Step back in time to the roaring 1920s with a Great Gatsby themed party that exudes all the elegance and opulence of the era. One essential element of a Gatsby soirée is the dazzling array of cocktails that adorned the hands of socialites and flappers alike. In this blog post, we're sharing our top five classic cocktail recipes that will transport your guests to the glamorous world of Jay Gatsby himself. So, dust off your shakers, put on your best attire, and let's get ready to toast to the Jazz Age!
The Classic Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz gin
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes and pour in the gin and dry vermouth.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
The Classic Martini embodies the sophistication and elegance of the 1920s. Its simple yet refined flavors make it the perfect choice for those looking for a timeless cocktail.
Bee's Knees
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Bee's Knees is a sweet and tangy concoction that was popular during the Prohibition era. Its delightful combination of gin, lemon, and honey will surely have your guests buzzing with delight.
French 75
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz gin
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz champagne
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
The French 75 is a sparkling and refreshing cocktail that captures the celebratory spirit of the 1920s. With its effervescent charm, it's the perfect drink to raise in a toast to the night's festivities.
Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz bourbon
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a Julep cup or Collins glass, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup.
- Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir gently.
- Fill the rest of the glass with more crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
The Mint Julep, a Southern classic, found its way into the hearts of many during the 1920s. Served in a frosty silver cup, this refreshing bourbon cocktail is a must-have at any Gatsby-themed gathering.
Sidecar
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cognac
- ¾ oz triple sec
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- Sugar, for rimming (optional)
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar (optional).
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Sidecar, with its sophisticated blend of cognac, triple sec, and lemon, was a popular choice among the fashionable crowd of the 1920s. Sipping on this citrusy delight will transport your guests back to the glamorous era of flappers and speakeasies.
Cheers to extravagance!
The 1920s was a time of great prosperity, glitz, and excitement, and what better way to capture the essence of that era than with a selection of classic cocktails? Whether you choose to serve the timeless Martini, the enchanting Bee's Knees, the celebratory French 75, the refreshing Mint Julep, or the sophisticated Sidecar, these recipes are sure to transport your guests to the roaring Jazz Age. So, raise your glasses and let the Gatsby spirit come alive as you sip on these delicious libations at your Great Gatsby themed party. Cheers to an evening filled with elegance, charm, and a touch of nostalgia!