![\"Selection](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/245.-90s-Theme-Party_Featured-Image_Canva_shironosov-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n90s cocktails are back, baby! And they\u2019re bringing all the neon lights, sugar-rimmed Martini glasses, and sweet mixers with them. This was the decade of dancing under strobes, sipping fruity drinks in cargo pants and crop tops, and watching TV shows where cocktails were practically supporting characters themselves.<\/p>\n
Now, those colourful classics are making a comeback at house parties, rooftop bars, and themed nights everywhere. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through the most iconic ’90s drinks, show you how to recreate them at home, suggest clever spirit swaps, and share a few pro tips that\u2019ll level up your cocktail game. Ready to party like it\u2019s 1999? Let’s do this!<\/p>\n
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Bold flavours. Bright colours. A whole lot of vodka. That\u2019s the heart of the 90s sipping scene. This was the era when bartenders leaned into fruity cocktails that were fun, easy to drink, and made to please the crowd. Think electric blue hues, juicy mixers, and sweet liqueurs, served with a side of sass.<\/p>\n
Pop culture had a major say in what was hot. When Sex and the City<\/em> made the Cosmopolitan cocktail a must-have accessory, Martini glasses started flying off the shelves. The influence didn\u2019t stop there; music videos, teen movies, and glossy magazines all helped shape a colourful wave of neon cocktails and other iconic clinkers.<\/p>\n The liquor cabinet of the decade was also one for the books. Vodka was king, especially SKYY Vodka<\/a>. But you\u2019d also find bottles of peach schnapps, blue cura\u00e7ao, and triple sec adorning every back bar. If you\u2019ve ever wondered how to make 90s cocktails at home, it all starts with this unforgettable mix of spirits and pop-inspired sparkle.<\/p>\n The <\/span>Cosmopolitan<\/span><\/a>, a beloved cocktail from the 1970s, became a cultural icon in the 1990s thanks to the TV show <\/span>Sex and the City<\/span><\/i>. This classic drink, made with vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh lime, is a perfect combination of sweet and tart.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make it with<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Grand Marnier<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Popular cocktails from the 90s <\/span>do not come any more tongue-in-cheek than the <\/span>Sex on the Beach<\/span><\/a> 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 \u2013 simply delicious.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make it with<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>SKYY Vodka<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The classic Tequila Sunrise<\/a> is arguably one of the easiest <\/span>90s cocktail recipe<\/span>s to shake up if you love a <\/span>layered cocktail.<\/span>\u00a0Orange 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\u2019s also super tasty. A win-win!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make it with<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Espol\u00f2n Tequila Blanco<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>The Vintage Cocktail Comeback (Why Old School Cocktails are Trending)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Appletini<\/a> is one of the most popular 90s drinks for good reason. Combining a simple mix of vodka, apple schnapps, orange liqueur, sugar syrup, and lemon juice, the recipe is easy to follow. It shot to fame at the same time as the Spice Girls and, just like them, became an instant hit overnight.<\/p>\n Make it with<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Homemade Sugar Syrup<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As far as classic <\/span>90s sippers<\/span> go, the <\/span>Amaretto Sour<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Go Pro<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Master the Art of Culinary Cocktails (Recipes and Techniques)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n No lineup of <\/span>iconic 90s drinks<\/span> would be complete without the <\/span>Long Island Iced Tea<\/span><\/a>. 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\u2019re ready for a wild ride of flavours that\u2019ll have you dreaming of 90s summer nights and endless fun.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make it with<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Blue Lagoon<\/a> is a retro fave that goes down a treat on a hot day or whenever you\u2019re 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 you’re hosting a 90s shindig.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Read next<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>17 Must-Try Cocktails with Flavoured Vodka<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ah, the beloved <\/span>Margarita<\/span><\/a>\u2014it\u2019s 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.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Mojito<\/span><\/a> 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 club soda brings it all together with tongue-tingling vibrancy. It\u2019s one of the best 90s party drinks to sip slowly in pretty places on sweltering days with good friends.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>White Russian<\/span><\/a> is a creamy, indulgent after-dinner drink that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream. Served over ice, it\u2019s rich and smooth with a delightful coffee kick. Often associated with the laid-back vibes of the 90s film <\/span>The Big Lebowski,<\/span><\/i> this iconic cocktail is perfect for folks who enjoy a sweet, luxurious sip (robes optional).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ready to kick things up a notch behind the retro cocktail shaker? Check out these articles to get some ideas to put your own modern spin on the classics:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Flair bartending was big in the 90s, with bartenders juggling bottles and mixing drinks with a dash of theater. <\/span>Cocktail<\/span><\/i>, 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Drop a beat!<\/span><\/b> How To Plan a 90s Theme Party That\u2019s More Than Aiight<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some easy eats and snack ideas that tap into the fun, nostalgic vibe of the 90s:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best thing about 1990s drinks? They\u2019re super easy to shake up. Most recipes call for a cocktail shaker, a blender, or just a good stir; no fancy equipment required!<\/p>\n Lean into the fun factor with nostalgic garnishes. We\u2019re talking maraschino cherries, paper umbrellas, citrus wheels, and maybe even some edible glitter if you’re feeling wild. A colourful rim or a novelty straw doesn\u2019t hurt either.<\/p>\n To bring these classics into the now, upgrade the base spirits. Swap a basic bottle for a smoother option like Espol\u00f2n Tequila<\/a> or SKYY Vodka for a more polished pour. Whether you’re after the best 90s cocktails to wow your guests or just want a throwback moment in your kitchen, quality ingredients make all the difference.<\/p>\n There you have it, besties! Ten classic 90s cocktails to try at home, along with some tasty snacks and a few interesting conversation starters to celebrate this epic era. Sign up for our newsletter<\/a> to receive more drinkspiration, and visit the\u00a0Wild Turkey<\/a> and Bulldog Gin<\/a> websites to learn more about using top-tier liquor in sweet cocktails from the 1990s and other captivating clinkers. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 90s cocktails are back, baby! And they\u2019re bringing all the neon lights, sugar-rimmed Martini glasses, and sweet mixers with them. This was the decade of dancing under strobes, sipping fruity drinks in cargo pants and crop tops, and watching TV shows where cocktails were practically supporting characters themselves. Now, those colourful classics are making a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":10017,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[48,11,42,12,122,61,15,35,10,20,180],"class_list":["post-9942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trends","tag-bourbon","tag-gin","tag-margarita","tag-martini","tag-mojito","tag-rum","tag-summer","tag-tequila","tag-vodka","tag-weekends","tag-wray-and-nephew","content-author-anna-bet-stemmet"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMost popular retro cocktails from the 90s<\/h2>\n
1. Cosmopolitan<\/h3>\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/14_Cosmopolitan_21824-1024x512.jpg\")
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\u201cA 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.\u201d \u2013 Tris Fini (Campari Academy, UK)\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n
2. Sex on the Beach<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/06\/SKYY-Vodka-Rainbow-Cocktails_Sex-on-the-Beach_Firefly_helenalombard-1024x585.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Tequila Sunrise<\/h3>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/Quiz_Tequila-Sunrise_MidjourneyGP_HelenaLombard-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Appletini<\/h3>\n
![\"Homemade](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/79.-Apple-Martini-envato-credit-bhofack2-1024x576.png\")
<\/p>\n5. Amaretto Sour<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/331.US_How-to-Make-an-Amaretto-Sour_Canva_MADnR7_Eayk-sweet-homemade-whiskey-amaretto-sour-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n6. Long Island Iced Tea<\/h3>\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/08_Long-Island-Ice-Tea_21451-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7. Blue Lagoon<\/h3>\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/336.BlueLagoon_Canva_Anna-Makarenkova-bluelagoon-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n8. Margarita<\/h3>\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/07_Lime-Margarita-2-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n9. Mojito<\/h3>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/679.-Summer-Cocktails-with-Rum_Mojito_Firefly_GP_AnnaBetStemmet-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\n10. White Russian<\/h3>\n
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/207.-White-Russian-Cocktail-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\nModern twists on 90s classics<\/h2>\n
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Nostalgic throwbacks (aka excellent conversation starters!)<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n90s Cocktail snacks<\/h2>\n
![\"Pigs](\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/323.-Cocktail-Appetizers_Pigs_Canva_bhofack2-1024x512.jpg\")
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Tools & tips for making 90s cocktails at home<\/h2>\n
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PS! Did you know that SKYY has a range of ready-to-serve Martinis<\/a> that you can simply decant from a pretty bottle to serve to the fly? It’s a game-changer when it comes to effortless hosting.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n