Alaska
Discover the Alaska cocktail, a sophisticated and aromatic classic dating back to the early 20th century. This elegant blend of gin and Yellow Chartreuse offers a unique herbal complexity, balanced with subtle sweetness and the bright notes of orange bitters. Often compared to a Martini but with a distinctive herbal twist, the Alaska is a testament to refined simplicity. Perfect for sipping slowly, it's a journey into the world of classic mixology, ideal for those who appreciate nuanced and spirit-forward drinks.
Ingredients
- 6 cl gin
- 2 cl yellow chartreuse
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer.
Add the gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters (or Angostura if substituting) to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels very cold (about 15-20 seconds).
Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared coupe glass.
Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist (not specified in ingredients but traditional).
Trivia
- What does the Alaska cocktail taste like?
The Alaska cocktail has a distinct herbal and complex flavor profile. The gin provides the botanical base, while Yellow Chartreuse adds sweet, honeyed, and herbaceous notes with hints of mint and citrus. Orange bitters contribute a subtle spicy complexity, resulting in a smooth, aromatic, and spirit-forward drink.
- What is the difference between an Alaska and a Martini?
While both are gin-based cocktails served straight up, the Alaska uses Yellow Chartreuse as its modifier instead of the dry vermouth found in a traditional Martini. This swap gives the Alaska a sweeter, more herbal, and complex profile compared to the drier, more botanical-focused Martini.
- Can I use Green Chartreuse instead of Yellow in an Alaska cocktail?
Traditionally, the Alaska cocktail recipe calls for Yellow Chartreuse, which is sweeter and lower in alcohol than its green counterpart. Using Green Chartreuse would create a different drink, likely called a 'Green Alaska,' with a more intense, pungent herbal flavor. While possible, it deviates significantly from the classic Alaska profile.
- What is the origin of the Alaska cocktail?
The Alaska cocktail first appeared in print in Jacques Straub's 1913 book 'Straub's Manual of Mixed Drinks'. It's considered a classic from the pre-Prohibition era, though its exact inventor remains unknown. It gained popularity for its unique use of Yellow Chartreuse alongside gin.
- What type of gin is best for an Alaska cocktail?
A London Dry gin is typically recommended for an Alaska cocktail. Its classic juniper-forward profile provides a solid backbone that complements the complex herbal notes of the Yellow Chartreuse without overpowering it. However, feel free to experiment with other gin styles to find your preference.
- Is the Alaska cocktail served with a garnish?
While often served ungarnished to appreciate its colour and aroma, a common garnish for the Alaska cocktail is a lemon twist. Expressing the oils from the lemon peel over the drink before dropping it in adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors.