The Artillery Cocktail is a classic, spirit-forward cocktail that’s essentially a gin-based variation on the Manhattan. It’s simple, potent, and elegant—perfect for gin lovers who want something stirred and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 1â…” oz (50 ml) Gin (London dry or a quality dry gin works best)
- â…š oz (25 ml) Sweet/Rosso Vermouth
- 1–2 dashes Aromatic bitters (Angostura is classic; orange bitters are a popular alternative)
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry if desired.
Some recipes tweak the ratios slightly (e.g., 2:1 gin to vermouth or equal parts), but the core is always gin-heavy with sweet vermouth and bitters for balance.
History
The Artillery first appeared in print in Harry Craddock’s 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book, where it was listed as 2/3 dry gin and 1/3 Italian vermouth, shaken (though stirring is preferred today for a smoother texture). Its origins before that are murky, like many pre-Prohibition-era drinks. The name likely nods to its “heavy artillery” strength—it’s boozy and direct, with little dilution or sweetness to soften the gin.
Taste and Variations
It delivers a herbal, slightly sweet, and bitter profile: the gin’s botanicals shine, balanced by the vermouth’s richness and the bitters’ spice. It’s drier and more gin-dominant than a Manhattan.
Variations include:
- Using orange bitters for brighter citrus notes.
- Adjusting the vermouth for more or less sweetness.
- Experimenting with different gins (e.g., a bolder or more floral style).
Note: This is distinct from the much stronger Chatham Artillery Punch, a historic Savannah party punch made with rum, brandy/bourbon, lemon, sugar, and often champagne—famous for its legendary potency and military roots in the 18th–19th centuries.
If you’re mixing one at home, start with a reliable gin like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or a craft option, and enjoy responsibly—it’s called Artillery for a reason!
