Alaska Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Gin and Yellow Chartreuse are the key components in this crafty cocktail.

When traveling to the most rugged parts of the great state of Alaska, I’d suggest sitting inside whatever aircraft you’re flying on, instead of hanging on for dear life on the outside of it.

The little puddle-jumper that was supposed to take me from point “A” to point “B” ended up whisking me all over the place. Point “A” soon became “J” and then “Y” and then back to point “A” again. The pilot was an old-timer that learned their craft of stick-jockeying in the previous century. I had no problem with this at first, always being up for an experience. Plus, I could never say “no” to adventure. I just never realized that this particular one would involve my pilot taking off while I still had one foot out the door.

While my arms burned with an almighty fire, I bonked my forehead over and over against the plane’s windshield, trying to get my insane pilot’s attention. After finally being noticed—with a friendly wave, no less—the aircraft soon dove sharply for a landing, and my traumatized self was peeled off the wing and taken to the nearest bar to drink with my crazy host. Cocktails were gratis, of course.

And we drank Alaskas all night: a golden-looking gin-based tipple mixed with Yellow Chartreuse and orange bitters. The booze warmed me up and soothed my tense muscles, while the bite of the citrus and gin opened my eyes a little wider. Then a terrible thought occurred to me…

Is this how I’m flying home?

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Alaska Cocktail?

There are a few varieties of gin available that will make your Alaska a different experience with each one you choose to use. An Old Tom will be a little sweeter than a London Dry, which will have notes of citrus, juniper and licorice, among other things. A seaside flora-infused gin, like Gray Whale, will have a fresh and crisp body, giving the cocktail a clean finish while melding nicely with the light, Yellow Chartreuse and orange flare from the bitters.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill a long-stemmed coupe in your freezer for up to thirty minutes. After you’ve poured your cocktail in, garnish with a lemon twist.

WHAT OTHER DRINK IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALASKA?

Along with tonight’s cocktail, the smirk-inducing Duck Fart Shot is also considered a national drink of the “Last Frontier”.

Similar Cocktails To The Alaska

It took me years to figure out that long-stemmed cocktail glasses have those long stems for a reason. Have you ever walked around a party all night, holding onto a drink and noticing that it warmed up pretty quickly? Well, that stem is there for a reason. Be it a wine glass, coupe or champagne goblet, if you hold the stem, your drink stays colder, longer. Try it out on some of these classic tipples.

• Extra Dirty Martini – You’ll need a lot of olives for this in-demand libation.
• Scofflaw – This tall elixir features whiskey and dry vermouth.
• Lion’s Tail – Raise your glass with this bourbon and allspice dram concoction.
• Clover Club – You’ll love sipping on this silky, smooth and raspberry-flavored potion.