In the 18th century, gin was a nautical necessity: sailors drank gin to ward off both scurvy and malaria. Legislation was even passed in Great Britain mandating every vessel of the Royal Navy have a certain quantity of gin on board. Officers began to suspect their gin was being diluted but discovered that gin that was at least 57% ABV would still ignite gunpowder. With that – and a bang – Navy Strength Gin was born.
Today we still love Navy Strength Gin, and although it’s not royally mandated, gin and sailing still go together like fair winds and following seas. Whether sailing or just dreaming about it, try one of these gin-based nautical cocktails perfect for closing out a day on the water.
Orange Gin Fizz
A Magnus original, this citrusy fizz is the perfect cocktail to end a day on the water.
- 1.5 oz Joseph Vigilant Strength Gin
- 0.75 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz orange juice
- .25 simple syrup
- 1 oz coconut milk
- 1 egg white
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice, garnish
In a shaker tin, add all ingredients except soda water and dry shake until combined. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice, top with soda water, and garnish with an orange slice.
Salty Dog
Grapefruit & gin, this simple cocktail packs a punch of fruit while still maintaining the notes of gin.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- 4 oz grapefruit juice
- 1 grapefruit slice
- Coarse salt
- Rosemary garnish
Take a slice of grapefruit and run the juicy side along the rim of a rocks or whiskey glass. Fill a small, flat plate with coarse salt. Holding the glass upside down, dip the rim into the salt and twist clockwise, coating the rim in salt. You may have to hold the glass at an angle to fully coat it.
Place the glass upright. Fill with ice. Use a measuring jigger to measure Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin. Pour gin over the ice. Pour grapefruit juice over the gin, filling the glass nearly to the top. Using a stirring spoon, give it a few stirs to mix the juice and gin. Drop a sprig of rosemary into the glass.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Winter Sea Breeze
The original Sea Breeze was not the vodka and cranberry infused 80s concoction, but a 1930s recipe of gin, grenadine, apricot brandy, and lemon juice. This updated nautical cocktail takes a little from both the 80s and the 30s for a modern, refined take.
- 1.5 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength Gin
- 3 oz white cranberry juice
- 1.5 oz pink grapefruit juice freshly squeezed is best
- 5 drops Wisecraft Grapefruit Mint Bitters
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add all ingredients and stir well. Garnish with pink grapefruit, a sprig of mint, and an edible orchid, if desired.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Lost Sailor
An ultra refined, yet boozy treat for brave sea goers.
- 1.5 oz Sweet Marsala wine
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1.5 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength Gin
- Orange zest
Combine ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Strain into cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with twisted orange zest.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
The Foghorn
Combining gin and ginger beer, let this nautical cocktail guide you through the fog.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- .5 oz lime juice
- 4 oz Ginger beer
Add the ingredients to an ice-filled glass in the order given, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge or twist.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just craving something to accompany a nice day on the water, craft one of these nautical cocktails. Find our award-winning spirits at a retailer near you. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Jos. A. Magnus. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
