A Sip of History in Every Glass
From speakeasies to disco balls to Instagram-worthy cocktails, the drinks we love have always reflected the trends, culture, and creativity of their time. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through the decades and raise a glass to the most iconic drinks of each era.
1920s – The Prohibition Era: The Rise of the Speakeasy
Even though alcohol was banned, the 1920s were anything but dry. Secret bars known as speakeasies flourished, and so did creative cocktails designed to mask the taste of poorly made bootleg liquor.
Popular Drink: The Bee’s Knees – A sweet, citrusy gin cocktail that made bathtub gin go down a little easier.
1930s – The Great Depression and Classic Cocktails
With Prohibition ending in 1933, America was thirsty. Bartenders began to perfect the art of mixology.
Popular Drink: The Sidecar – A sophisticated combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
1940s – Wartime Simplicity
During WWII, liquor imports were scarce, leading to simpler cocktails using what was available.
Popular Drink: The Moscow Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and lime, served in its now-famous copper mug.
1950s – Glamour and Tiki Culture
Post-war America embraced style and exotic escapism. Home cocktail parties were in, and tiki bars took over.
Popular Drink: The Mai Tai – A tropical mix of rum, lime, and orgeat syrup that brought island vibes to the mainland.
1960s – Mod and Martini
The ‘60s were all about cool, sleek sophistication, with James Bond making the martini a cultural icon.
Popular Drink: The Classic Martini – Gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and that signature olive or lemon twist.
1970s – Disco and Creamy Cocktails
With disco balls spinning, drinks became flashy and indulgent.
Popular Drink: The Harvey Wallbanger – Vodka, orange juice, and Galliano liqueur, groovy and golden.
1980s – Neon Nights and Sweet Sips
Everything in the ‘80s was big – hair, fashion, and flavors. Sweet, colorful drinks ruled the bar scene.
Popular Drink: The Blue Lagoon – Vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade – bright, bold, and totally tubular.
1990s – Coffeehouse Cool and Cosmopolitans
Thanks to shows like Sex and the City, sleek cocktails were all the rage.
Popular Drink: The Cosmopolitan – Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime – chic in a martini glass.
2000s – Craft Cocktails and Mojito Mania
The rise of craft bartending brought fresh ingredients and attention to detail back to the forefront.
Popular Drink: The Mojito – White rum, mint, lime, sugar, and soda water – refreshing and sophisticated.
2010s – Instagram-Worthy and Artisanal Everything
Cocktails became an experience, often photogenic with smoke, flowers, or glitter.
Popular Drink: The Aperol Spritz – Light, bubbly, and totally brunch-worthy.
2020s – Nostalgia, Non-Alcoholic Options & Personalization
Today’s drink trends embrace both throwbacks and innovation. Mocktails are having a moment, and drink menus offer something for everyone.
Popular Drink: The Espresso Martini – A revived ‘90s favorite combining caffeine and cocktail culture.
Cheers to What’s Next!
Whether you love a timeless classic or something trendy and new, cocktails have always brought people together. What’s your favorite drink of the decade? Let us know – we’ll raise a glass with you!
If you missed any of our past posts, you can read them here, and don’t forget to look out for next week's blog post; Iowa State Fair: We Really Come For the Food.
Thanks for reading, we appreciate you!! Cheers!