What’s old is new again when it comes to drink menus. This week marked National Harvey Wallbanger Day (who knew?), an annual celebration of the classic cocktail poured with vodka, Galliano, and orange juice debuted in the ‘50s. And, so, in that spirit, we’ve got nine retro cocktails to celebrate our spirited past — some have stayed true to their origins, while others have been reimagined with some millennial-friendly ingredients. Here’s to you, Harvey!
Last Word, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Chicago, Illinois
The bar menu here features the classics from the 1800s to the 1900s, including sips like the boozy gin-based prohibition cocktail the Last Word. It’s created with Death’s Door gin that is stirred with Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino, and fresh lime juice. Let us have the last word: one is enough. Make a reservation at Morton’s The Steakhouse.
Do-It-Yourself Daiquiri, Railstop Restaurant & Bar, Brighton, Massachusetts
A riff on the 1900’s standard, this beverage is made with butterfly pea extract, Privateer Silver Rum, and pure cane simple syrup. It’s garnished with lavender, lime, and a poem: “Thank you for choosing the Do-It-Yourself Daquiri, if you do not like it, that is blasphemy. We encourage you to take part in making this drink, squeeze the limes, it’s easier than you think, swirl it around with the lavender and watch it turn pink.” Make a reservation at Railstop Restaurant & Bar.
Gaelic Grasshopper, Seamstress, New York, New York
Hop to it and order the timeless, typically green grasshopper cocktail that’s been given an Irish update at this Upper East Side restaurant. The drink is made with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur, Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Brancamenta, and Crème de Cacao. A handful of mint leaves and shaved chocolate garnish the sweet — but not green — cocktail. Make a reservation at Seamstress.
Painkiller, Harvest Table, St. Helena, California
Lead bartender Joel Pfeifle pours this proper cocktail with light and dark rums, housemade crème de coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime, and bitters plus a garnish topping of grated nutmeg. Sure to cure whatever ails you tonight — but no promises for tomorrow morning. Make a reservation at Harvest Table.