As the holidays bring family and friends together, it’s the perfect excuse to mix up some festive drinks. Whether you’re raising a glass to the joys of the season or just easing holiday stress, cocktails from the 1970s and 1980s are making a comeback. With their nostalgic charm and vibrant flavors, these retro concoctions are ready to shine once more. From creamy indulgences to bold, boozy classics, here are 15 forgotten but timeless holiday cocktails to try this Christmas.
#1: Grasshopper
This iconic green cocktail is a blend of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. Sweet, creamy, and festive, the Grasshopper is both a drink and dessert in one, making it a holiday staple for retro cocktail enthusiasts.
#2: Harvey Wallbanger
Don’t let the quirky name fool you—this cocktail is a sophisticated mix of vodka, orange juice, and Galliano, an herbal liqueur with notes of vanilla and anise. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry for a bright, citrusy drink perfect for holiday gatherings.
#3: Pink Squirrel
This cheerful drink combines crème de Noyeaux (an almond-flavored liqueur), crème de cacao, and cream for a delightfully sweet, nutty flavor. Its pastel pink hue adds a touch of fun to any Christmas party.
#4: Hot Buttered Rum
Dating back centuries but enjoying renewed popularity in the ’80s, Hot Buttered Rum is the ultimate warm holiday drink. Made with rum, butter, sugar, and spices, it’s cozy, comforting, and ideal for chilly winter nights.
#5: Tom & Jerry
A warm twist on eggnog, this classic combines rum, brandy, and a frothy egg batter. Popular in the mid-20th century and still beloved in the ’70s, the Tom & Jerry is served warm, offering a nostalgic alternative to traditional eggnog.
#6: Golden Cadillac
This creamy cocktail is a blend of Galliano, crème de cacao, and cream. With its indulgent flavor and luxurious texture, the Golden Cadillac was a hit at swanky holiday parties in the 1970s.
#7: Brandy Alexander
A smooth and velvety drink, the Brandy Alexander combines brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. Perfect as an after-dinner treat, this retro favorite is sweet enough to double as dessert.
#8: Amaretto Sour
For those who prefer a tangy kick to creamy cocktails, the Amaretto Sour is a refreshing choice. Mixing amaretto liqueur and lemon juice creates a balance of sweet and sour, while a cherry garnish adds a festive touch.
#9: Eggnog with a Twist
In the ’70s and ’80s, eggnog became a creative playground for holiday drinks. Beyond the usual splash of brandy or whiskey, adventurous bartenders added crème de menthe or coffee liqueur to transform this classic into something truly unique.
#10: White Russian
A quintessential drink of the 1980s, the White Russian blends vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream for a dessert-like cocktail. Served over ice, its rich and creamy profile makes it a holiday crowd-pleaser.
#11: Peppermint Patty
Hot chocolate gets a grown-up twist with the addition of peppermint schnapps. Topped with whipped cream, this cozy, minty drink evokes the spirit of the holidays and was a favorite après-ski treat in the ’80s.
#12: Mai Tai Christmas Edition
The tropical Mai Tai gets a festive makeover with cranberry garnish and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Combining rum, orange liqueur, and lime juice, this retro favorite brings a warm, island vibe to winter celebrations.
#13: Stinger
For a simple, minty refresher, the Stinger combines brandy with crème de menthe. A refined alternative to the mint julep, this elegant cocktail was a hit at sophisticated holiday soirees in the ’70s.
#14: Mulled Wine
This spiced wine cocktail made a major comeback in the ’80s, filling homes with the scents of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Warm and inviting, mulled wine is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with guests.
#15: Blue Hawaii Christmas Edition
This tropical tiki drink gets a holiday twist with the addition of cranberry juice. Traditionally made with blue curaçao, vodka, and pineapple juice, the festive red-and-blue color scheme makes it a standout at retro-themed Christmas parties.
Revive these classic cocktails and let their vintage charm add a splash of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations. Cheers to bringing back the spirit of the ’70s and ’80s—one sip at a time!
