Episode 64 - Military Cocktails: Leatherneck and Army & Navy

The Cast of Characters

In this episode, the Gentlemen of Elegant Leisure honour all those Gentlemen and Gentlewomen of Elegant Military Service.  First up is a drink from Ted Haigh's "Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails" that honours the Marines!  The Leatherneck Cocktail.

Leatherneck Cocktail
-by Frank Farrell (This recipe is from Ted Saucier's book "Bottoms up" in 1951, but is reprinted in Ted Haigh's "Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails".

2 ounces blended whiskey (We used Crown Royal)
3/4 ounce blue curaçao
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients in an iced cocktail shaker.  Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

The Gents had low hopes for this drink but it were pleasantly surprised.  This drink is just like the Marines and you would be mistaken by underestimating it!  Try it now!  That's an order!

Next up is a drink that Gentleman Dave tracked down. It's called the Army and Navy Cocktail. The origin of this beverage is a bit sketchy, but may have been born at the Army & Navy officer's club in Washington, DC.
 
According to cocktail author David Embury the original recipe was flawed in its proportions, so he modified the recipe and published it in his 1948 book Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. We use Embury's version.
 
What makes this cocktail different from a standard gin sour is the addition of sweet, almond-flavored orgeat syrup.

Army & Navy Cocktail

 2 ounces gin
3/4 ounces lemon juice
3/4 ounces orgeat
a few dashes of Angostura bitters

Shake all ingredients and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry

This too is a great drink but you'll have to listen to the episode to see which one the Gent's preferred.

A big thank you to military veterans past and present.  Thank you for your service!

Have you ever wanted to see three people sample three whiskey's?  Now's your chance!