Alaska Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving; this drink has minimal volume and warms quickly.
• Stir for exactly 30 seconds with ice to achieve proper dilution—under-stirred drinks taste hot and thin.
• Use a quality orange bitters (Regan's or Angostura); the 2 dashes are crucial and shouldn't be skipped.
• Measure precisely: the 1½ oz gin to ¾ oz chartreuse ratio is essential to balance herbal and juniper notes.

Substitutions

• Yellow Chartreuse → Green Chartreuse (spicier, more peppery, increases intensity)
• Yellow Chartreuse → Dry Vermouth (lighter, less herbal, creates a drier drink)
• Orange Bitters → Angostura Bitters (slightly spicier, works but loses citrus brightness)

Storage & make-ahead

This is a cocktail for immediate consumption; no storage or make-ahead component applies.

Equipment

mixing glass or bar pitcher · bar spoon · cocktail strainer · jigger

What type of glass should I use for an Alaska cocktail?

Serve in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. A standard 5–6 oz cocktail glass is ideal for this stirred drink.

Can I substitute yellow chartreuse in this recipe?

Green chartreuse works but will taste spicier and more herbal. Dry vermouth is a lighter alternative, though it changes the character significantly.

Should an Alaska cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir it with ice for 30 seconds, then strain. This keeps it silky smooth and properly diluted without aeration.

What gin works best for this cocktail?

London Dry gin is standard. Choose one with moderate botanicals so the juniper doesn't overpower the chartreuse's herbal notes.