Drinks with Anna: Shaking up the Classics
by Anna Tusa
THERE ARE PLENTY of classic cocktails that are gone but not forgotten. Everyone is serving versions of the Old Fashion and the Manhattan, but what about the others that were favorites back in the day? I decided to play around and bring some of those “old school” drinks back to life.
THE ALABAMA SLAMMER
Loved by the college crowds in the 80s served as a shaken shot but was made famous by Brett Favre.
- 1 oz amaretto
- 1 oz sloe gin
- 1 oz Southern Comfort
- 3 ounces orange juice
Mix all ingredients in a shaker tin filled with ice and strain into a shot glass.
THE SALTY DOG
A drink that dates to the 20s. It’s a simple but easy favorite.
- 2 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces grapefruit juice
- Salt rim
Shake vodka and grapefruit juice in cocktail shaker filled with ice; strain into a salt rimmed high ball glass filled with ice.
THE GRASSHOPPER
A drink invented in New Orleans in 1918.
- 1 oz Crème de Cacao (white)
- 1 oz Crème de Menthe
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh cream
Shake all ingredients in a shaker tin filled with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Sprinkle chocolate shavings as a garnish.
THE HARVEY WALLBANGER
A fun, simple vodka cocktail created in the 50s but gained popularity during the disco era of the 70s.
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz orange juice
- .5 oz Galliano
Mix the vodka and orange juice in a rocks glass filled with ice; stir and float with Galliano.
THE SINGAPORE SLING
A long drink developed in Singapore in 1915.
- 1 oz gin
- .5 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
- .5 oz grenadine
- 2 oz lime juice
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Splash of club soda
In a tall glass filled with ice mix all ingredients. Garnish with an orange wheel.
While recreating these classic cocktails, I was able to reminisce about the first time I enjoyed each of them. I hope you enjoy bringing these drinks back to life with your own special twists.
Cheers!