Artillery Cocktail

Pro tips

• Stir with plenty of ice for 10-15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the spirit-forward drink without over-watering it.
• Use quality gin and sweet vermouth—the simplicity of this three-ingredient cocktail means ingredient quality directly impacts flavor.
• Add bitters last after straining; a dash is roughly 1/8 teaspoon, so measure carefully or use a bitters bottle with a dasher top.
• Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass; the chill matters as much as the ingredients in a gin cocktail this strong.

Substitutions

• Sweet Vermouth → Dry Vermouth (shifts flavor from herbal-sweet to herbal-dry; will make the drink less rounded)
• Angostura Bitters → Orange bitters (adds citrus notes; use same quantity)
• Gin → Different gin style (London Dry to Botanical; maintains cocktail integrity while changing botanical profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are served fresh and immediate; do not store mixed. Keep gin, vermouth, and bitters sealed at room temperature or in a cool cabinet.

Equipment

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

What is an Artillery Cocktail?

A classic southern cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, dating back to late 1700s Georgia. It's traditionally served in punch form and is notably strong.

Can I substitute the gin in an Artillery Cocktail?

While gin is essential to the recipe, you can experiment with different gin styles (London Dry, botanical, or Old Tom), but avoid substituting it entirely as it defines the drink.

Is the Artillery Cocktail very strong?

Yes. With 1.5 oz of gin as the primary ingredient and minimal dilution, this cocktail is potent and is known to sneak up on drinkers. Sip carefully.

How much ice should I use?

Chill your glass and stir the cocktail with plenty of ice for 10-15 seconds to properly dilute and chill without over-watering the spirit-forward drink.

Can this be made as a large batch punch?

Yes, the Artillery has a punch tradition. Scale the recipe proportionally and serve from a large vessel. Historically it was mixed in horse buckets for gatherings.