Witch's Alaska
A botanical riff on the classic Alaska cocktail, swapping Yellow Chartreuse for the minty, saffron-forward complexity of Strega.
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin — Tanqueray or Beefeater — a piney backbone
- 0.75 oz Strega
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
Story
I asked how to adjust the traditional Alaska recipe — usually gin and Yellow Chartreuse — specifically for Strega. We initially discussed a 3:1 ratio but shifted to a slightly wetter spec so the saffron and fennel notes of the Strega could bloom against the juniper without being overpowered.
Method
- Combine gin, Strega, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for at least 30 seconds — proper dilution gives a silky mouthfeel.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
- Express the oils of a lemon twist over the surface and drop it in.
Notes
- Strega is less viscous and more mint-forward than Chartreuse, which is why this recipe runs wetter (0.75 oz vs the traditional 0.5 oz Yellow Chartreuse).
- London dry gin is non-negotiable here — softer styles get buried.