THE COCKTAIL DARK AGES: 1960S, ’70S & ’80S
Baby Boomers didn’t do any favors for the American cocktail. The generation born into postwar prosperity elevated convenience over quality and inaugurated vodka drinks served in giant glassware. Think of the Nixon-era cranberry coolers of the New England 1970s and fruity potions that culminated in the infamous Cosmopolitan (page 130). Luckily, by the time the Cosmo went mainstream, thanks to the HBO show Sex and the City, the backlash had already begun. Things couldn’t get any worse, and the stage for the cocktail’s second Golden Age was set.
So why include a chapter about these drinks at all? Despite their questionable place in the cocktail pantheon, a few libations from this era are iconic and present bold flavor profiles unlike any other combinations—like the Rusty Nail (page 127) and the Amaretto Sour (page 127). Others have been reimagined in updated form, making them palatable and maybe even fashionable again, like the Harvey Wallbanger (page 128).
And just in case you find yourself tending bar at a yacht club, we’ve provided a list of cranberry drinks (page 129) that will likely be requested.
MOVIE NIGHT COCKTAILS
A number of iconic drinks make cameo appearances—or even play starring roles—on the silver screen. Think of how the White Russian is inextricably linked to The Big Lebowski. Other drinks appear rather quietly in classic movies—Bette Davis sips a Gibson in All About Eve, Audrey Hepburn slings back a Zombie during a party scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
For an Oscar party or date night, consider bringing a few of these libations to life. Set up your bar, break out the cocktail napkins, and roll out the popcorn.
The Big Lebowski: White Russian (page 123)
Casino Royale: Vesper (page 112)
The Seven Year Itch: Whiskey Sour (page 29)
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Zombie (page 189)
Sex and the City: Cosmopolitan (page 130)
Blood and Sand: Blood and Sand (page 71)
Casablanca: French 75 (page 60)
Some Like It Hot: Manhattan (page 41)
All About Eve: Gibson (page 102)