Cocktails

Army special

Served in a Cocktail Glass

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic14.4% ABV4 ingredients

At a Glance

138 kcalCalories

14.4%ABV

0gSugar

0gCarbs

1.46Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Easy

Why: 4 ingredients

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

30 mlVodkaUnknown
30 mlGinUnknown
45 mlLime juice cordialUnknown
1/2 glass crushedIceUnknown

How to Make It

Pour Vodka, Gin and lime cordial into glass, and top up with crushed ice.Pour
Wait for ice to melt slightly and sip without a straw.

How to Serve

Glass: Cocktail Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Crushed ice

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Botanical Citrus Herbal

Supporting notes

Juniper

Flavor tags are partial because some recipe ingredients do not yet have flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

BoldnessDelicate – Bold

Dry finish

What do these dimensions mean?

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Not enough information

Gluten-FreeKetoLow-CarbLow-SugarVeganVegetarian

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Vodka30 ml

GinWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same volume; expect more juniper and herbal aroma.
What changes: Gin can replace vodka when a more botanical result is acceptable.

Gin30 ml

VodkaKnown variation

How much to use: Use the same volume; expect less juniper and botanical aroma.
What changes: Vodka can replace gin when you want a cleaner, less botanical drink, but it usually changes the cocktail identity.

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

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Last updated July 24, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an Army special?: The Army special is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 14.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 138 calories.
What does an Army special taste like?: Army special has a flavour profile featuring Botanical, Citrus, Herbal, Juniper. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
How strong is an Army special?: The Army special has an ABV of approximately 14.4%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 138 kcal, 0.0g sugar, 0.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
What drinks are similar to an Army special?: If you enjoy Army special, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make an Army special at home?: Yes. The Army special uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Army special with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.