The roaring twenties, a decade of glamour, jazz music, and illegal drinking establishments. Speakeasies were the places to be for those who wanted to have a good time and enjoy a drink during the prohibition era.
These secret bars were hidden from the public eye, with their entrances often disguised as something else entirely. The patrons would have to know a password to enter, making it all the more exclusive.
But what about the drinks? The cocktails served at speakeasies were often made with homemade alcohol, and the bartenders had to get creative with their ingredients.
These cocktails were crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in some of the most delicious drinks ever concocted.
Today, speakeasy cocktails are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. People are drawn to the glamour and excitement of the prohibition era, and the cocktails are a big part of that allure.
Bartenders are taking inspiration from the past and creating new cocktails that pay homage to the speakeasy era.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best speakeasy cocktail recipes that you can try at home. From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Martini to lesser-known drinks like the Bee's Knees and the Southside, we'll explore the history and ingredients of each cocktail.
So, put on your best flapper dress or pinstripe suit, and let's step back in time to the prohibition era and enjoy some delicious speakeasy cocktails.
1. Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink that every whiskey lover should try. It's a blend of bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice, creating a smooth and balanced taste.
The cocktail's history dates back to the 1870s, where it was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. It's a perfect cocktail to enjoy with friends or to impress guests at a party.
2. The Mary Pickford Cocktail
The Mary Pickford Cocktail is a classic prohibition-era drink that is sure to impress. Named after the famous actress, this cocktail is both flirty and elegant, making it a perfect signature drink for any speakeasy. The combination of white rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, and maraschino liquor creates a balanced and refreshing taste that is sure to please any palate.
Garnished with pineapple fronds and/or a cherry, this cocktail is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or just looking for something new to try, the Mary Pickford Cocktail is definitely worth a taste.
3. Pear and Ginger Sparklers
The Pear and Ginger Sparklers are a perfect cocktail to ring in the New Year with. This sweet and sour cocktail combines a homemade pear ginger shrub with vodka, lemon juice, honey, and champagne. The shrub is made with pears, honey, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. The addition of ginger gives the cocktail a spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
The cocktail is sweet from the honey, a little sour and spicy from the shrub and ginger, bright from the lemon, boozy from the vodka, and crisp and sparkling from the champagne. It's a complex and delicious cocktail that tastes like it came from a high-end cocktail bar. The Pear and Ginger Sparklers are perfect for a classy NYE party or a romantic date night.
4. Classic Manhattan Cocktail
The Classic Manhattan Cocktail is a timeless drink that has been enjoyed for over a century. This cocktail is a perfect blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, and bitters, which creates a complex and well-balanced flavor. This forgotten formula has a higher ratio of sweet vermouth to rye whiskey, with an accent of Curaçao and Boker’s bitters, served straight up with a lemon twist.
The subtle mingling of flavors in this version illustrates an older style of drink making. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves classic cocktails and wants to experience the golden age of speakeasies. So, if you want to transport yourself back to the roaring twenties, give the Classic Manhattan Cocktail a try.
5. Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation Cocktail is a classic speakeasy cocktail that will make you feel like you're soaring. This smooth and flowery cocktail has a slight violet hue and is made with a combination of ordinary and unique ingredients. The key ingredient is Luxardo maraschino liqueur, which adds a subtle boozy cherry finish.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting. Its unique taste is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a cocktail that will give you wings, the Aviation Cocktail is a must-try.
6. Juliet and Romeo
The "Juliet and Romeo" cocktail is a floral twist on the classic gin and tonic. Made with fresh lime, cucumber, mint, and a few drops of concentrated rose water, this speakeasy-style drink is both refreshing and delicious. The addition of Esmé gin, with its cucumber and rose petal notes, elevates the flavors to another level.
The drink is garnished with a mint leaf and a few drops of bitters, making it a beautiful and aromatic cocktail. If you're looking for a unique and sophisticated drink to impress your guests, the "Juliet and Romeo" is definitely worth a try.
7. Clover Club Cocktail
The Clover Club Cocktail is a classic pre-prohibition era cocktail that has stood the test of time. Originating from a men's club in Philadelphia, this cocktail is known for its unique body and silky finish, thanks to the addition of egg white. While some may be hesitant to use raw egg white, when handled with care, it is a safe and delicious ingredient.
This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to delve into the world of speakeasy cocktails. Its rich history and unique flavor profile make it a standout choice for any cocktail enthusiast. So, why not give it a try and experience the magic of the Clover Club Cocktail for yourself?
8. The Revolver Cocktail
The Revolver Cocktail is a classic cocktail that blends bourbon and coffee liqueur, giving it a unique and bold flavor.
The addition of a flamed orange peel adds a touch of magic to the drink, making it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. It's a perfect choice for those who want to try something new but still want to stick to the classics.
9. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail made with cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. Its origins are unclear, but it has been enjoyed for almost a century.
The proportions of each ingredient can vary, but the result is a smooth and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. The Sidecar is a timeless classic that is sure to impress cocktail enthusiasts.
10. Orange Bourbon Smash
The Orange Bourbon Smash is a warming yet refreshing cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon and bitters with the citrusy sweetness of fresh mandarin. This cocktail is perfect for those who prefer their drinks to be strong and sour, rather than sweet.
The absence of added sugar makes it a healthier option compared to other cocktails. The cocktail is easy to make and can be served with crushed ice for a more refreshing experience. If you're looking for a Speakeasy Cocktail recipe that's simple yet delicious, the Orange Bourbon Smash is definitely worth a try.
11. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic bourbon drink that exudes sophistication and refinement. It's a simple yet potent cocktail made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, garnished with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry. Although the drink may seem old-fashioned, it's making a comeback and becoming popular again.
The key to a good Manhattan is to use high-quality bourbon and to find adult-like maraschino cherries. The drink is perfect for those who enjoy a strong and not too sweet cocktail. If you're looking for a classic cocktail that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress, the Manhattan Cocktail is a must-try.
12. The Black Manhattan Cocktail
If you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail that's perfect for fall, the Black Manhattan should be at the top of your list. This cocktail is a variation of the classic Manhattan, but with a twist. Instead of sweet vermouth, the Black Manhattan uses Averna amaro, which gives it a bittersweet flavor.
The addition of a second type of bitters adds even more complexity to the drink. Whether you prefer bourbon or rye, this cocktail is sure to impress. It's perfect for sipping on a chilly evening while you watch the leaves change. If you're looking for a grown-up cocktail that's easy to make but feels fancy, the Black Manhattan is the way to go.
13. Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail
The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic Campari cocktail. This cocktail adds a splash of sweet-tart blood orange juice to the mix, which pairs perfectly with the bourbon. The intense flavor of Campari can be an acquired taste, but the addition of blood orange juice makes it more approachable.
This cocktail is perfect for cooler days and begs to be sipped slowly in front of a warm fire. If you're up for a bit of fun with your garnish, you can also flame an orange rind and add a certain je ne sais quoi to your cocktail. Overall, the Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail.
14. Bees Knees Cocktail
The Bees Knees Cocktail is a classic Speakeasy drink that combines gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice for a refreshing and delightful taste. Its name refers to something outstanding or cool, and it lives up to that description.
The combination of gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup creates a perfectly balanced drink that is both sweet and tart. It's perfect for a warm spring or summer day and is easy to make at home. The cocktail is served in a coupe or martini glass with a lemon twist garnish, making it visually appealing.
15. Classic Sidecar Cocktail
The Classic Sidecar Cocktail is a timeless drink that has stood the test of time. It's a complex and layered drink that is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with just the right edge from the boozy Cognac. This drink is warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time, making it a stunner and one of the best sour cocktails of all time.
The sugar rim offsets the tartness in the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who love a balanced cocktail. Whether you're sipping it as a pre-dinner drink or enjoying it with friends at a speakeasy, the Classic Sidecar Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail.
16. Gin Rickey
The Gin Rickey is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. This refreshing highball cocktail is made with gin, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and soda water. It is a simple yet delicious drink that is perfect for a hot summer day or a night out at a speakeasy.
The combination of gin and lime creates a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that is balanced out by the carbonation of the soda water. The Gin Rickey is a must-try for gin lovers and those looking for a refreshing cocktail that is easy to make. So, if you're looking for a classic cocktail that is sure to impress, give the Gin Rickey a try.
17. Bees Knees
The Bees Knees cocktail is a classic Speakeasy drink that has been making a comeback in recent years. Made with gin, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey simple syrup, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The honey simple syrup adds a unique touch of sweetness to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer their cocktails on the sweeter side. The Bees Knees is typically served straight up in a martini glass, making it a perfect choice for a fancy night out. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Speakeasy cocktail, the Bees Knees is definitely worth a try.
18. Manhattan and Old Fashioned
The Manhattan and Old Fashioned are two iconic whiskey cocktails that have stood the test of time. The Manhattan is served in a stemmed glass with Luxardo cherries, while the Old Fashioned is served in a low ball glass with orange peel. The Old Fashioned is actually the oldest cocktail there is, dating back hundreds of years.
These classic cocktails have inspired creativity and innovation from bartenders and mixologists, resulting in several variations of the original recipes. Whether you prefer the smoothness of bourbon or the spiciness of rye whiskey, the Manhattan and Old Fashioned are must-try cocktails for any whiskey lover. So, step into a speakeasy and order one of these timeless drinks for a taste of history and tradition.
19. Negroni
The Negroni is a cocktail that can be an acquired taste with its slightly bitter, bittersweet flavor. The primary flavor comes from Campari, with gin and sweet vermouth adding to the mix. The combination creates a taste that reminds one of grapefruit, but with a sweet and sour twist.
This cocktail is perfect to have before dinner, and it pairs well with salty meats and cheeses, or anything involving bacon. If you enjoy bitter flavors, then the Negroni is a must-try. It may take a sip or two to get used to, but by the end of the first drink, you may find yourself really enjoying it.
20. Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a classic and smoky cocktail that is infused with new sweet and smoky flavors. This sultry cocktail is made with smoked, muddled cherries, smoked cherry simple syrup, Anastoga bitters, and campfire whiskey. The natural warmth of the whiskey pairs seamlessly with the subtle hint of smoke only softened by the sweetness of seasonal cherries.
The smoked cherries and the smoked cherry simple syrup add sweetness and smokiness, making this cocktail a unique and flavorful experience. If you're looking for a cocktail that's both classic and innovative, the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a must-try.
