Alaska Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass beforehand; the Alaska's delicate herbal notes are best appreciated when the drink stays cold without over-dilution.
• Use a bar spoon and stir the drink 30 seconds over ice to chill and slightly dilute—this opens up the chartreuse flavor.
• Add bitters last after straining; this preserves their aromatic top notes and prevents them from getting buried.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Bols Genever (richer, slightly spicier base; adds warmth)

Equipment

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

What's the difference between yellow and green chartreuse in this cocktail?

Yellow chartreuse is sweeter and lighter with honey notes; green is more herbaceous and intense. Yellow is traditional for the Alaska and creates better balance with gin.

Should an Alaska Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir with ice for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to keep it spirit-forward and clear.

Can I make this cocktail without chartreuse?

Chartreuse is essential to the Alaska's identity. No good substitute exists that maintains the herbal-citrus character.

What type of gin works best?

A dry London Dry style gin (like Bols, Tanqueray, or Bombay) works best; avoid heavily botanical gins that compete with chartreuse.

What's a standard serving size?

One cocktail uses 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz chartreuse, and 2 dashes bitters—yields one 2.25 oz drink before dilution from ice.