If you’re a fan of 80s culture and fashion, then you’ve probably wondered what cocktails were popular at the time. The 80s was a decade of excess, and there was no shortage of boozy drinks to match. From colorful, fruity concoctions to classic, sophisticated blends, the 80s had it all.
In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the most iconic cocktails of the era. Whether you’re planning a themed party or just looking to try something new, these 80s cocktails are sure to impress. So put on your neon leg warmers and let’s get mixing!
80s Cocktail Culture: A Brief Overview
The 80s were a decade of decadence and over-the-top fun, marked by the rise of flashy cocktails and bold flavors. The era saw the emergence of new cocktail trends, including sweet and fruity drinks that were blended with ice, and the revival of old-school classic cocktails. With the advent of bar culture and mixology, bartenders became rockstars, and the cocktail became an integral part of the party scene.
The 80s cocktail movement was all about bold flavors and presentation. Drinks were often made with high-quality spirits, and the presentation was elaborately garnished with fruit and colorful umbrellas. Drinks like the Sex on the Beach, the Long Island Iced Tea, and the margarita were the epitome of 80s cocktail culture and were seen everywhere from nightclubs to house parties. The 80s cocktail movement laid the groundwork for the cocktail renaissance of the 2000s, which is still going strong today.
The Iconic Drinks of the 1980s
The 1980s are often considered the golden era of cocktail culture. It was a time when people were experimenting with creative concoctions and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Some of the most iconic cocktails of all time were created during this period.
One of the most famous drinks from the 80s is the cosmopolitan. This pink-hued cocktail gained popularity after being featured on the TV show “Sex and the City”. Other popular drinks from this era include the Harvey Wallbanger, Long Island Iced Tea, Piña Colada, and Blue Lagoon. These drinks were not only delicious but also visually stunning, often garnished with colorful umbrellas, fruits, and other creative decorations. The 80s were truly a time of fun and experimentation in the world of cocktails.
The Rise of Fruity and Sweet Cocktails in the 80s
The 80s were a time of indulgence and excess, and nowhere was this more evident than in the realm of cocktail consumption. With the rise of disco and the increasing popularity of nightclubs, fruity and sweet cocktails became the cocktail of choice for many. Bartenders began using more and more fruit juices, syrups, and liqueurs to add flavor and sweetness to their drinks.
Some of the most popular fruity cocktails of the time included the Sex on the Beach, the Fuzzy Navel, and the Blue Hawaiian. These drinks were typically made with vodka, peach schnapps, and fruit juices like cranberry, orange, or pineapple. They were often garnished with an umbrella, skewered fruit, or other decorative accents, making them as visually exciting as they were delicious. The 80s may have been a time of many questionable trends, but one thing is for sure – the era’s love of fruity and sweet cocktails has left a lasting impact on the world of mixology.
The Birth of the Martini Craze
The 1980s were the era that saw the birth of the martini craze, which was directly inspired by James Bond’s sophisticated cocktail preference. Later, the martini became the most iconic drink of the decade, and it still remains a timeless classic.
The cocktail became a symbol of status and refinement in the 80s, and people began ordering different variations of it. Bartenders experimented with new flavors, creating popular versions like the Appletini and the Cosmopolitan. These cocktails, along with the original martini, quickly became a staple in bars, homes, and social events, setting the tone for future cocktail trends.
The Role of Pop Culture in Shaping 80s Cocktail Trends
The 80s were a time when popular culture played a significant role in shaping the trends of the era. It was an era of excess, and cocktails were no exception. Popular TV shows, movies, and music influenced the cocktails of the time. The popularity of Miami Vice, a popular TV show, led to the creation of the famous cocktail “Miami Vice.” The cocktail was a blend of Pina Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, as seen in the show.
Another significant influence on cocktail trends was music culture. In the 80s, music videos were a popular medium for music promotion, and they often featured musicians drinking cocktails. As a result, cocktails like the Blue Hawaiian and the Long Island Iced Tea became popular among the youth. Pop culture certainly played a vital role in the world of cocktails during the 80s, and it was responsible for some of the most iconic cocktails of all time.
The Legacy of 80s Cocktails Today
The 1980s was a decade of many things, including the birth of iconic cocktails that have stood the test of time. To this day, many of the drinks from the 80s are still popular in bars and restaurants around the world.
The traditional cocktails from the 80s had unique flavors and ingredients that were just as popular then as they are now. The cosmopolitan, for instance, which was popularized on the show Sex and the City, still remains a classic drink today. The Long Island Iced Tea and Margarita are also cocktails which are frequently ordered in bars around the world. The legacy of 80s cocktails is still felt today, as many bartenders continue to experiment with these drinks by adding their own twists to the recipes while still paying homage to the original Blue Margarita or Fuzzy Navel.
How to Throw an 80s-Inspired Cocktail Party
If you’re looking to throw an 80s-inspired cocktail party, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you’re serving up the right drinks. Some popular 80s cocktails include the Cosmopolitan, the Margarita, the Daiquiri, and the Sex on the Beach.
Once you’ve decided on your drink menu, you can start to think about how to incorporate some 80s flair into your party. This could mean playing some 80s music, decorating with neon colors and geometric shapes, and encouraging your guests to dress up in their best 80s attire. With the right combination of cocktails, decorations, and entertainment, your 80s-inspired cocktail party is sure to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at the cocktail culture of the 80s, it’s clear that this was a decade of excess and indulgence. From the brightly colored, fruity concoctions of TGI Fridays to the ultra-premium liquors favored by the elite, there was something for everyone in the cocktail scene of this era.
While many of the drinks popular in the 80s have fallen out of favor in recent years, there is no denying the lasting impact that this decade had on the cocktail world. The flamboyant presentation and bold flavors that typified 80s cocktails continue to influence modern mixology, ensuring that the legacy of this era will live on for many years to come.