Retro Cocktail Renaissance: 1940s & ’50s Classics Reborn

There’s something undeniably charming about the cocktails your grandparents sipped back in the 1940s and ’50s—and today those very libations are enjoying a stylish renaissance in bars and home lounges alike. From the fizzy sparkle of a French 75 to the herbal bloom of the Aviation, these time-tested recipes are proving that good taste never goes out of fashion. Let’s raise a glass to four classic cocktails making a comeback, share the simple recipes (plus my personal favorite, the Sidecar), and outfit your home bar with the trendiest glassware, tools, and garnishes Amazon has to offer—so you can serve up retro charm with modern flair.

Originating in the 1910s, the Aviation combines juniper’s crisp botanicals with a hint of violet for a pastel-hued, Instagram-ready sip. Its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and floral notes creates a spring-garden freshness that’s just as alluring today as it was a century ago.

The Aviation first appeared circa 1916 in Hugo Ensslin’s Recipes for Mixed Drinks, where it was one of the first cocktails to showcase crème de violette. Its pale violet hue and floral notes quickly captivated bartenders and imbibers alike.

As crème de violette fell out of fashion (and production) during Prohibition, the Aviation nearly vanished—only to be resurrected in the early 2000s when bartenders rediscovered vintage liqueurs, sparking its modern renaissance.

Tasting Notes & Variation

Flavor profile: Crisp juniper leads, citrus sparkles mid-palate, finishing on a subtle violet sweetness.

Pro tip: Swap crème de violette for Parfait d’Amour to introduce hints of orange blossom.

First sipped in Paris during the Roaring ’20s, the Sidecar marries rich brandy with zesty citrus—striking a perfect balance between old-world sophistication and modern cocktail craft.

The Sidecar’s birthplace is debated—some say Harry’s New York Bar in Paris (circa 1919), others point to Buck’s Club in London—but all accounts agree it emerged around the end of WWI.

Legend holds it was named for a frequent patron who arrived by motorcycle sidecar. The moniker stuck as the drink’s popularity “rode off” around the globe.

Flavor Profile & Tips

Notes: Bright citrus upfront, warming vanilla-oak from the cognac, with a lingering sweet-tart finish.

Variation: Swap cognac for Armagnac for a spicier, more rustic edge.

Pro Tip: Rim the glass with Demerara sugar.

Named for its invigorating kick (like the legendary French field gun), the French 75 blends gin’s botanicals with champagne’s fizz, making it the toast of celebrations or an everyday indulgence.

The French 75 debuted circa 1915 at Harvey’s Club in Paris, where American expat barman Harry MacElhone supposedly combined gin, Champagne, lemon, and sugar to create a cocktail with the kick of France’s powerful 75 mm field gun—hence the name.

It crossed the Channel and caught on in London and New York by the Roaring ’20s, where its blend of bubbly luxury and botanical brightness made it a bar-room staple

Serving Suggestions

Pair with oysters on the half shell or a light goat-cheese canapé.

Pro tip: Use a jigger that pours precisely to maintain the cocktail’s delicate balance.

Though named in the ’70s, this vodka-orange riff has ’50s pedigree—its vibrant color and playful garnish make it a perennial party favorite.

According to cocktail lore, it was invented by bartender Donato “Duke” Antione at the Blackwatch Bar in Los Angeles, who floated Galliano on top of a Screwdriver and dubbed it the “Harvey Wallbanger.”

Its meteoric rise owes much to a 1970s advertising campaign by McKesson Imports Ltd., which featured a cartoon surfer named Harvey who “banged” into walls after a few too many—cementing the name in pop culture.

Tasting & Tips

Flavor: Juicy citrus leads, finishing with vanilla-anise warmth.

Variation: Swap vodka for silver tequila for a “Tequila Wallbanger” with agave notes.

Whether you’re reliving a bygone era or simply exploring vintage cocktail recipes with a modern twist, these four classics—and your newly outfitted home bar—will transport you straight to the golden age of mixology. Cheers to reviving retro legends with style, sophistication, and sensational flavor!