As much as I'm a fan of impressive mixology today, I sometimes even like returning to those classic and retro cocktails that my parents so often rave about. Recently, redditor tshirtguy2000 asked older adults of the r/AskOldPeople community to share the drinks from their youth that they believe deserve to make a comeback. Here are the old-school, nostalgic beverages they shared.
1. "Singapore Sling."
2. "I don't know if I want them to make a comeback, and I'm not sure it qualifies as a cocktail, but remember wine coolers? Bartles & Jaymes, California Cooler, Seagram's Escapes, etc."
"I used to like these — they tasted like fruity beers. Also, the commercial with Bruce Willis singing about Seagram's Golden Wine Coolers is embedded in my memory (it was a '90s commercial)."
3. "The Gimlet. It's such a simple drink, but I've yet to find a bartender at a non-mixology bar who makes it right: It's gin, simple syrup, and lime juice. I've received it with vodka and lemon juice (after being asked, 'What kind of vodka?' and replying, 'Hendricks'), and with gin and simple syrup with a lime wedge."
5. "Brandy Alexander."
6. "I drink whiskey sours almost every evening. Very tasty. I also make my own simple syrup, which saves money."
"Yup, I'm still drinking them. Over the years, I've just upgraded the whiskey I use."
7. "Bee's Knees. It's a gin martini made with lemon juice and honey simple syrup. Delish!"
8. "I'm a gin and tonic person. What really annoys me is when bars pour both 'tonic' and soda from a hose. That's not real tonic."
9. "The Sloe Gin Fizz livened up many a party from my youth."
10. "Vodka sunrise using real raspberry cordial and fresh pineapple juice."
11. "White Russian."
12. "A real Tom Collins, not the nasty mix."
13. "Grasshopper."
14. "The Lime Rickey."
15. "Mai Tai."
16. "The Midori Melon Ball."
17. "Kir Royale. It was my 'fancy' drink back in the '80s in DC."
18. "I'm going way back here, but a Sidecar made the original way, with a raw egg."
19. "Boulevardier. It hasn't been popular since the 1920s, I don't think, but they're delicious and usually come with a gigantic square ice cube in the glass, which I like."
20. "The original Daiquiri, not the frozen strawberry shit."
Are there any retro cocktails that you'd love to make a comeback? Tell us in the comments or fill out this anonymous form!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.