10 Iconic 90s Cocktails You Need to Try Today
Jump to:
90s cocktails are making a major comeback, along with crop tops, Doc Martins, scrunchies, overalls, and Oasis, and we’re here for it. After all, the 1990s was a fun, eclectic decade that left a huge mark on pop culture. Creativity, innovation, and cultural shifts were the name of the game, and this was the case on the cocktail scene as well. Let’s explore some timeless 90s drinks that are all that (and a bag of chips!).
Most popular 90s cocktails
1. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan, a beloved cocktail since the 1970s, became a cultural icon in the 1990s thanks to the TV show Sex and the City. This classic drink, with a base of vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, is a perfect combination of sweet and tart.
“A great Cosmo should be beautifully balanced with a very subtle pink hue. Adding a little splash of extra dry vermouth to this drink is one of my favourite things to do because it just adds an herbaceous note to the back of the cocktail.” – Tris Fini (Campari Academy, UK)
Make it with: Grand Marnier
2. Sex on the Beach
Popular 90s cocktails do not come any more tongue-in-cheek than the Sex on the Beach sipper. The first half of the drink contains intensely fruity peach schnapps, which is combined with orange and pineapple juice to push the flavour profile into a tropical space. The second layer contains vodka shaken with tart cranberry juice and a splash of raspberry liqueur – simply delicious.
Make it with: SKYY Vodka
3. Tequila Sunrise
Arguably one of the easiest 90s cocktail recipes to shake up if you love a layered cocktail, the classic Tequila Sunrise is as effortless to enjoy as it is to make. Orange juice, tequila and grenadine layer prettily on top of one another in a tall glass with ice, which makes it a very photogenic cocktail, that’s also super tasty. A win-win!
Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Blanco
Learn more: The Vintage Cocktail Comeback (Why Old School Cocktails are Trending)
4. Appletini
The best 90s cocktails come to the party like a little time capsule, and the Appletini is the taste of a decade in a single sip, for sure. Combining a simple mix of vodka, apple schnapps, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice, the recipe is easy to follow. This crowd-pleaser rose to fame at the same time as the Spice Girls and, just like them, became an instant hit overnight.
Make it with: Homemade Sugar Syrup
5. Amaretto Sour
As far as classic 90s cocktails go, the Amaretto Sour will always remain a true icon. This nutty spin on the classic Whiskey Sour incorporates an almond-flavoured liqueur that imparts beautiful, rich notes of vanilla and a subtly bitter finish. We love serving this as an after-dinner drink with a cheese platter and plenty of dark, red fruit like plums and grapes.
Go Pro: Master the Art of Culinary Cocktails (Recipes and Techniques)
6. Long Island Iced Tea
No line-up of iconic 90s drinks would be complete without the Long Island Iced Tea. This American classic combines the big 4 of the spirit world (vodka, rum, gin, and tequila), plus Grand Marnier with a splash of cola and sugar syrup. To serve, combine all the ingredients in a highball glass with ice, give it a quick stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge. Now you’re ready for a wild ride of flavours that’ll have you dreaming of 90s summer nights and endless fun.
Make it with: Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
7. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a retro fave that goes down a treat on a hot day or whenever you’re in the mood for something tall and cool. Best of all, the cocktail ingredients are easy to come by, shake up, and serve to a crowd, so it’s the ideal drink to include when hosting a 90s shindig.
Read next: 17 Must-Try Cocktails with Flavoured Vodka
8. Margarita
Ah, the beloved Margarita—it’s the queen of tequila cocktails. While there are loads of variations, the lime version remains a crowd favourite. This classic drink features a tangy mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Served over ice and rimmed with salt, it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The tequila brings the punch, while the lime juice adds a zesty kick, and the orange liqueur adds a touch of sweetness.
9. Mojito
The Mojito is a minty-cool classic that always makes a splash. The white rum’s bright citrus and vanilla flavours bounce off the fresh lime and fragrant mint. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness to temper the acidity and soda water brings it all together with tongue-tingling vibrancy. It’s one of the best 90s cocktails to sip slowly in pretty places on sweltering days with good friends.
10. White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, indulgent after-dinner drink that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream. Served over ice, it’s rich and smooth with a delightful coffee kick. Often associated with the laid-back vibes of the 90s film The Big Lebowski, this iconic cocktail is perfect for folks who enjoy a sweet, luxurious sip (robes optional).
Modern twists on 90s classics
Ready to kick things up a notch behind the retro cocktail shaker? Check out these articles to get some ideas to put your modern spin on the classics:
Nostalgic throwbacks (aka excellent conversation starters!)
The 1990s cocktail scene was a fascinating mix of innovation, excess, and rediscovery. The decade saw bartenders experimenting with bold flavours, creative presentations, and an undeniable sense of flair.
Flair bartending was big in the 90s, with bartenders juggling bottles and mixing drinks with a dash of theatre. Cocktail, the 1988 Tom Cruise movie, set the tone for the decade, and many bartenders took it as a challenge to perfect tricks like flipping shakers and bottles. The 1990s also saw the rise of bottle service, which quickly became a status symbol in high-end nightclubs. Customers would pay a premium for a whole bottle of liquor, complete with all the mixers, delivered to their table instead of simply ordering a drink at the bar.
This service was often accompanied by extravagant sparklers and a personal host, turning the cocktail scene into something more luxurious and exclusive. Some bars had week-long waiting lists for these bottle service experiences!
Drop a beat! How To Plan a 90s Theme Party That’s More Than Aiight
90s Cocktail snacks
Here are some easy eats and snack ideas that tap into the fun, nostalgic vibe of the 90s:
- Classic nachos with melted cheese, salsa, and jalapeños.
- Pigs in a blanket
- Savoury snack mixes with cereal, pretzels, nuts, and seasonings.
- Trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate pieces.
- Crispy chicken nuggets or tenders.
- Fresh spring rolls.
- Sweet treats like cookies with a frosting dip or fruit leather.
- Pretzels in various shapes and flavours.
- Buttered popcorn or flavoured popcorn.
- Veggie sticks with a creamy ranch dip.
- Colourful fresh fruit kebabs.
There you have it, besties — 10 classic 90s cocktails to try at home, some tasty snacks, and a few interesting conversation starters to celebrate this epic era. Sign up for our newsletter to receive more drinkspiration, and visit the SKYY Vodka, Wild Turkey, and Bulldog Gin websites to learn more about using top-tier spirits in 90s cocktails and other captivating clinkers.
