Who’s ready to party?
Well…it’s not us. We are staying in tonight, but to make up for that we are still going to whip up some fun vintage drinks! Since I was digging through the archives anyway, I thought I would bring you the top drinks from 2014 from Vintage Cocktail Fridays. Some of these are truly cocktails, and some are after-dinner drinks, but they have all passed the Tom test and are ready for you to mix up and enjoy with your guests!
Missionary’s Curacao, 1972
The Verdict: Very Nice
From The Tasting Notes –
Tasty. The alcohol taste is really covered well. Sweet, but not sickeningly so. Would be great with some coconut, but that is another drink. Drank the whole drink in less than two minutes, and I didn’t even mean to.
Pink Pussycat, 1977
The Verdict: Good
From The Tasting Notes –
This was good, but sweet. Mostly tasted like vodka and pineapple juice. A light flavor of cherry, but nothing outstanding. But it made a good drink for a party!
Wallbanger, 1972
And yes, there is a difference between this and a Harvey Wallbanger!
The Verdict: Great
From The Tasting Notes –
Love it. The anise is definitely noticeable and really pairs well with the orange juice. The vodka is noticeable, but only in the background, which would make this a good drink to make if all you have around is cheap vodka. Overall, very refreshing.
Harvey Wallbanger, 1970
The Verdict: Great
From The Testing Notes –
This drink actually tastes different from the Wallbanger. The anise flavor is more muted, and vanilla is actually the dominant flavor in the Harvey Wallbanger (besides the orange juice). The mellower anise flavor almost disappears into the orange juice in this drink compared to the very strong anise flavor of the Wallbanger. Overall, I preferred the Harvey Wallbanger, but I wouldn’t turn down either of these drinks. Both are considerably better than a plain screwdriver.
Commodore, 1977
The Verdict: Great
From The Tasting Notes –
This was very, very good. It was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. It had a good, fruity taste but was well-balanced. It was very smooth. If you have these, it might be a good idea to add some club soda, because you can drink these things fast!
Panama Cooler, 1960
The Verdict: Light And Refreshing
From The Tasting Notes –
Very light, fruity and refreshing. Very strong lemon scent, but lemon flavoring isn’t overwhelming. It actually works well to counteract the sweetness of the drink. Very subtle cherry flavor and no alcohol flavor at all. A very light drink that would be great for summer!
Monte Carlo, 1977
The Verdict: Good
From The Tasting Notes –
Tastes like a syrupy version of a Manhattan. The texture of the Benedictine gives it a thickness. Has some depth to it, without being overwhelming. I really have started to enjoy Benedictine, and I would drink this over a Manhattan. Would probably pair well with a cigar.
Boston Milk Punch, 1940
The Verdict: Delicious
From The Tasting Notes –
Very good and creamy without being heavy. Interesting usage of milk rather then cream, but I think it works. It’s a good winter drink, and the two liquors blend well together with the nutmeg.
Dusty Grasshopper, 1978
The Verdict: Delicious
From The Tasting Notes –
As good as if it was made with ice cream and white crème de menthe. Well, maybe not as good, but close.
Crème De Menthe Parfait, 1960
The Verdict: Delicious
From the Tasting Notes –
Very good. Basically tastes like mint and ice cream, or a grasshopper without crème de cacao. Easier to prepare than a blended grasshopper (less dishes!) and tastes excellent.
Velvet Hammer, 1977
The Verdict: Amazing
From The Tasting Notes –
This. Was. Fantastic. Would be a fantastic after-dinner drink. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. Nothing is overpowering, though the Cointreau comes through the strongest. It packs a punch, but a delicious punch. And it almost screams for a brownie to go with it.
Brandied Coffolate, 1976
The Verdict: Amazing
From The Tasting Notes –
This is going to be our go-to holiday drink for….oh, I don’t know….forever. Tastes like an alcoholic mocha. Very strong chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee and brandy. The whipped cream is a delicious and essential addition, so don’t forget to add it!
Cacao Eggnog, 1965
The Verdict: Really Good
From The Tasting Notes –
This was, as you can probably guess, very delicious. It was creamy, chocolaty and you couldn’t even taste the alcohol. This would be a fantastic holiday drink.
So, that’s it for this year, guys! I hope you enjoy these drinks and they help liven up your party. Do you have any other vintage drinks planned for tonight?
Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, and we will see you in 2016!
