Ready for some jazz age nostalgia?
Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties with these iconic cocktails.
From floral flavors to strong whiskey pours, I’ve gathered eight classic recipes for you.
Let’s get mixing!
1. Clover Club
The Clover Club is one of the most beautiful cocktails from the 1920s, in my humble opinion. From its delicate pink tint to its fluffy white topping and vibrant lemon garnish, it’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the tastebuds.
Every sip provides a rush of bright lemon and raspberry flavors. This light pink cocktail goes down almost too easily, so make plenty for your guests to enjoy.
2. Martinez
Think of this as a meeting point between the Martini and the Manhattan. This cocktail blends aspects from both, yet seems to bring a distinct new taste to the forefront. In fact, this beverage traces its origin back to 1880 and is often considered the precursor to the timeless martini.
It’s a potent drink, boasting gin, sweet Vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, and Angostura bitters all in one glass. The result? A singular fusion of scorched sweetness joined by a hint of plant life.
3. Bee’s Knees
You’ll understand the name after just one sip of this cocktail. The expression “bee’s knees” was slang in the Roaring Twenties to denote anything that flappers deemed fabulous.
What better description for a honey cocktail enhanced with the invigorating, herbal essences of lemon and gin? It’s all perfectly balanced, sweet and refreshing.
4. Colony Cocktail
The Colony Cocktail is amazing whether you make it with gin or vodka. Though it isn’t very sweet, it’s bursting with tart, sour flavors that have some real bite to them.
So, feel free to look elsewhere if you’re craving something sweet. But if you’re all about that tartness, mix one up and pucker those lips.
5. Mary Pickford
To drink as the stars once did, whip up a Mary Pickford. It pays a delicious tropical tribute to the legendary silent film actress.
To make your own, you’ll need white rum, Maraschino liqueur, fresh pineapple juice, and grenadine. Shake them all up together, then garnish with cherries and pineapple.
6. Ward 8
Here’s a timeless drink from the turn of the century that you’ll want to try. It’s fantastic to prepare at home because you don’t need any fancy mixers or liqueurs.
All it takes is a quick blend of whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine. You’ll love its sweet cherry finish and elevated whiskey sour flavor!
7. Hanky Panky
Despite its silly name, this cocktail’s flavor is a serious experience. Every taste is amazingly balanced, delivering a nuanced blend of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes that’ll stimulate the palate.
Mix Fernet-Branca, an Italian bitter liqueur with a herbaceous tang, with gin and sweet Vermouth. Don’t have Fernet-Branca? Simply sub in Cynar.
8. Whiskey Highball
Here’s a lovely cocktail offering a burst of citrus and sweetness.
If you can’t get enough of that robust whiskey flavor, try a version that highlights it using lemon and soda water. If you’re not the biggest fan of whiskey, use ginger ale for a less aggressive flavor. Whichever yummy choice you go with, you’re guaranteed a uniquely refreshing experience.