Buzz
The Alaska is a cocktail born in the pre-prohibition era and forever immortalized in the Savoy Cocktail Book. With its combination of gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and frequently orange bitters, it stands as a testament to the drink’s enduring charm. Despite its long history, it has outlasted wars and recessions, staying relevant through the ages. Its elegant simplicity begs the question: what inspired its creation?
Originating around 1910, the Alaska cocktail’s early history is fascinating. Before that, in the U.S., the term ‘Alaska cocktail’ referred to a jug of cold water with ice. While this certainly shares the 'cold' aspect, the Alaska cocktail we’re discussing today offers a much more refined drinking experience. It’s unclear if there was any direct connection between the two drinks, but it's widely believed that the cocktail was named after the Alaskan territory, which was experiencing a surge in popularity at the time. Its golden hue was thought to resemble the precious metal that lured many pioneers to the region. Quite a remarkable backstory, right?
What we do know is that the Alaska cocktail emerged around 1910. Prior to that, the 'Alaska cocktail' was simply cold water with ice—nothing like the sophisticated drink we’re making now. The connection, if any, is unclear, but it's generally agreed that the drink was named after the Alaskan territory, which was gaining fame during that period. The cocktail's golden color mirrored the allure of gold, drawing settlers in hopes of fortune. A little bit of history in every sip.
Yellow Chartreuse truly takes center stage in this cocktail, bringing its herbal essence to the forefront. Unlike its green counterpart, which carries more spice and intensity, this yellow version is milder and slightly sweeter. It blends effortlessly with the gin and orange bitters, creating a smooth and surprisingly easy-drinking concoction for something so strong. I believe this drink is perfect for the season—its herbal nature evokes a sense of medicinal healing, and its high proof might even help fight off those seasonal bugs. While it’s not quite a pitcher of mountain water packed with ice, it still carries a refreshing quality, much like a breath of crisp mountain air.
The recipe shared here is the more widely known and modern version, but for those who enjoy a bit of cocktail history, try swapping regular gin for Old Tom gin. This sweeter gin, which lies somewhere between London dry and Dutch jenever, will give you a closer experience to the original drink. Cheers to a more authentic sip!
The Alaska Cocktail
2 dashes of orange bitters
3/4 ounce yellow Chartreuse
2 1/4 ounces dry gin
Lemon twist for garnish
Add the ingredients to a chilled mixing glass, then fill with cracked ice. Stir for 25-30 seconds or until well-chilled but not overly diluted. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, express the lemon twist over the cocktail, and garnish to finish.
