The Alaska Cocktail: A Forgotten Classic Worth Rediscovering
The Alaska Cocktail is one of those quietly elegant drinks that feels like it should be far more famous than it is. It dates back to the early 1900s, a golden age of cocktails when drinks were spirit-forward, restrained and built to showcase quality ingredients rather than hide them.
The cocktail first appeared in print in Hugo Ensslin’s Recipes for Mixed Drinks (1916), one of the most influential cocktail books of the pre-Prohibition era. Interestingly, the drink isn’t named for icy temperatures or rugged wilderness, but rather as a nod to Alaska’s admission as a U.S. territory in 1912. Like many cocktails of the time, it was celebratory, refined and meant to highlight premium spirits.
At its core, the Alaska Cocktail is a close cousin of the Martini family. Instead of vermouth, it uses Yellow Chartreuse, a softer, honeyed and more approachable expression than its green counterpart. The result is a drink that’s botanical, lightly sweet and incredibly balanced, with just enough complexity to keep each sip interesting.
This is a cocktail for people who love Martinis, but want something slightly warmer, rounder and more aromatic.
Why doe this cocktail work?
London dry gin provides a crisp, juniper-forward backbone, while Yellow Chartreuse brings subtle sweetness, herbal depth and a touch of spice. A dash of orange bitters bridges the two, adding brightness and structure without overpowering the drink. Stirring keeps the texture silky and refined and the lemon twist lifts everything with a final pop of citrus aroma. It’s simple, elegant and timeless.
Ingredients for the Alaska Cocktail
- 1 1/2 ounces London dry gin
- 1/2 ounce Yellow Chartreuse
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 lemon twist, for garnish
How to Make the Alaska Cocktail
- Add the gin, Yellow Chartreuse and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and properly diluted, about 20–25 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
- Express a lemon twist over the glass, garnish and serve.
The Alaska Cocktail is proof that some of the best drinks don’t need reinvention, just rediscovery. Elegant, balanced and quietly confident, it’s a perfect example of early cocktail craftsmanship that still feels completely relevant today. 🍸
one foodie 