Master The Classics: Alaska

The Alaska was first printed by Harry Craddock in his Savoy Cocktail book around 1930, but by Craddock's own admission this Martini variation absolutely predates that book, her writes: “So far as can be ascertained this delectable potion is NOT the staple diet of the Esquimaux. It was probably first thought of in South Carolina hence its name.”

So where did the Alaska come from? Nobody quite knows. I like to paraphrase Wondrich here in saying that the history of Booze is often murky because in the early years it was mainly an oral tradition (it did not occur to many people to actually write it's history down) but most of the people imparting that tradition had been drinking!

We do know that an earlier version of this drink made with Old Tom gin had been recorded by Jaques Straub in his book "Straub's Manual of Mixed Drinks" published in 1913. And that's about all we know.

No matter where this drink came from it is one of my very favorite Martini variations and i think you should all drink it!

Here's links to the gear I'm using in the episode:

Elan Collective Yarai-style Mixing Glass: https://amzn.to/2y1HkYy
(we also have a discount code it's: )
Cocktail Kingdom Julep Strainer: https://amzn.to/2O9BG0J
Cocktail Kingdom Stirring Spoon: https://amzn.to/2zTOQGg

We are proud that our official apron sponsor is Stagger Lee Goods. Alfred Ramos hand stitches each of these amazing quality apron in his Northern California workshop. He Does custom work and has aprons for just about every position in a restaurant and bar so do yourself a favor and check him out:
https://www.staggerleegoods.com

Here's the specs:

2.25oz (66ml) Gin
.75oz (22.5ml) Yellow Chartruse
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Lemon Twist