Alaska Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass with ice water before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer without over-dilution.
• Stir rather than shake to preserve clarity and the delicate balance between the gin and chartreuse.
• Add the bitters last after combining gin and chartreuse so they distribute evenly throughout the drink.
• Use fresh ice and strain directly into the glass to avoid excessive water content.

Substitutions

• Green chartreuse → Yellow chartreuse (more herbaceous and higher-proof; reduce to 1/2 oz if using green)
• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Plymouth Gin or Tanqueray (any classic London Dry works)

What's the difference between yellow and green chartreuse?

Yellow chartreuse is sweeter and lighter at 40% ABV; green is higher-proof (55% ABV) and more intense. Yellow is traditional for the Alaska.

Should an Alaska be shaken or stirred?

Stir it with ice for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to preserve the spirit-forward profile.

Can I batch the Alaska ahead of time?

Yes — combine gin, chartreuse, and bitters in a bottle up to 3 days ahead. Chill and serve over ice or dilute with ice and strain.

What orange bitters should I use?

Any quality orange bitters work (Regan's, Angostura, The Bitter Truth). Use a light hand — 2 dashes is the standard measure.

What gin works best?

A balanced London Dry gin (Tanqueray, Bols, Plymouth) lets both the gin and chartreuse shine without overpowering the drink.