Alaska Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer without dilution.
• Stir for exactly 30 seconds over ice—this chills and slightly dilutes the high-proof spirits for better balance.
• Use fresh, quality orange bitters; old or low-quality bitters will introduce off-flavors to this delicate cocktail.
• Pre-chill your mixing glass with ice before combining ingredients to minimize dilution during the short stir.

Substitutions

• Green Chartreuse → Yellow Chartreuse (yields a more herbal, minty profile; reduce slightly as it's stronger)
• Orange bitters → Angostura bitters (changes the aromatic character; use sparingly as Angostura is more assertive)

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · hawthorne strainer · coupe glass

Can I substitute yellow Chartreuse in an Alaska cocktail?

Yellow Chartreuse is essential to the drink's character, but green Chartreuse works as a substitute with a more pronounced herbal and minty profile—adjust to taste as it's more assertive.

Should an Alaska cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir the Alaska in a mixing glass with ice for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to preserve the silky texture.

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 overpower the delicate Chartreuse.

What glassware should I use for an Alaska cocktail?

Serve in a chilled coupe glass or small cocktail glass (4–5 oz) to showcase the drink's elegant, spirit-forward profile.

How many dashes of orange bitters are needed?

Exactly 2 dashes; this is a spirit-forward drink where bitters provide balance without dominating—overseasoning will muddy the herbal notes.