The 1920s sparked an iconic cocktail era fueled by speakeasies and a lively drinking culture that thrived despite Prohibition. This was a time when every other bartender and cocktail enthusiast combined creativity and rebellion to create some of the most celebrated cocktails we know today. From gin and whiskey to rum and champagne, these drinks provided a little bit of everything for all.
In this article, we’ll step back in time to explore the fascinating world of 1920s cocktails, including their flavor profiles, alcohol content, classic recipes, and how they can be served best.
1920s Cocktails: What You Should Know
1920s cocktails instantly bring to mind the rebellious spirit infused in secret bars and smuggled drinks back in the Prohibition era. As the sale and distribution of alcohol was made illegal in the US, speakeasies became a popular gathering spot for people seeking solace from their busy lives in the bottom of a bottle.
The quality of alcohol widely varied as bartenders got creative with using different mixers, syrups, and juices to blend with liquor. This resulted in classic drinks characterized by spirits like gin, whiskey, rum, and champagne. These drinks weren’t just about the alcohol; they were about a rebellious experience for the sophisticated that was completed with elegant glassware and flavorful garnishes.
Today, the cocktails of the 1920s remain a classic choice for many. With its historical charm and classic flavors, each drink carries a deep respect and appreciation for how it was crafted during a time of prohibition and creativity.
What Is 1920s Cocktails’ Flavor Profile?
No two flavor profiles of 1920s cocktails are the same. There’s a wide range of flavors, from light and refreshing to bold and aromatic, with sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The Sidecar, for example, is an interesting combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice that leaves a tart but sweet taste in the mouth. On the other hand, The South Side masked gin with strong flavors like mint and lime.
Other cocktails, like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, leaned more towards a richer profile that clearly showcased the flavor of whiskey or bourbon. Lighter cocktails like The Bee’s Knees tended to have more floral and honey-like notes that catered to mellow palates. Whether you’re craving something bold and bracing or smooth and mellow, you’re bound to find a cocktail that suits you.
What Is the Alcohol Content of 1920s Cocktails?
The alcohol content of 1920s cocktails depended mostly on the base spirit and recipe used by the bartender or distillery. Generally, most drinks have an alcohol by volume (ABV) anywhere between 10% to 40%. For example, Gin Rickey has approximately 16.04% ABV, whereas an Old Fashioned has 37% ABV.
The final alcohol content would typically be lower as many mixers, juices, and other non-alcoholic ingredients diluted the strength of these drinks. The overarching theme with 1920s cocktails is that they pack a punch without being too overpowering. They’re strong enough to leave a lasting impression but smooth enough for you to enjoy every sip.
What Goes Well With 1920s Cocktails?
As you know by now, the versatility of 1920s cocktails makes them ideal pairings for a number of different ingredients:
- Mixers: Citrus juices, lemon, lime, and orange can bring the right amount of brightness and acidity to the drink’s profile. Use them to make your cocktail look and taste a lot fresher.
- Syrups: Simple syrup or honey syrup can sweeten cocktails that are particularly tart. Add these syrups gradually and taste the drink with each dash to achieve the perfect level of sweetness.
- Bitters: This staple in most 1920s drinks made from herbs, spices, and botanicals can add a bitter touch to each drink.
- Garnishes: 1920s cocktails can pair well with fresh fruit like lemon twists and orange peels, herbs like mint or cherries, olives, etc. Garnishes not only enhance the drink’s appearance but also make the flavors more interesting.
- Non-Alcoholic Mixers: Tonic water, soda, and ginger ale can dilute the intensity of the spirits and create a more balanced drink for you to enjoy.
- Others: Grenadine can add sweetness and color, whereas absinthe provides a distinct anise flavor. Experiment with different ingredients to add unique twists and layers to your cocktail creations.
The Best 1920s Cocktails
The 1920s have given us some of the best cocktails that are still widely enjoyed today. Here are four of the classics that continue to make a splash at every bar:
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a true icon of the 1920s that has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when it was known simply as a “whiskey cocktail.” The simplicity of this drink made it the perfect choice for those who wanted to conceal their drinking habits during the age of Prohibition. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- Two dashes bitters
- One sugar cube
- Water
- Orange twist
Instructions:
- Mash a sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water in a glass.
- Add whiskey and ice and stir gently.
- Garnish your drink with an orange twist.
Sidecar
The Sidecar was first introduced in London, and its invention was credited to an American army captain in Paris during World War I. The drink was named after the motorcycle sidecar that the captain regularly used. Here’s how to prepare it yourself:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Lemon or orange twist
Instructions:
- Shake all the ingredients mentioned above with ice.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon or orange twist.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is believed to have been named after the Manhattan Club in New York City, where it was reportedly first served in the 1870s. You can make this classic drink at home in a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Two dashes bitters
- Cherry or lemon twist
Instructions:
- Stir whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or a twist of lemon peel.
Bee’s Knees
The name “Bee’s Knees” is derived from a playful expression from the 1920s, meaning “the best” or “excellent.” True to this phrase, this cocktail countered the rough taste of poorly made, illicit gin with a more polished and fresh profile. You can make it in the following steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (made by mixing equal parts honey and warm water)
Instructions:
- Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a thin slice of lemon.
How to Serve a 1920s Cocktail
Serving a 1920s cocktail is all about presentation. Choosing the right glassware is important—Martinis and Sidecars are best served in classic cocktail glasses, whereas an Old Fashioned should always be served in a sturdy rocks glass over a large ice cube. If you’re making a French 75, make sure to use a coupe glass for the perfect vintage touch. All these cocktails should be served chilled, either shaken with ice or stirred and strained.
Never forget the garnishes when you’re recreating a 1920s drink! Lemon twists, orange slices, fresh herbs, and olives are all about adding visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor to your cocktails.
If you’re looking for food pairings, cocktails generally pair well with light appetizers that enhance their flavors without overwhelming them. Smoked salmon is a perfect option that offers a delicate and savory complement to many cocktails. Similarly, charcuterie boards add a touch of saltiness that can balance out a cocktail’s sweetness or bitterness. Cheese platters are also often served with 1920s cocktails. These feature a mixture of creamy, tangy, and sharp cheeses that keep your taste buds excited for the next sip and bite.
Fall Back in Time With 1920s Cocktails
The cocktails of the speakeasy age continue to awe us today with their creative flavors, sophisticated drinking experiences, and nostalgic delight. In this article, we looked at the history of the 1920s cocktails before diving into details about their flavor profiles, alcohol content, and common pairings.
We also shared the recipes of four classic 1920s drinks: Old Fashioned, Sidecar, Manhattan, and Bee’s Knees. Finally, we looked at some vital tips on serving 1920s cocktails so that you can wow your guests with your mixology skills and provide them with an unforgettable drinking experience. With all this information, you should now feel ready to make your own 1920s cocktails.
