Iconic Cocktails from 1920-2020
Step into a time machine and embark on a journey through the decades as we explore the most iconic cocktails from 1920 to 2020. Each era has its own signature drink, reflecting the trends, tastes, and cultural influences of the time. Join us as we discover the history behind these legendary libations and learn how to recreate them at home. Cheers to the classics that have stood the test of time!
1920s: The Sidecar
During the roaring twenties, speakeasies and flappers reigned supreme. The Sidecar emerged as the epitome of 1920s elegance and sophistication. This classic cocktail features a delightful combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Here's how to mix it up:
- 2 oz Cognac
- 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a sugared rim. Garnish with a lemon twist.
1930s: The Martini
As the Great Depression unfolded, the Martini became a symbol of elegance and escapism. This timeless cocktail is a true icon, consisting of gin and dry vermouth. Here's the classic recipe:
- 2 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
Stir the gin and vermouth with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
1940s: The Daiquiri
During the 1940s, the Daiquiri gained popularity as a refreshing and tropical delight. This rum-based cocktail was a favorite among servicemen stationed in the Caribbean during World War II. Here's how to make it:
- 2 oz White Rum
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
1950s: The MANHATTAN
The Manhattan cocktail was a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts throughout the 1950s. Its rich blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters made it a sophisticated and timeless drink that appealed to many.
- 2 ounces whiskey (traditionally rye whiskey, but bourbon is also commonly used)
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry or lemon twist, for garnish (optional)
- Ice
Fill a mixing glass or a shaker with ice. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the glass. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass or a rocks glass filled with ice. Optionally, garnish with a maraschino cherry or a lemon twist.
1960s: The Piña Colada
The 1960s were all about embracing tropical vibes and indulgence. The Piña Colada, a creamy and fruity concoction, perfectly embodied this spirit. Here's how to make it:
- 2 oz White Rum
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 1/2 oz Coconut Cream
Blend all the ingredients with crushed ice until smooth. Pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
1970s: The Harvey Wallbanger
Disco fever took hold of the 1970s, and the Harvey Wallbanger became a popular choice on dance floors everywhere. This cocktail combines vodka, Galliano liqueur, and orange juice for a vibrant and sweet libation. Here's the recipe:
- 1 1/2 oz Vodka
- 3 oz Orange Juice
- 1/2 oz Galliano Liqueur
Pour the vodka and orange juice into a highball glass filled with ice. Float the Galliano liqueur on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon. Garnish with an orange slice.
1980s: The Margarita
In the 1980s, the Margarita’s popularity exploded as blenders became more commonplace in people’s kitchens. Here's the classic recipe:
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau)
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a salt-rimmed margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
1990s: The Mojito
The 1990s saw a resurgence of classic cocktails, and the Mojito took the spotlight as a refreshing and minty favorite. This Cuban cocktail blends rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and soda water. Here's the recipe:
- 2 oz White Rum
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 tsp Simple Syrup
- 8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Soda Water
Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in a highball glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add rum and lime juice. Stir gently, top with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
2000s: The Cosmopolitan
The 200s brought a revival of upscale cocktails, and none became more iconic than the Cosmopolitan. Made famous by the TV series "Sex and the City," this cocktail combines vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec. Here's the recipe:
- 1 1/2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Triple Sec
Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
2010s: The Old Fashioned
While it has been a classic cocktail for decades, the Old Fashioned experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 2010s, as mixologists and cocktail aficionados appreciated its timeless combination of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and orange peel. We can also assume it didn’t hurt that it was Don Draper’s drink of choice.
- 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye whiskey)
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar)
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel or cherry, for garnish (optional)
- Ice
Place the sugar cube at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass). Add the dashes of Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved (if using granulated sugar, simply stir it into the glass until dissolved). Add a splash of water to the glass and stir to combine. Add the whiskey to the glass and stir gently to incorporate the flavors. Add a few ice cubes to the glass and continue stirring until the drink is chilled. Optionally, garnish with an orange peel twist or a cherry.
2020s: The Aperol Spritz
As we embrace the present decade, the Aperol Spritz has taken the cocktail scene by storm. This light and refreshing drink features Aperol, an Italian aperitif, combined with Prosecco and soda water. Here's the recipe:
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- Splash of Soda Water
Fill a wine glass with ice and add Aperol. Top with Prosecco and a splash of soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.
Explore these iconic cocktails from various decades and let their unique flavors transport you through time. Whether you're hosting a themed party or simply looking to try something new, these drinks offer a delightful journey into the past. Enjoy responsibly and raise a glass to the bygone eras that continue to inspire our libations today! Cheers!