Prompted Pours

Witch's Alaska (Old Tom)

An Old Tom variation of the Witch's Alaska that leans into the gin's malt sweetness as a counterweight to the saffron-mint intensity of Strega.

Glass
Nick & Nora
Method
Stir
Ice
None
Garnish
Lemon twist
Serves
1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Old Tom gin — The sweeter malt character softens the Strega's bite
  • 0.75 oz Strega
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters

Story

We arrived at this variation while exploring different ways to utilize my Strega. While the Alaska traditionally calls for Yellow Chartreuse and London Dry gin, you suggested swapping in Old Tom — the gin’s malt sweetness softens the Strega’s aggressive saffron-mint punch without resorting to extra simple syrup.

Method

  1. Combine gin, Strega, and orange bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir for 20–30 seconds until the glass is frosty.
  3. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
  4. Express a lemon twist over the surface and drop it in.

Notes

  • Sibling to the London-Dry Witch’s Alaska in the catalog — same template, different gin philosophy.
  • If using a very dry London Dry instead, consider adding a barspoon of simple syrup to replicate the Old Tom’s mouthfeel.