Alaska Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your mixing glass and serving glass with ice before preparing the cocktail to maintain optimal temperature.
• Use fresh orange bitters, not old stock — they oxidize and lose potency, weakening the flavor balance.
• Stir for a full 30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink; under-diluted chartreuse cocktails taste too hot and spiritous.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Tanqueray or Bols (similar London Dry profile and dry finish)
• Yellow Chartreuse → (no direct substitute; green chartreuse at 1/2 oz is the only alternative, but changes the profile significantly)

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · cocktail strainer

Can I substitute yellow chartreuse in an Alaska Cocktail?

Yellow chartreuse is essential to the recipe's herbal character. Green chartreuse is much stronger and will overpower the drink; use only if you reduce the quantity to 1/2 oz.

Should an Alaska Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir the cocktail with ice in a mixing glass for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.

What type of gin works best for an Alaska Cocktail?

Use a London Dry-style gin with balanced botanicals. Avoid heavily juniper-forward gins that will compete with the chartreuse's herbal notes.

Is the Alaska Cocktail gin-forward or balanced?

The 1.5 oz gin dominates, while 0.75 oz chartreuse adds complexity and sweetness. The orange bitters tie the botanicals together.

What glassware should I use for an Alaska Cocktail?

Serve in a coupe, martini glass, or cocktail glass. Pre-chill the glass with ice before straining the drink into it.