Cocktail
Army special
The Army Special is a vibrant cocktail that combines the bold flavors of gin and sweet vermouth, accented with a splash of orange juice and a hint of bitters. This refreshing drink is often garnished with a twist of orange peel, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a spirited yet balanced libation. Its unique blend pays homage to classic military traditions while offering a modern twist for cocktail enthusiasts.
- spicy
- fruity
- refreshing
- herbal
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
Few cocktail recipes deliver spicy and fruity quite like the Army special. It leads with vodka and comes together in about 5 minutes. If you've searched for "barbecue", this is the recipe to bookmark.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 30 mlVodka
- 30 mlGin
- 45 mlLime juice cordial
- 1/2 glass crushedIce
Method
Preparation
- 01
Pour Vodka, Gin and lime cordial into glass, and top up with crushed ice. Wait for ice to melt slightly and sip without a straw.
Origin
History & Origins
A military-themed cocktail emerging from early 20th century bar culture when soldiers and military service influenced American nightlife and drinking traditions. Such drinks often reflected patriotic themes and the camaraderie of military service.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Use spirits with strong, dependable profiles
From Elena
maintain proper balance and clarity
serve with military precision and attention to detail
choose garnishes that complement the drink's straightforward character
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Army Special Punch
Prepared as a strong punch for group service
Army Special Sour
Built as a tart, balanced sour
Army Special Fizz
Incorporates sparkling elements
Army Special Cordial
Enhanced with sweet liqueurs
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Army special has a flavor profile that is spicy, fruity, refreshing, herbal. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Army special is ideal for barbecues, military-themed events, casual gatherings. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Army special. If you cannot source Vodka, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Army special variations include Army Special Punch, Army Special Sour, Army Special Fizz. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Army special is traditionally served in a Cocktail glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Cocktail glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Army special is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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