Artillery Cocktail Recipe

The Artillery cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been named after the British Royal Artillery, as it packs a powerful punch. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy strong, spirit-forward drinks with a hint of sweetness and bitterness.

• Originated in the early 20th century
• Named after the British Royal Artillery
• Ideal for fans of strong, spirit-forward cocktails

The Artillery cocktail has a bold, robust flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It is strong, slightly sweet, and herbal with a hint of citrus.

• The Artillery cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'cousin' of the classic Martini
• It is traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass, also known as a Martini glass
• The use of orange bitters adds a subtle citrus note to the drink

1. Chill the cocktail glass: Place the cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it.
2. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the drink with a lemon twist or an orange peel.

• Gin: Use a high-quality gin for a smoother taste.
• Stirring: Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting it too much.
• Garnish: A lemon twist can add a fresh citrusy note to the cocktail.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie Boards: The herbal notes of gin blend well with cured meats and various cheeses.
• Grilled Shrimp: The citrus from the garnish and the orange bitters complement seafood nicely.

Main Courses

• Roast Chicken: The botanicals in gin and the richness of sweet vermouth can stand up to the savory flavors of a nicely roasted chicken.
• Pasta with Cream Sauces: The cocktail's crispness cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of the chocolate will harmonize with the herbal and bitter notes of the cocktail.
• Lemon Tart: The zestiness of the lemon in both the tart and garnish can tie the pairing together.

• Gin: You can substitute gin with vodka if you prefer a less botanical flavor.
• Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used for a less sweet cocktail.
• Orange Bitters: If you don't have orange bitters, you can use Angostura bitters.

Smoky Artillery

• Use a smoky gin or add a few drops of a smoky Scotch to the mix.
• Increase vermouth to 1.5 oz for balance.
• Recipe remains the same, adding smoked salt on the rim for a more explosive experience.
• Taste Change: Expect a richer, more robust cocktail with a warming smoky finish, perfect for those who want to bring a cannon to the flavor fight.

Citrus Burst Artillery

• Substitute the gin with a citrus-forward gin or add a splash of lemon or lime juice.
• Add an extra dash of orange bitters.
• Recipe follows similarly, but garnish with a sizable citrus wheel for an extra zesty presentation.
• Taste Change: A tangier, brighter cocktail, ideal for those sunny days when you're dodging bullets at a garden party.

Herbal Artillery

• Use an herb-infused gin or add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the mix.
• Keep vermouth at 1 oz, but stir with the herbs before adding ice.
• Strain as usual and garnish with a fresh herb sprig.
• Taste Change: Emphasizes the botanical aspect for a garden-fresh sip that might just camouflage with the flora around your artillery unit.