8 Retro Cocktails Making a Comeback
Classic Sips from the 70s & 80s
Drinks from the ’70s and ’80s weren’t just cocktails—they were icons in a glass.
Picture this: wood-paneled lounges, bold fashion, and music that still gets your foot tapping. Cue the synth beats from the early ’80s and a drink in hand—for those of us who were way too young to experience it the first time around. Back then, every cocktail had a personality, a flair, and a spot at the center of social life. But here’s the thing—these drinks aren’t stuck in the past. They’re timeless, and they’re making a comeback.
Whether you’re hosting a throwback party or just want to shake up something different, these eight classics are more than recipes—they’re a whole vibe. Each one brings a story, a memory, and a flavor that still hits today.
Ready to take your taste buds on a retro road trip? Let’s dive in.
1. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is as much about its vibrant colors as its refreshing taste. This cocktail gained immense popularity in the 70s and remains a favorite for its simple yet striking appearance. The orange juice and grenadine layers create a "sunrise" effect, making it a visually stunning choice.
Ingredients:
2 oz Tequila
4 oz Orange juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
Instructions:
Pour the tequila and orange juice into a glass filled with ice.
Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom.
Garnish with an orange slice or cherry.
2. Harvey Wallbanger
This cocktail combines the flavors of vodka, orange juice, and Galliano, an herbal liqueur that adds complexity and warmth. Popular in the 70s, the Harvey Wallbanger is still a fun, easy-to-make drink for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Vodka
3 oz Orange juice
1/2 oz Galliano
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add vodka and orange juice, and stir.
Float the Galliano on top and garnish with an orange slice.
3. Pina Colada
The Pina Colada was the quintessential vacation drink in the 70s. Creamy, sweet, and tropical, this cocktail combines rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to transport you to a beach paradise—even if you're sipping it in your living room.
Ingredients:
2 oz White rum
1 oz Coconut cream
3 oz Pineapple juice
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.
Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.
4. Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze was a trendy, refreshing cocktail during the 80s. With a crisp mix of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, this cocktail is perfect for a light, invigorating sip.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Vodka
3 oz Cranberry juice
1 oz Grapefruit juice
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Mai Tai
Though the Mai Tai's origins go back earlier, it saw a resurgence in the 70s thanks to tiki culture. The combination of rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup creates a tropical explosion of flavors, perfect for sipping on a summer evening.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Light rum
1/2 oz Dark rum
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Orgeat syrup
1/4 oz Simple syrup
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. If you don't mix the drink, it will look layered, but the flavors will stay separate.
Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
6. Rob Roy
The Rob Roy, a classic whisky cocktail, first gained popularity in the 80s as an elegant alternative to a Manhattan. Made with Scotch whisky instead of bourbon, it has a smoky flavor profile that makes it stand out.
Ingredients:
2 oz Scotch whisky
1 oz Sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with ice.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.
7. Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel, made with peach schnapps and orange juice, was a popular drink in the 80s. It’s sweet, fruity, and easy to make, making it a great choice for those looking for a simple but delicious cocktail.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Peach schnapps
3 oz Orange juice
Instructions:
Pour peach schnapps into a glass filled with ice.
Top with orange juice and stir gently.
Garnish with an orange slice.
8. Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour was a favorite of the 80s, known for its smooth, sweet, and slightly tart flavor. The combination of amaretto liqueur and fresh lemon juice makes this cocktail an easy crowd-pleaser. This is one of my favorite drinks!
Ingredients:
2 oz Amaretto
1 oz Fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and lemon twist.
Ready to Mix Things Up?
Classic cocktails like these aren’t just about sipping—they’re about savoring the moments, the memories, and the flavors that never go out of style. Whether you're reliving old favorites or trying them for the first time, each drink has something special to offer.
So why not pick one, gather your ingredients, and bring a little retro charm into your next evening? Better yet—invite some friends, share the stories behind these iconic cocktails, and toast to good times, past and present.
Let’s raise a glass to the classics and make them your own. Cheers!
Craving more cocktail or mocktail inspiration? Check out these recipes next:
Which cocktail are you mixing first? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your favorites or see your creations! And don’t forget to sign up for Our Monthly Spark for more lifestyle ideas, seasonal tips, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
