description Army & Navy Overview
The Army and Navy is a classic gin-based cocktail that functions as a variation of a traditional sour. It is composed of gin, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat syrup, a sweetener made from almonds that provides a distinct nutty flavor. The combination of the citrus acid and the sweet almond syrup balances the botanical notes of the gin. Historically popularized in the mid-20th century, it is served shaken and straight up in a chilled cocktail glass.
help Army & Navy FAQ
What ingredients are in an Army & Navy cocktail?
The classic drink combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat, an almond-flavored syrup; many modern recipes also add Angostura bitters. A commonly published version uses 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of orgeat. [VinePair recipe and history](https://vinepair.com/cocktail-recipe/army-and-navy/)
Why does the Army & Navy taste nutty?
The nutty character comes from orgeat, which is traditionally almond-flavored syrup. Lemon juice keeps the drink tart while gin supplies the botanical backbone.
When was the Army & Navy cocktail first documented?
The cocktail is documented in David Embury's 1948 book The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. It is generally treated as a gin sour variation rather than a standard gin-and-tonic style drink. [Epicurious history](https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/army-and-navy)
Is the Army & Navy the same drink as a Mai Tai?
No, the Army & Navy is a gin-based sour, while a Mai Tai is a rum-based cocktail. Both can use orgeat, but the base spirit and overall recipe are different.
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