Top Shelf Alaskan
The pinnacle expression of the classic Alaskan cocktail, featuring premium high-proof London Dry gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters. This spirit-forward masterpiece showcases the art of balance in pre-Prohibition cocktail culture.
43%
ABV
hard
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Alaskan cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book with a simple recipe of Yellow Chartreuse and gin. The "Top Shelf" designation represents the pinnacle of what this cocktail can achieve with premium ingredients and precise technique. This version emphasizes the original's elegant simplicity while elevating it through the use of high-proof London Dry gin, which provides a robust botanical foundation that can stand up to the complex herbal notes of the Yellow Chartreuse. The addition of orange bitters, while not in Craddock's original, is now considered essential by modern mixologists for aromatic complexity.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
Measure all ingredients precisely and add to a mixing glass
Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with high-quality, clear ice
Stir with a bar spoon for 20-25 seconds to achieve perfect dilution and temperature of -2°C (28°F)
Double-strain through a Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass
Express the oils from a thick swath of lemon peel over the drink's surface
Gently place the lemon peel into the glass
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to showcase the pale straw color and concentrate aromatics
Garnish
Cut a 1-inch wide piece from a fresh, thick-skinned lemon avoiding white pith
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-proof gin (45% ABV or higher) to ensure the spirit isn't overwhelmed
Pre-chill glassware for at least 15 minutes for optimal temperature
Express lemon oils 6 inches above the glass for maximum aromatic coverage
Keep Yellow Chartreuse refrigerated to achieve colder cocktails with less dilution
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Top Shelf Alaskan.
The Savoy Original
3:1 ratio with no bitters, closer to Craddock's original recipe
Changes
The Dry Alaskan
4:1 ratio for gin-dominant profile with hint of herbal sweetness
Changes
Old Tom Expression
Uses Old Tom gin for a slightly sweeter, rounder profile
Changes
Ultimate Luxury
Monkey 47 gin with Yellow Chartreuse V.E.P. and saline solution
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Alaska
A silky, spirit-forward gin cocktail where honeyed Yellow Chartreuse and citrus bitters create an aromatic, golden Martini sibling.
47 Degrees North
A sophisticated variation of the Alaska cocktail with blanc vermouth that softens the gin and Yellow Chartreuse for a more approachable profile—a modern craft cocktail masterpiece.
Nome
A variation of the Alaska cocktail that adds a touch of dry sherry for nutty, saline complexity alongside gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters.