Step back to the days of bootleggers, flappers, and speakeasies with this collection of 8 iconic 1920s cocktails. Prohibition made selling alcohol illegal from 1920 until 1933, but that never stopped people from indulging.
Some of today’s most recognizable drinks come from this specific era. Get ready to step into history with these stunning recipes.
1. Whiskey Highball
This bubbly drink is full of sweet citrus goodness. You can highlight the buttery spirit with lemon and soda water if you are a true whiskey lover.
I suggest mixing it with ginger ale for a little less bite if you are whiskey-averse. Your palate is in for a refreshing treat no matter which delicious option you choose.
2. Mary Pickford
Create this tropical tribute to the silent movie star if you want to drink like old Hollywood royalty. You will need Maraschino liqueur, grenadine, fresh pineapple juice, and white rum to recreate it.
Pour everything into a shaker and give it a good jostle. I like serving it with fresh pineapple and cherries.
3. Bee’s Knees
You will understand the name after a single sip. Flappers in the roaring 20s used this phrase to describe anything they considered great.
This fun spin on the saying is a tasty honey cocktail elevated by sharp lemon and botanical gin flavors. Everything about it tastes fresh and perfectly balanced.
4. Martinez
This drink looks like the baby of a Manhattan and a Martini. It combines elements from both to create something seemingly new and refreshing.
The recipe actually dates back to 1880 and people consider it the precursor to the classic martini. I love the unique blend of botanicals and burnt sweetness from Angostura bitters, Maraschino liqueur, sweet Vermouth, and gin.
5. Colony Cocktail
Both gin and vodka yield spectacular results for this beverage. It is not very sweet but packs a mean punch with loaded bitter-sour flavors.
Skip ahead if you prefer sugary drinks. I say prepare a glass and pucker up if you enjoy tart things.
6. Hanky Panky
The flavor is all business despite the tongue-in-cheek title. A complex combination of herbal, bitter, and sweet tastes will tickle your taste buds.
You mix the secret ingredient of Fernet-Branca with sweet Vermouth and gin. This bitter Italian spirit adds a nice herbal punch, but use Cynar if you cannot find it.
7. Clover Club
This is undoubtedly one of the prettiest cocktails from the 1920s. It is easy on the palate with a frothy white foam and lovely pink color.
Every sip releases bright lemon and raspberry flavors. I find the creamy egg-white foam totally irresistible. Prepare a big batch for guests since it goes down insanely easily.
8. Ward 8
This turn-of-the-century sipper has plenty to write home about. You do not need fancy liquor or mixers to make it at home. It is a quick mix of grenadine, lemon juice, orange juice, and whiskey.
I think it tastes like an elevated whiskey sour with a sweet cherry aftertaste.
