Before we get into the drinks, let’s take a quick trip back to the 70s.
It was a wild mix of vibes—post-60s counterculture but not quite the yuppie-driven 80s yet. People were all about having a good time, whether that meant tearing up the dance floor at a disco or throwing a cocktail party in their living room. And the drinks? They totally matched the mood. Gone were the stiff, straightforward cocktails of the 50s and 60s. The 70s brought playful, bold, and downright fun creations.
Bartenders started getting adventurous with new flavors, bright colors, and textures. Frozen drinks took off, thanks to blenders becoming a household must-have. Sweet liqueurs like amaretto and Galliano were all the rage, and tropical flavors made every cocktail feel like a mini getaway.
Ready to relive the magic? Here are 10 of the best cocktails that defined the disco decade.
1. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is perhaps the most iconic 70s cocktail, not just for its striking appearance but also for its association with the Eagles’ 1973 tour (and later their hit song). This cocktail is visually stunning, with a gradient of vibrant colors that evoke the image of a sunrise.
The combination of orange juice and grenadine mixed with tequila made this a drink that packed both flavor and visual appeal. It was the ultimate party drink—simple, but a definite crowd-pleaser.
2. Harvey Wallbanger
A fun and quirky drink that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the 70s, the Harvey Wallbanger is made with vodka, Galliano, and orange juice.
The legend says that Tom Harvey, a surfer at Manhattan Beach, California, had the habit of ordering a Screwdriver (vodka & orange juice) with added Galliano. One day, in the late 1960’s, he won a famous surfing competition and decided to celebrate with a bar crawl, taking his surfboard with him and banging it on the wall every time he would try to pass through the door of a bar.
The bright yellow color from the Galliano and the fruity flavor made this a popular choice at bars and home gatherings alike. Plus, who can resist a drink with such a fun name?
3. Pina Colada
Nothing says tropical escape quite like a Pina Colada. Originally from Puerto Rico, this cocktail soared to popularity in the 70s, when frozen drinks became a major trend. The creamy combination of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice was like a mini vacation in every sip.
It’s no surprise this cocktail inspired its own hit song, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes in 1979. The Pina Colada’s sweetness and smooth texture made it a favorite, especially at beach bars and poolside parties.
4. Grasshopper
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then the Grasshopper is the drink for you. This minty, creamy cocktail was a dessert in a glass and a staple at 70s dinner parties. The bright green color (thanks to the crème de menthe) made it visually striking, while its smooth, rich flavor made it a beloved after-dinner treat.
Perfect for those who loved indulgent, dessert-like drinks, the Grasshopper was a sweet finish to any 70s soirée.
5. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander had been around since the early 20th century, but it gained new popularity in the 70s as a luxurious, after-dinner cocktail. Creamy and decadent, this drink featured brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, making it the perfect cocktail for a sophisticated night in.
The Brandy Alexander’s smooth, rich flavor made it a favorite at upscale parties and bars, perfect for those looking to indulge in a little decadence.
6. Blue Lagoon
Another eye-catching drink, the Blue Lagoon was all about presentation. Its bright blue hue, thanks to blue curaçao, made it a standout on any bar. Vodka and lemonade rounded out this refreshingly sweet cocktail, often served at beach bars and summer parties.
The Blue Lagoon captured the 70s obsession with colorful, visually striking drinks that would transport you somewhere – more often than not on a luxurious beach, giving you a taste of holidays in a glass. It wasn’t just about the flavor—it was about how cool it looked sitting on the bar or in your hand.
7. Mai Tai
Although the Mai Tai had its origins in tiki culture before the 70s, it gained mainstream popularity during this decade. Tiki bars were all the rage, and the Mai Tai, with its blend of rum, lime, triple sec and orgeat (almond syrup), became a favorite.
This cocktail transported drinkers to tropical locales, and its vibrant, layered flavors made it an enduring favorite.
8. Tom Collins
A classic that made a comeback in the 70s, the Tom Collins is a simple but refreshing gin cocktail that has been around for over a century. The Tom Collins simply combines gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and club soda. Its light, zesty flavor made it a great contrast to the heavier, sweeter drinks of the 70s.
The Tom Collins’ simplicity and balance made it a great choice for anyone looking for something crisp and refreshing, and is still a very popular cocktail option for gin lovers today.
Related – 23 Collins Cocktails and Variations : John Collins – Cucumber Collins – Brandy Collins
9. Godfather
The Godfather cocktail wasn’t just a drink; it was a tribute to one of the decade’s most iconic cultural phenomena. Named after The Godfather novel by Mario Puzo (1969) and the subsequent films in the 1970s, this cocktail mirrored the smooth yet powerful allure of the Corleone family.
Just like the movies, this cocktail is dark, moody, and powerful, made with equal parts Scotch whisky and amaretto. Often served over ice, it was the perfect sipper for anyone seeking a taste of 1970s elegance with a hint of mafia-inspired grit.
Related: The 10 Best Scotch Cocktails
10. Blue Hawaii
Lastly, we couldn’t forget the Blue Hawaii, a cocktail that epitomized the 70s obsession with colorful drinks. Made with blue curaçao, vodka, rum, and pineapple juice, this eye-catching cocktail was all about fun.
The bright blue hue of this cocktail made it a fun, tropical drink that was a hit at bars, beaches, and parties throughout the 70s.
Although this cocktail seems to have been around since the late 1930s, it is possible that it made a great comeback thanks, for one thing, to the era love for colorful cocktail but, also, to a marketing push by Bols, the blue curaçao original brand, and to the release of Elvis Presley’s musical “Blue Hawaii” in 1961.
How to Throw a 70s-Themed Cocktail Party
Want to bring the spirit of the 70s back to life? These cocktails are a great start, but it’s all about creating the right vibe. Here are a few tips:
- Music: Get a disco playlist ready. Think Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and ABBA.
- Décor: Lava lamps, neon lights, and shag carpets will set the mood.
- Glassware: Serve your drinks in tall hurricane glasses, tiki mugs, and highballs for that authentic 70s look.
And mostly: don’t forget your blue curaçao and your bright red candied cherries for garnishing!
We may have left the 1970s behind, but these cocktails are experiencing a modern revival. There’s something nostalgic and playful about the bright colors and bold flavors of the 1970s. Even today, we see a resurgence of 70s cocktails in popular culture. Shows like Mad Men have brought back the nostalgia of retro cocktails, and bartenders are giving modern twists to 70s classics.
So, if you’re hosting a 70s-themed party or just want to enjoy a blast from the past, these cocktails are the perfect way to add a little disco decadence to your glass!
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