beefeater gin fizz cocktail

12 retro cocktail recipes that are still just as good

Retro cocktail recipes are classic drinks from the last century that have stood the test of time — not because they’re nostalgic, but because they simply work.

 

Before trends, before foams and smoke and whatever’s currently doing the rounds on your feed, there were straightforward combinations of good gin, citrus, sweetness and fizz. Many of them are still behind today’s best bars. And most of them are surprisingly easy to make at home.

 

Retro recipes endure because they’re built on clear ratios and strong foundations. Gin, citrus, sweetness and fizz. Bitter and herbal elements when needed. Nothing unnecessary. They’re also flexible. You can make them properly with good ice and glassware, or keep things relaxed and serve them however suits the moment. That’s the beauty of gin — it adapts to the room.

 

Beefeater has been part of London’s cocktail culture since 1863, so these aren’t throwbacks for us — they’re classics. If you’re looking to revisit the golden age of gin, or just want reliable drinks for your next get-together, these retro cocktail recipes are still every bit as good.

 

ALL GIN COCKTAILS
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Gin & Tonic

The Gin & Tonic is the original crowd-pleaser. Refreslingly crisp gin, chilled tonic and plenty of ice. Served with a lemon and orange wheel. That’s it.

It became popular in the 19th century and never really left. The reason is simple: the bitterness of tonic sharpens the citrus and juniper in the gin, making it endlessly refreshing. Best for summer evenings, post-work drinks or whenever you want something classic without overthinking it. Learn more about the history of the Gin and Tonic and how it became such an iconic drink.

RECIPE HERE
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White Lady

The White Lady is sharp, clean and super sophisticated. Gin, triple sec and lemon juice are shaken hard and served chilled, creating a bright, refreshing citrus cocktail that’s short, silky and elegant.

 

It first appeared in the early 20th century and still feels modern. This one suits smaller gatherings or dinner party welcome drinks to gain some serious host points.

 

RECIPE HERE
Gimlet - Gin, Lime & Simple Syrup Cocktail Recipe - Beefeater Gin

Gimlet

It doesn’t get much simpler than a Gimlet. Gin and lime (with a dash of sugar syrup), shaken, strained and served.

Originally associated with naval officers, it’s easy and super fresh. The lime cuts cleanly through the botanicals in Beefeater London Dry, making it one of the best retro cocktail recipes around.

RECIPE HERE
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Tom Collins

Mix up this classic British cocktail on a warm summer’s day. The Tom Collins is a simple highball with a little fizz and lots of flavour. Gin, lemon, sugar syrup and soda water are poured over ice in a tall glass with a retro cherry garnish for good measure.

It’s bright, lightly sweet and as easy to batch for friends as it is to make your own with added flavours. Swap to a fruity simple syrup, add a dash of bitters or switch to flavoured gin to mix things up.

RECIPE HERE
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Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan might feel more 90s than 1920s, but it’s already earned retro status thanks to the younger generation. The classic vodka, cranberry and citrus combination is delicious. But we love to mix things up with Beefeater Pink Strawberry in our Pink Gin Cosmo variation.

It’s fruit-forward without being overly sweet, and it looks the part too. Great for birthdays, celebrations or when you want a cocktail that brings out a playful side.

RECIPE HERE
beefeater gin fizz cocktail

Gin Fizz

Much like other gin highballs, the Gin Fizz mixes gin with citrus and fizzy water, this time with sugar syrup and soda. It’s a slightly tangy, refreshing drink that lets the flavour of Beefeater London Dry sing. 

For added flair, try the Silver Fizz which adds egg white to create a silky foam that softens the sharpness of the citrus. It’s slightly more hands-on, but still straightforward. Best for weekend hosting when you’ve got time to shake properly and serve with a bit of flair.

RECIPE HERE
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Hanky Panky

The Hanky Panky is as retro as it sounds, dating back to early 20th-century London where it was created by one of the world’s first female head bartenders. 

Gin, sweet vermouth and a touch of Fernet-Branca are stirred over ice to create its bold, herbal flavour. If you like a Negroni, you’re bound to love this one.

RECIPE HERE
Perfect Lady cocktail recipe - Beefeater Peach and Raspberry Gin

Perfect Lady

The Perfect Lady is another retro cocktail created in London, this time by Grosvenor House bartender, Sidney Cox. It’s unsurprisingly a twist on the White Lady, this time with peach liqueur and egg white.

These two additions bring a silky, fruity softness to the drink, balanced by the original recipe’s citrus notes. It’s a perfect declaration cocktail, whether to a loved one on Valentine’s Day or as an ode to Mum this Mother’s Day.

RECIPE HERE
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Aviation

Pale, slightly floral and unmistakably old-school, the Aviation dates back to the early 1900s. Gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice and crème de violette are shaken and strained into a chilled glass.

It’s delicate but not weak, with the violet bringing subtle perfume and the lemon keeping it crisp. This is retro cocktail territory at its most stylish — a drink that looks vintage but is surprisingly delicious and easy to pull together once you have the ingredients.

RECIPE HERE
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Clover Club

Pre-Prohibition and proud of it, the Clover Club is a lively combination of gin, raspberry, lemon and egg white. Shaken until frothy, it lands somewhere between sharp and fruity with that signature creamy top.

 

The raspberry adds colour and gentle sweetness, while the citrus keeps everything fresh. It’s playful and pretty, without losing its classic credentials — one of those drinks that reminds you retro doesn’t have to mean serious.

 

RECIPE HERE
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Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees is as vintage as it sounds, keeping things simple with gin, lemon and honey. 

 

Honey softens the citrus in a way sugar never quite can, adding a subtle floral note that works brilliantly with Beefeater’s botanicals. It’s easy to make, easy to like and one of the most reliable retro cocktail recipes for entertaining with.

 

RECIPE HERE
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French 75

If you’re looking for a retro cocktail to celebrate with, you can’t do much better than a French 75. Gin, lemon and sugar are topped with champagne or sparkling wine, giving this drink some serious sparkle.

It’s crisp, lightly citrusy and feels instantly special without being too complicated to make. Whether you’re marking a birthday, raising a glass at midnight or just adding a bit of fizz to the weekend, this one proves that some classics never fade.

RECIPE HERE

Discover more vintage finds in our collection of classic cocktails or see how to give tradition a fresh spin with these gin inspired twists on classic drinks.

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Gin Cocktails

Beefeater White Lady

Beginner Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

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Gin Cocktails

Clover Club

Intermediate Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

beefeater drinksplatform french 75 4x5 aspect ratio 735 735

Gin Cocktails

French 75

Beginner Cocktails

Savoury Cocktails

Bees Knees: Gin, Honey & Lemon Cocktail Recipe - Beefeater Gin

Gin Cocktails

Bee’s Knees

Beginner Cocktails

Sour Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

Classic Cocktails

RECIPES HERE

Signature Serves

RECIPES HERE