There’s something magical about the festive season that transforms our tastes and habits, especially when it comes to drinks. Retro cocktails, with their nostalgic charm and unique flavours, are making a spirited comeback in bars, pubs, and hotels across the UK. Guests are increasingly drawn to the warmth of familiarity combined with the joy of rediscovery. For hospitality businesses, this trend offers an opportunity to wow patrons with quirky drinks while boosting those all-important profits.
Here, we take a close look at this phenomenon of retro cocktail revival and give some novel recipes to spice up this season.
Why Retro Cocktails Are Back in Style
The resurgence of retro cocktails taps into the festive nostalgia that defines Christmas. These drinks evoke memories of holiday gatherings past, eccentric traditions, and the comforting indulgence of the season. More than just beverages, they’re conversation starters, Instagram-worthy creations, and an easy way to add festive flair to your drinks menu.
Whether it’s a Snowball, a Brandy Alexander, or a spiced rum toddy, these drinks bring a sense of occasion, reminding guests that Christmas is a time to embrace the indulgence and celebrate the classic.
Tips for Introducing Retro Cocktails to Your Menu
- Lean into Nostalgia: Use vintage-style glassware and festive garnishes to enhance the retro vibe.
- Highlight Unique Ingredients: Advocate for Advocaat, crème de menthe, and herbal liqueurs by showcasing their versatility.
- Bundle Up: Offer retro cocktails as part of a festive drinks package or pair them with classic snacks like mince pies or cheese boards.
- Host a Retro Cocktail Night: Build anticipation and draw a crowd with a themed event where these drinks take centre stage.
Fabulous Retro Cocktail Recipes for a Nostalgic Christmas 🎄🍸
Here are some delightful recipes curated by our in-house cocktail expert, Nick Gay, to charm your guests this festive season. From quirky reinventions of old classics to entirely new twists on retro favourites, these cocktails promise to be a hit with your clientele.
- The Velvet Snowball
A luxurious upgrade to the classic Snowball.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml Advocaat
- 25ml vanilla vodka
- 75ml soda water
- A dash of double cream
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
- Method:
- Shake Advocaat, vodka, and cream with ice.
- Pour into a coupe glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg for a festive flourish.
- Chocolate Mint Dream
A retro twist on dessert in a glass.
- Ingredients:
- 25ml crème de menthe
- 25ml dark crème de cacao
- 25ml Irish cream liqueur
- 50ml milk or cream
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
- Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass and rim the glass with crushed candy canes.
- Gingerbread Spiced Rum Fizz
A festive take on a spiced rum classic.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml spiced rum
- 25ml ginger syrup (or ginger wine)
- 100ml soda water
- 2 dashes of bitters
- Fresh ginger slices for garnish
- Method:
- Fill a tall glass with ice, add spiced rum and ginger syrup, and stir.
- Top with soda water and a dash of bitters.
- Garnish with fresh ginger slices or a cinnamon stick.
- Retro Raspberry Ripple
A sweet, nostalgic nod to ice cream parlours of the past.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml Chambord (or another raspberry liqueur)
- 25ml Advocaat
- 100ml lemonade
- Fresh raspberries and whipped cream for garnish
- Method:
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the Chambord and Advocaat.
- Top with lemonade and stir gently.
- Garnish with whipped cream and fresh raspberries for a playful finish.
- Mulled Wine Spritz
A bubbly reinvention of everyone’s favourite winter warmer.
- Ingredients:
- 100ml mulled wine (cooled)
- 50ml prosecco
- Orange slices and a sprig of rosemary for garnish
- Method:
- Pour cooled mulled wine into a wine glass filled with ice.
- Top with prosecco and gently stir.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary.
- Cream Sherry Delight
A surprisingly modern way to enjoy cream sherry.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml cream sherry
- 25ml amaretto
- 50ml milk or oat milk
- Dash of cinnamon
- Method:
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a tumbler over ice.
- Dust with cinnamon and serve with a mince pie for the ultimate pairing.
- Malibu Mulled Punch
A tropical, retro-inspired take on mulled drinks.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml Malibu (or coconut rum)
- 150ml pineapple juice
- 100ml ginger ale
- Clove-studded orange slices for garnish
- Method:
- Warm the pineapple juice with the clove-studded orange slices.
- Pour into a heatproof glass and add Malibu and ginger ale.
- Stir gently and serve warm for a tropical Christmas vibe.
- Frosted Black Forest Flip
A retro dessert cocktail with bold flavours.
- Ingredients:
- 25ml kirsch (cherry brandy)
- 25ml crème de cacao
- 50ml cream
- Chocolate shavings and a cherry for garnish
- Method:
- Shake kirsch, crème de cacao, and cream with ice.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with chocolate shavings and a maraschino cherry.
- Warm Spiced Rum Toddy
A comforting winter warmer.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml spiced rum
- 150ml hot apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange slice studded with cloves
- Honey to taste
- Method:
- Warm the apple cider in a pot, adding honey to taste.
- Pour into a heatproof glass and add spiced rum.
- Stir with the cinnamon stick and garnish with the clove-studded orange slice.
- Sherry Merry Punch
A sharing option inspired by cream sherry.
- Ingredients:
- 100ml cream sherry
- 100ml port
- 200ml cranberry juice
- 200ml ginger ale
- Orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Method:
- Mix all liquid ingredients in a large punch bowl with ice.
- Add orange slices, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for festive colour.
- Serve in small glasses for a communal celebration.
Why Retro Cocktails Make Business Sense
- Low Cost, High Margins: Many retro cocktails use affordable, shelf-stable ingredients like liqueurs and mixers, making them cost-effective.
- Visual Appeal: These drinks look stunning on social media, driving word-of-mouth marketing.
- Unique Selling Point: Retro drinks can set your venue apart during the competitive festive season.
- Upselling Opportunities: Pair with festive treats or offer as part of a holiday package.
A Final Word
Retro cocktails are more than a passing trend – they’re a chance to transport guests to the warm, playful nostalgia of Christmas past. As Nick puts it:
“Guests come to hospitality venues not just for food or drink but for the memories they make. Retro cocktails hold the unique power to evoke fond moments from the past while creating new ones to treasure. Their festive charm, vibrant presentation, and unique flavours make them irresistible for guests and a smart upselling opportunity for businesses. So, embrace the retro revival this season and let the celebrations flow!”
Here’s to a joyful, nostalgic, and profitable Christmas season. Cheers! 🥂
