Throughout history, there have been plenty of cocktails that had their moment in the spotlight as the epitome of glamour. Unfortunately, most of them are rarely seen in bars and nightclubs today. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be recreated easily in the comfort of your own home. Learn more about four vintage cocktails and try out our recipes to get a taste of eras gone by.
Vintage Cocktail #1 – The Gin Gimlet
Legend has it that the gin gimlet was first created by British sailors trying to prevent scurvy, a condition that occurs when a person doesn’t get enough vitamin C. A sailor would have to make sure they drink plenty of orange or lime juice when on shore leave to keep their vitamin C levels. As the story goes, sailors realized that lime juice on its own was not very tasty, so they mixed it with gin, and the gin gimlet was born. The drink gained notable popularity in the 1920s due to Prohibition, since gin was a popular spirit that could be made discreetly at home. Sadly, the gin gimlet is not as common as it used to be. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make one for yourself. Here is a simple recipe: 2 oz gin 1 oz lime juice, fresh if possible ½ to 1 oz simple syrup to taste Combine all ingredients over ice in a shaker, then strain into a glass. Add a lime wedge to the side.
Vintage Cocktail #2 – The Sloe Gin Fizz
If you’re craving gin, there are more vintage cocktail options than just a gimlet. Made from gin infused with sloes, a red fruit related to the plum, the sloe gin fizz was popularized in the 1930s by the Roosevelt hotel in New Orleans and, later, in New York City. Although they’ve fallen out of fashion, you can make your own by following this simple recipe: 1 oz sloe gin 1 oz gin 1 to 1 ½ oz lemon juice, fresh if possible 1 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup 2 oz club soda Combine ice and the other ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled. Add more sweetener and lemon juice if preferred.
Vintage Cocktail #3 – The Brandy Alexander
From the early 1900s into the 1970s, the brandy alexander was an insanely popular drink.
No one knows exactly where it came from, but there are many legends that lay claim to its creation, from a royal wedding in London to a bartender in New York City named Troy Alexander. Whatever the origin of this once-popular drink, you can taste it for yourself with this simple recipe: 1 ½ oz cognac 1 oz dark crème de cacao 1 oz cream Pour all the ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice. Serve with a pinch of nutmeg on the top.
Vintage Cocktail #4 – The Mamie Taylor
You may have never heard of a Mamie Taylor, but chances are that you are familiar with the spiritual successor to this vintage cocktail, the Moscow Mule. Named after the actress Mayme Taylor (the bartender who created the drink may have had one too many Mamie Taylors themselves, because they spelled “Mayme” wrong), this popular drink is reminiscent of times gone by. Fortunately, you can try one with this easy recipe: 2 oz Scotch ¾ oz lime juice 4 oz ginger beer Add all ingredients in a glass over ice and stir.
Just because we’re well into the 21st century doesn’t mean we can’t try the drinks that defined previous generations. You can find all the ingredients you need at Payless Liquors. Browse our website and pre-order online or stop into one of our stores today and start recreating a little part of history.