Army Ranger Cocktail Recipe
Army Ranger Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol %:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Army Ranger cocktail is a tribute to the elite military unit, the United States Army Rangers. Known for their stealth, endurance, and combat skills, the Rangers are a symbol of strength and courage. This cocktail is designed to embody those qualities, making it a popular choice for military events and gatherings. The drink's bold flavors and striking presentation make it a favorite among those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail.
How Army Ranger Tastes?
The Army Ranger cocktail is a powerful blend of flavors, with a strong, bold taste that is both refreshing and invigorating. The combination of whiskey, lime juice, and ginger beer creates a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile, while the addition of mint leaves adds a cool, refreshing finish.
Interesting facts about Army Ranger
- The United States Army Rangers are an elite military unit known for their exceptional combat skills and endurance.
- The Army Ranger cocktail is often served at military events and gatherings as a tribute to the Rangers' strength and courage.
- The drink's bold flavors and striking presentation make it a favorite among those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail.
Ingredients
- Whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ginger beer: 4 oz(120ml)
- Mint leaves: 4-6
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Ice cubes: As needed
A few good options for Army Ranger are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Whiskey: 2 oz
Whiskey gives the cocktail its spirit—both figuratively and literally. It's the oak and smoke providing that comforting, warm embrace. If you skimp on it, you’ll be watering down the party; too much, and you'll blur the other flavors into obscurity.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice: 1 oz
This citrus sparkle cuts through the whiskey's richness and acts as a flavor balancer. Too little, and the cocktail is off-kilter; without it, you're missing the tangy zing that wakes up the palate.
Emma Rose
Ginger Beer: 4 oz
Ginger beer brings spice and effervescence, which lift the drink’s profile like a solid bassline in your favorite tune. Too little, and it's like music without rhythm; too much and you’ve turned your symphony into a one-man band show.
Alex Green
Mint Leaves: 4-6
A hint of garden-fresh charm, mint is there to freshen up the place. Mint leaves are like the perfect accessory—it doesn’t steal the show, but its absence leaves an ensemble looking bare.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes
Angostura bitters are like the wise sage of cocktails, rounding out flavors and adding complexity. Skimp on these, and you lose depth; leave them out completely, and the cocktail is one-dimensional.
Emma Rose
Ice Cubes: As needed
Ice keeps cool, which is crucial for balancing temperature and dilution. Overdo it, and you’ve got a watery mess; too little, and your cocktail may run too hot to handle.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Army Ranger Drink
- In a shaker, combine the whiskey, lime juice, and mint leaves.
- Muddle the mint leaves to release their flavor.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Top with ginger beer and add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Gently stir the drink to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Muddle the mint leaves gently to avoid bitterness.
- Use high-quality whiskey for a smoother taste.
- Chill the glass before serving for an extra refreshing cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairing
Barbecue: The smoky notes of whiskey and the zesty lime juice complement savory grilled meats perfectly.
Spicy Foods: The ginger beer's spice and the lime juice's acidity can counterbalance the heat from dishes like buffalo wings or spicy Asian cuisine.
Cheese Platters: A good mix of hard and soft cheeses works well with the herbal notes of the mint and the richness of the whiskey.
Desserts: Opt for desserts with ginger or lime flavors to echo the cocktail's profile, such as a lime tart or ginger snaps.
Drink Pairing
Enjoy this cocktail with a cold glass of lager or pale ale that can hold its own without overpowering the complex flavors of the Army Ranger.
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What you could change in Army Ranger
- Whiskey: Can be replaced with bourbon or rye.
- Ginger beer: Can be substituted with ginger ale for a less spicy flavor.
- Mint leaves: Basil can be used as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
Maple Ranger
Replace ginger beer with apple cider and add ½ oz maple syrup. Stir up a new world where fall never ends, and every sip is a walk through an orchard.
Citrus Cadet
Use lemon juice instead of lime and swap ginger beer for lemon-lime soda. It's an about-face turn towards a lighter, spritzier version with a citrus-forward march.
The Herbalist
Infuse the whiskey with rosemary and use honey instead of ginger beer. The drink now walks through an herb garden, with rosemary whispering tales of earthy mystery to your taste buds.
In case you forgot basics how to make Army Ranger
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Army Ranger
What's the best occasion to serve the Army Ranger cocktail?
The Army Ranger cocktail is mostly served at military events. However, its bold and refreshing taste also makes it a great cocktail for BBQs, game nights, or when cozying up by the fire on a cold winter night.
How would you describe the sweetness of the Army Ranger cocktail?
The Army Ranger cocktail has a balance of sweetness from the whiskey and ginger beer, coupled with the tangy freshness of lime juice. It's not overly sweet, and the added mint leaves also introduce a refreshing aspect.
What kind of whiskey is best to use for an Army Ranger cocktail?
A high-quality whiskey is recommended for an Army Ranger cocktail. Use your preference of either rye or bourbon.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Army Ranger cocktail?
While there isn't an official non-alcoholic version of the Army Ranger, you can create your mocktail by substituting the whiskey for a non-alcoholic spirit or simply leaving it out. Instead of ginger beer, you can use ginger ale which contains less alcohol.
What's the meaning behind the name 'Army Ranger' for this cocktail?
The Army Ranger cocktail is named in tribute to the elite military unit, the United States Army Rangers. The bold flavors and strong presence of the drink mirror the qualities embodied by these brave soldiers.
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