The 1980s weren’t just about big hair and synth-pop; they also witnessed a surge in particular cocktail preferences. As *Forbes* noted, these drinks perfectly captured the decade’s exuberance – a bold, unapologetic embrace of sweetness and synthesized flavors. Convenience was key, with bartenders frequently relying on pre-made mixers, reflecting a fast-paced lifestyle. But beyond the trends, a handful of cocktails truly defined the era.
Top 10 ‘80s Cocktails:
1.
Sex on the Beach:
This vodka-based cocktail, combining cranberry juice, orange juice, and peach schnapps, became a promotional staple for the peach schnapps brand. Its fruity sweetness and vibrant color were instantly appealing.
2.
Pixel-Shot:
A playful fusion of the classic Fuzzy Navel (peach schnapps and orange juice) with the refreshing Cape Codder.
3.
Amaretto Sour:
Initially appearing in bartending guides since 1982, the Amaretto Sour’s popularity grew thanks to Jeffrey Morganthaler’s insistence on fresh lemon juice. Today, it’s enjoying a well-deserved revival.
4.
B-52:
Born in Alberta, Canada, the B-52 – named after the iconic rock band – was intended as a potent, single-shot experience, featuring coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and Grand Marnier.
5.
Long Island Iced Tea:
Rumored to have originated in Kingsport, Tennessee, this potent concoction – containing rum, gin, vodka, tequila, triple sec, lemon, lime, and cola – remains a testament to the decade’s love of strong cocktails.
6.
Espresso Martini:
Created by Dick Bradsell in London’s Soho neighborhood, this espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur combination became a hit, often linked to a young model’s involvement in a David Bowie film.
7.
Tequila Sunrise:
The origins of this classic are shrouded in aperiod mystery, perhaps dating back to the 1930s or 40s at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, and evolving further in Sausalito, California.
8.
Kamikaze:
Initially, the Kamikaze wasn’t a specific cocktail but evolved in the ‘80s, typically featuring vodka and triple sec with a lime.
9.
Pixel-Shot:
As before, this combination of the Fuzzy Navel and Cape Codder remains a notable throwback.
10.
Pixel-Shot:
Repeating the fusion of the Fuzzy Navel and Cape Codder, this drink epitomizes the era’s easy-going cocktail culture.
Looking back, these cocktails offer a fascinating snapshot of the 1980s – a time when indulgence and a playful spirit were celebrated in every sip.
