for herbal sweetness, and Angostura bitters for aromatic spice.
  • Gin2 oz / 60 ml
    A London Dry or Plymouth style gin works best.
  • Sweet Vermouth0.5 oz / 15 ml
    Use a quality Italian-style sweet vermouth.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
    Essential for the drink's spicy complexity.

Ice type

  • Cubed (for stirring)

Mixing equipments

You will need standard stirring equipment: a mixing glass, a bar spoon for chilling and dilution, a jigger for measurement, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass: for combining and chilling the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon: for stirring the cocktail gently.
  • Jigger: for measuring the liquid ingredients accurately.
  • Strainer: (Julep or Hawthorne) for separating the ice from the chilled liquid.

Instructions

Preparation involves chilling the glass, stirring the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, and straining into the glass. The final step is garnishing with an expressed lemon twist.
1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or Nick & Nora) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cold ice cubes.
4. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a swath of lemon peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink, and then use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

The cocktail is finished with a simple but essential lemon twist. Expressing the citrus oils over the glass adds a bright, aromatic dimension.
  • Lemon twist: Express the oils over the drink's surface and drop it in or place it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is vegan, vegetarian, caffeine-free, and typically gluten-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric due to the alcohol content. It is low in carbohydrates and sugar, as the only significant source is the small amount of sweet vermouth.
Calories
Approximately 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 4-5 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 3-4 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate. It suits sophisticated cocktail parties and quiet evenings when a strong, classic drink is desired.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering
  • Pre-dinner drink

Pairing suggestions

The Artillery Cocktail pairs well with savory and salty appetizers that complement its spirit-forward nature. Consider serving it with olives, a small cheese board with hard cheeses like Parmesan, or a selection of charcuterie.
  • Olives
  • Salted nuts
  • Charcuterie
  • Hard cheeses

The Artillery Cocktail: A Classic Gin Volley

The Artillery Cocktail is a timeless classic for the discerning gin drinker. It is a simple yet sophisticated blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and bitters, served straight up with a lemon twist. This spirit-forward drink is perfect for an aperitif, offering a beautifully balanced profile of botanical, herbal, and spicy notes with a smooth, clean finish. It's an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a well-made Martinez or a gin-based Manhattan.

Similar Cocktails

Martinez

Typically uses Old Tom gin and maraschino liqueur, making it sweeter and more complex.

Perfect Martini

Uses both sweet and dry vermouth, creating a different balance of flavors.

You May Also Like

Black Velvet

A striking, layered cocktail made with equal parts stout beer and sparkling wine.

Paloma

A refreshing and simple tequila-based highball cocktail made with grapefruit soda and lime.

Dirty Martini

A savory and potent twist on the classic martini, featuring the briny taste of olive juice.

St. Germain Cocktail

A light, floral, and effervescent cocktail featuring elderflower liqueur, crisp sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Vagrant Cocktail

A bittersweet and herbaceous rum sour featuring the unique character of Cynar amaro and funky Jamaican rum.

Bentley Cocktail

A sophisticated and smooth pre-Prohibition cocktail featuring Calvados and Dubonnet Rouge.

Viejo Verde

A sophisticated and herbaceous sour that balances the funk of aged cachaça with the complex botanicals of Green Chartreuse and the brightness of lime.

Bee's Kiss Cocktail

A creamy, sweet-and-tart gin cocktail from the Prohibition era, blending honey, lemon, and cream.