Top 10 retro cocktail recipes

This old-school gin-based cocktail is back and better than ever as far as we're concerned. Whip up our easy aviation recipe with sweet maraschino liqueur and floral crème de violette for a perfectly balanced pink drink. One sip and you'll be flying without wings. Garnish with blueberries and a twirl of lemon zest for a final fruity flourish.

2. Blue lagoon

Refresh your tastebuds with our easy blue lagoon cocktail. This aqua-marine masterpiece is full of fresh citrus flavours and a touch of sweetness from the maraschino cherry sryup. It might look tricky to make, but our simple recipe takes just five minutes to make. This refreshing party-starter is best served in a chilled hurricane glass. It's a warm weather favourite, ideal for when the sun comes out.

3. Purple rain

Make your party pop, by throwing in a little purple rain. Mix up gin, vodka and the secret ingredients, blue curaçao and grenadine. Topping up your drink with soda and grenadine last means the red grenadine swirls through the blue to create a cascade of purple. You're just three steps away from a show-stopping cocktail that's sure to impress.

4. Piña colada

Nostalgic and full of kitsch appeal, the piña colada will transport you to a sandy beach – or an '80s bar! With its tropical blend of coconut cream, white rum and tangy pineapple, this drink screams summer. It’s Puerto Rico’s national cocktail, so serve with a retro cocktail umbrella and you’ll feel those holiday vibes in no time.

5. Tequila sunrise

A tequila sunrise is the ultimate retro cocktail – brightly coloured layers of booze, a sweet, fruity flavour and the obligatory cherry garnish. Enjoy the classic tequila sunrise with grenadine, tequila, triple sec and orange juice. Our top serving suggestion is to drink while lounging poolside in a floppy sun hat.

6. Snowball

Our creamy snowball cocktail is a firm festive favourite. This simple drink is made with lashings of rich, custard-like advocaat, sparkling lemonade and plenty of ice. It's the ultimate treat for a winter celebration. Try mixing it up with a dash of sharp lime cordial, or, swap the lemonade for ginger ale to add a little warmth to the smooth advocaat. Advocaat is made with brandy, so if you want to add an extra glug, we won't object.

7. Singapore sling

Bright in colour and bold in flavour, the Singapore sling is a gin-based cocktail with cherry brandy, Benedictine, Angostura bitters, pineapple and lime juice. This iconic drink is one for every gin connoisseur to savour. It's smooth, semi-sweet with tropical flavours we can't get enough of. It's said to have come from the Raffles Hotel in Singapore over 100 years ago, but it's still just as delicious today.

8. Cosmopolitan

Vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur and citrus – the Cosmopolitan is a socialite’s drink of choice. Made popular amongst the urbanites in New York, this '80s cocktail can still be found in city cocktail bars today. With this tangy, sweet recipe in your arsenal, your party guests will never be left wanting.

9. Grasshopper

A grasshopper is like the boozy equivalent of a glass of mint choc-chip ice cream. This bright green cocktail is made with cooling crème de menthe, white crème de cacao and single cream. If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll love this easy, chocolatey triumph. It's a seriously indulgent glassful. Try serving as an after-dinner cocktail, as a fun twist on an after-dinner mint.

10. Long Island iced tea

Perfect for party pitchers, our Long Island iced tea is simple, strong and uses the classic cola and lime flavour combination. This punchy highball is equal parts vodka, gin, tequila, rum and triple sec, with plenty of ice. Make a batch in a jug for serving up to thirsty guests. Master this recipe and you'll be designated bartender for any future festivities.

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What's your favourite retro cocktail recipe? Leave a comment below...