Artillery Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use fresh ice and chill your glass before stirring—the dilution and temperature balance is critical to this spirit-forward drink.
• Quality vermouth matters; opt for a dry, well-made sweet vermouth—avoid cheap or oxidized bottles that taste flat.
• Stir gently for 30–40 seconds; over-stirring introduces too much dilution and oxygen, muting the bitters' aromatics.
• Add bitters last and stir briefly to integrate—bitters should not be overpowered by aggressive mixing.

Substitutions

• Dry vermouth → Sweet vermouth (creates a drier, more Martini-like profile)
• Gin → Bourbon (transforms it into a Rob Roy-style drink with warmer notes)

Equipment

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

What kind of gin works best in an Artillery Cocktail?

Use a London Dry style gin with moderate botanicals—the spirit should remain the dominant flavor. Avoid heavily flavored or barrel-aged gins that will overpower the vermouth and bitters balance.

Can I make an Artillery Cocktail without bitters?

Bitters are essential to the drink's signature profile; they add depth and tie the gin and vermouth together. Omitting them changes the character significantly.

Should an Artillery Cocktail be stirred or shaken?

Stir it with ice for 30–40 seconds to chill and dilute slightly, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Shaking will aerate it excessively and cloud the spirit-forward character.

What's the best glassware for an Artillery Cocktail?

Serve in a coupe, martini, or Nick & Nora glass—any vessel that keeps the drink cold and showcases its clarity.

How does the Artillery Cocktail differ from a Martini?

The Artillery uses sweet vermouth (not dry) and bitters, making it richer and less austere than a classic Martini. It's closer in spirit to a Martinez or Rob Roy.