Nome Cocktail

The Nome is a simple yet elegant cocktail that showcases the beautiful interplay between dry gin and the complex herbal notes of Yellow Chartreuse. A dash of orange bitters adds depth and a subtle citrus lift, creating a harmonious and sophisticated flavor profile. It is a direct and potent drink, perfect for those who appreciate spirit-forward cocktails like the Martini or its famous sibling, the Alaska cocktail.
Nome Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Nome is categorized as a classic, spirit-forward cocktail. It is a stirred, gin-based drink belonging to the same family as the Martini and its many variations, often enjoyed as an aperitif.

Serving

Served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a potent, cold, and aromatic cocktail designed for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 75 ml / 2.5 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 35-40% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Nome cocktail is a direct descendant of the more famous Alaska cocktail, which dates back to Jacques Straub's 1913 book "Straub's Manual of Mixed Drinks". The Alaska uses the slightly sweeter Old Tom gin. The Nome, named after another city in Alaska, specifically calls for the drier London Dry style, creating a crisper and more bracing version of the drink that appeals to modern palates.
Origin
United States, early 20th century. It is considered a direct variation of the Alaska cocktail, which was first documented in 1913.

Nome Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Nome Cocktail. It is essentially a variation of the well-known Alaska cocktail, distinguished by its use of London Dry Gin instead of the traditional Old Tom Gin.
Original name
Nome Cocktail
Alternative name
Alaska Cocktail with London Dry Gin

Characteristics overview

The Nome boasts a complex herbal and botanical profile from the gin and Chartreuse, with a smooth, spirit-forward character and a clean, warming finish. Its pale golden color and silky texture make it an elegant sipping experience.
Flavor
Herbal, Botanical, Citrus, Slightly sweet, Juniper-forward
Aroma
Herbaceous, Floral, Juniper, Honeyed
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Balanced, Off-dry
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Clean, Herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow, Clear, Golden tinge
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Spirituous
Seasonality
Year-round, Refreshing yet potent

Flavor intensity & Experience

A strong, spirit-forward drink with pronounced herbal sweetness and botanical notes, balanced by the dryness of the gin. It is not sour, salty, or creamy, and has no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is a simple three-ingredient cocktail, requiring London Dry Gin as the base, Yellow Chartreuse for its unique herbal sweetness, and a dash of orange bitters for complexity.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A crisp, juniper-forward gin works best.
  • Yellow Chartreuse15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Provides honeyed, herbal sweetness and complexity.
  • Orange Bitters1 dash
    Adds depth and bridges the botanicals of the gin and liqueur.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard stirring equipment: a mixing glass to combine ingredients with ice, a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to pour.
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Strainer

Instructions

The method is straightforward: combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until chilled, and strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass, then garnish with a lemon twist.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Add the London Dry Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. If you used ice water to chill your serving glass, discard it.
6. Strain the cocktail into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a lemon peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express its oils, and then drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish; express its oils over the drink's surface before dropping it in to add a bright, fresh citrus aroma.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and naturally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (from distilled spirits). It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a spirit-forward cocktail, so most of its calories come from alcohol. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar, which derive solely from the Yellow Chartreuse.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 5-7 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 5-7 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It's also perfectly suited for cocktail parties or any occasion that calls for a sophisticated, classic sipper.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Sophisticated Sipping
  • Pre-dinner drink

Pairing suggestions

The Nome's herbal and spirit-forward character pairs well with simple, savory snacks. Olives, salted nuts, or mild cheeses complement its profile without overwhelming it. It can also be a fantastic partner for fresh oysters, cutting through their salinity with its clean, botanical notes.
  • Olives
  • Salted nuts
  • Mild cheeses
  • Oysters

The Nome Cocktail: A Crisp and Herbaceous Classic

The Nome is a crisp, elegant, and underrated classic cocktail. As a simple variation on the Alaska, it swaps Old Tom gin for London Dry, resulting in a drier and more bracing profile that is highly approachable. Its beautiful balance of juniper-forward gin, sweet herbal Yellow Chartreuse, and a hint of orange makes it a perfect aperitif for discerning drinkers who enjoy strong, stirred cocktails with depth and character.

Similar Cocktails

Alaska Cocktail

The original version, using the slightly sweeter Old Tom gin instead of London Dry gin.

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