The Roaring Twenties – a decade of glitz, rebellion, and unbridled creativity – ushered in more than just jazz music and famous flapper fashion, it also ushered in Jazz Age cocktails. Despite Prohibition, it was the golden age of cocktails, a time when mixology flourished in hidden speakeasies and grand hotel bars alike. Prohibition may have outlawed alcohol, but it couldn’t stifle the ingenuity of bartenders, who crafted elaborate drinks to disguise the harsh taste of bootleg spirits. Thankfully, the spirits have become smoother, but the clandestine charm of Jazz Age cocktails prevail.
Hanky Panky
Legend has it that this slyly potent cocktail was created by Ada Coleman, one of the few female head bartenders of the era, at London’s Savoy Hotel for acting legend Charles Hawtry. When Hawtry took his first sip, he reportedly grinned and declared, “By Jove, that’s the real hanky-panky!”— and the name stuck. With its bold herbal bite softened by sweet vermouth, this drink is a masterclass in balance.
1.5 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Fernet-Branca
Orange twist, garnish
In a mixing glass with ice, add the Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Vieux Carré
Created in 1930s New Orleans, this complex, herbal cocktail bridges the gap between the Jazz Age and modern craft mixology.
1 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz Cognac
1 oz sweet vermouth
.25 oz Bénédictine
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon twist, garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.
The Southside Fizz
Legend says this drink was created by Chicago mobsters who needed a refreshing way to enjoy their gin.
2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz simple syrup
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water
Mint sprig, garnish
Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add gin and ice, then shake hard. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a mint sprig.
The Boulevardier
Bourbon’s Answer to the Negroni. This rich, bittersweet cocktail was a favorite among American expats in Paris, embodying the bold spirit of the era.
2 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange twist, garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
Make like the Jazz Age with Joseph Magnus spirits, available at a retailer near you or to buy online. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Jos. A. Magnus. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
