TIFF's in town, the delightful Jane Lynch is hosting the Emmy Awards this weekend, and somehow all the excitement making us a little nostalgic for old Hollywood.

We're thinking that some classic Bogart & Hepburn movies plus swanky retro cocktails are in order, no?


Mint Julep (since 1800s)

3 oz Bourbon whiskey
4-6 fresh mint leaves
granulated sugar (to taste)

Using a mixing glass, muddle (ie. lightly mash) a small amount of whiskey with sugar and mint leaves (this allows the mint leaves to release their flavour).  Strain into a julep cup or highball glass, fill with ice, and top up with remaining whiskey.  Garnish with mint leaves if desired.






Tom Collins (a modified Gin Fizz, since 1870s)

2 parts gin
1 part lemon juice, freshly squeezed
drizzle of simple syrup
club soda

Mix gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a tall glass (or a "Collins glass") with ice, top up with club soda and serve.








Singapore Sling (popular since 1920s)

8 parts gin
4 parts Heering Cherry liqueur (cherry brandy)
1 part Cointreau
1 part DOM Bénédictine
2 parts Grenadine
16 parts pineapple juice
6 parts fresh lemon juice
dash Angostura bitters

Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake well.  Strain into a tall glass and garnish if desired (eg. pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, etc)



Sidecar (1930s must-try)

8 parts brandy or cognac
2 parts Cointreau
1 part fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a strip of lemon peel if desired.








Mary Pickford (named for the 1940s screen siren)

2 oz light rum
2 oz pineapple juice
dash grenadine
dash maraschino cherry juice

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, strain and serve.









Hurricane (popular New Orleans-signature cocktail from the 1940s)

2 parts light rum
2 parts dark rum
1 part grenadine (or passion fruit syrup)
1 part fresh lime juice
superfine sugar to taste (optional)

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and mix until sugar is dissolved.  Strain into a hurricane glass and garnish if desired (eg. orange wedge, maraschino cherry, etc)





Moscow Mule (rose to popularity in the 1950s)

2 parts vodka
3 parts ginger beer (can substitute for ginger ale for a milder flavour)
1 part lime juice, freshly squeezed

Combine in an ice-filled shaker, strain into a tall glass and garnish as desired (eg. lime wedge)








Manhattan (classic 1960s tipple)

1 part sweet vermouth
3 parts Rye (or Canadian whiskey)
dash Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing cup and stir.  Strain into a cocktail glass and serve with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry as garnish.








Which retro cocktail is your favourite?  Please share your picks and recipes in the comments!

*ChickAdvisor encourages you to please serve and enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly.
*recipes adapted from IBA (International Bartender Association) and common ingredient combinations found everywhere