Drink in History: Army & Navy

The Army & Navy, or just Army Navy, is the kind of drink that makes you feel classy just by saying its name.

It’s gin-based, slightly tart, and has been around long enough to have stories nobody can quite verify. Don’t be fooled by the name; this isn’t a government-issued drink. But it does bring a kind of wartime bravado to your glass.

A Toast to History (or a Wild Guess?)

The first known recipe for this bad boy popped up in David A. Embury’s 1948 book, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. Embury, a lawyer with a side hustle in cocktails, called it a variation of the gin sour, swapping sugar for orgeat syrup. But did he invent it? Nope. The drink probably existed before, maybe at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., maybe in the hands of a thirsty sailor—who knows?

It also may have ties to the legendary Army-Navy football game, which has been happening since 1890. So, in a way, this drink is as much about good sportsmanship as it is about gin-fueled celebration.

Not Just Another Tropical Sour

Yes, there’s orgeat, and yes, there’s citrus, but don’t mistake the Army & Navy for a tiki drink. This cocktail leans drier, with the gin taking center stage rather than being buried under layers of syrupy sweetness. The orgeat provides just enough richness to round out the edges without making it feel like you should be sipping it from a pineapple.

One of its best qualities? It’s flexible. A lot of gin cocktails are fussy about which gin you use, but the Army & Navy plays nicely with most styles. A bright, juniper-forward London dry brings out its crispness, while an Old Tom or more floral gin can highlight its subtle sweetness. Either way, it’s a solid argument for why gin deserves more love.

A Lost & Found Classic

Like many great drinks, the Army & Navy cocktail took a long nap during the era of fluorescent, syrupy cocktails (looking at you, 1980s). But the craft cocktail renaissance brought it back, and bartenders quickly realized its beauty. Modern versions tweak the ratios, use different gins, or throw in some orange liqueur, but at its core, it remains a simple, balanced delight.

Why You Should Care

The Army Navy is like a gateway cocktail for gin skeptics—it’s smooth, citrusy, and not too sweet. Plus, it’s got history, mystery, and a name that makes you sound like you know something about military traditions. What’s not to love?

So, next time you’re feeling fancy (or just need an excuse to shake a cocktail instead of stirring), give the Army & Navy a shot. It’s timeless, delicious, and might just make you feel like a decorated officer of good taste.

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