Travel back to the days of bootleggers and speakeasies with these 8 iconic 1920s cocktails. Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933, making alcohol sales illegal across the United States.
But that law certainly did not stop the party. People continued indulging in delicious drinks that remain popular today.
I am talking about legends like the Old Fashioned and Negroni. Get ready to taste history with these stunning recipes.
1. Hanky Panky
Don’t let the playful name fool you because this cocktail means business. The flavor profile is a complex balancing act of bitter, herbal, and sweet notes.
It combines gin with sweet Vermouth and a splash of Fernet Branca. That last ingredient adds a distinct herbal kick.
You can swap in Cynar if the Fernet is hard to find.
2. Colony Cocktail
You have the option of using gin or vodka for this one. Both spirits work perfectly.
The result is definitely not a sugary sipper. It packs a heavy sour and bitter punch.
Skip this glass if you have a sweet tooth. Fans of tart drinks should get ready to pucker up.
3. Mary Pickford
Sip like a Hollywood legend with this tropical homage to a silent film icon. The recipe calls for white rum, grenadine, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh pineapple juice.
Give everything a good jostle in your shaker. Garnish the glass with cherries and pineapple chunks.
4. Whiskey Highball
Enjoy a refreshing glass filled with bubbles and citrus. Fans of the spirit can mix it simply with lemon and soda water.
If the bite is too strong, try swapping in ginger ale instead. Either version offers a cool and tasty experience.
5. Martinez
Imagine if a Manhattan and a Martini had a delicious child. This beverage blends the best parts of both classic drinks.
It actually dates back to 1880 and likely inspired the modern martini. You will mix gin, Angostura bitters, sweet Vermouth, and Maraschino liqueur.
The taste is strong with botanical notes and a burnt sweetness.
6. Bee’s Knees
Take one sip and the name makes perfect sense. Flappers used this phrase to describe anything excellent.
The drink lives up to the hype with a mix of honey, gin, and lemon. It offers a bright, botanical flavor profile.
The result is fresh, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
7. Ward 8
This vintage sipper is genuinely something special. You can easily make it at home without hunting down rare ingredients.
It requires a simple blend of whiskey, grenadine, lemon juice, and orange juice. Think of it as a fancy whiskey sour with a cherry finish.
8. Clover Club
This is easily one of the most beautiful drinks from the era. It features a lovely pink hue and a thick layer of foam.
Raspberry and lemon provide bright, zesty flavors. The egg white creates an irresistible creamy texture.
It goes down smooth, so you might want to make a large pitcher.