The Tequila Sunrise
Instantly recognisable by its beautiful layered colours mimicking a sunrise, this drink screams seventies chic. Made with just tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, its simplicity is its biggest strength. The Tequila Sunrise became a global phenomenon
after The Rolling Stones popularised it during their 1972 tour. For years, it was dismissed as a cheesy 'tourist' drink, often made with cheap ingredients. Today, bartenders are reviving it with quality tequila, freshly squeezed orange juice, and artisanal grenadine. Why the comeback? It's visually stunning for the Instagram era, easy to make at home, and offers a sweet, nostalgic escape to a simpler time.
The Piña Colada
If a holiday had a flavour, this would be it. The official drink of Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada is a creamy blend of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. For decades, it suffered a reputation as a sickly sweet, pre-mixed concoction served from a slushie machine. But the craft cocktail movement has rescued it from mediocrity. The modern Piña Colada is made with fresh pineapple, high-quality rums, and premium coconut cream, resulting in a balanced, sophisticated, and utterly delicious tropical drink. It’s no longer just a beachside indulgence; it’s a legitimate classic that proves simple, joyful flavours never truly go out of style.
The Harvey Wallbanger
What do you get when you add Galliano—an Italian vanilla-anise liqueur—to a Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice)? You get a Harvey Wallbanger, one of the defining drinks of the disco era. Its popularity was famously driven by a massive marketing campaign in the late 60s and 70s featuring a quirky cartoon character named Harvey. The drink faded into obscurity as tastes changed, but it’s finding new fans today. Its appeal lies in its straightforward construction with a surprising twist. The float of Galliano adds a complex herbal note that elevates the simple base, making it a perfect example of how one small tweak can create a memorable classic.
The Grasshopper
A mint-chocolate dessert cocktail that was a dinner party staple in the mid-20th century, the Grasshopper is perhaps the most surprising comeback on the list. A simple mix of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and fresh cream, it tastes like a sophisticated after-dinner mint. It fell out of fashion for being too sweet and, well, too green. Now, a new generation is discovering its charms. Bartenders are using higher-quality liqueurs and a lighter hand with the cream, transforming it from a heavy indulgence into a bright, refreshing after-dinner treat. It proves that even the most dated drinks can find a new life with a little modern refinement.
India’s Timeless Coolers
This trend isn’t just about retro Western cocktails. It mirrors a renewed appreciation for our own classic Indian summer drinks. Think of the simple joy of a perfectly balanced Shikanji (spiced lemonade), the cooling properties of a glass of Aam Panna (raw mango drink), or the floral sweetness of a Rooh Afza sherbet. For generations, these drinks have been the antidote to sweltering Indian summers. In an age of imported sodas and complex mocktails, the return to these simple, memory-laden recipes feels comforting and authentic. They are the original 'old-school' drinks, reminding us that the best flavours are often the ones passed down through family.
