The Hippest Cocktails of the 1970s

The 1970s was a decade of disco, bold fashion, and adventurous new flavors behind the bar. As American tastes evolved, so did the cocktail scene—embracing bright colors, exotic liqueurs, and over-the-top garnishes. Whether you want to master the classics or add retro flair to your modern menu, here’s your guide to the hippest 1970s cocktails every bartender should know.

1. Harvey Wallbanger

Vibrant, fun, and legend in its own time.

This drink was born in the late 60s but took over the 70s with slick marketing. Galliano (a bright, vanilla-herbal Italian liqueur) made it an instant visual standout.

Recipe:

1.5 oz vodka
4 oz orange juice
0.5 oz Galliano (float on top)

Method:
Build over ice in a highball glass, top with Galliano, garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

2. Tequila Sunrise

The ultimate 70s cocktail: bright, layered, and rock-n-roll famous.

Thanks to the Eagles and Rolling Stones, this drink became a global hit, embodying the carefree West Coast vibe.

Recipe:

2 oz tequila
4 oz orange juice
0.5 oz grenadine

Method:
Build in an ice-filled highball glass. Slowly pour grenadine to sink and create the “sunrise” effect. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

3. Grasshopper

A dessert cocktail with major kitsch appeal.

In the 70s, people loved “after-dinner drinks,” and few were more popular than this minty green classic.

Recipe:

1 oz green crème de menthe
1 oz white crème de cacao
1 oz cream

Method:
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass.

4. Brandy Alexander

Smooth, creamy sophistication.

A retro-luxe staple at dinner parties, this drink bridged the gap between old-school brandy drinkers and 70s sweet-tooth trends.

Recipe:

1 oz brandy
1 oz dark crème de cacao
1 oz cream

Method:
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

5. White Russian

Thanks to the 1970s love of cream liqueurs, this one boomed.

Though invented earlier, it surged in popularity in the 70s when coffee liqueurs became bar essentials.

Recipe:

2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
1 oz cream

Method:
Build over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Stir gently.

6. Piña Colada

Sweet, tropical, and escapist perfection.

Blenders ruled the 70s bar, and this creamy Puerto Rican classic was the star.

Recipe:

2 oz light rum
1 oz coconut cream
3 oz pineapple juice

Method:
Blend with ice until smooth. Serve in a hurricane or specialty glass with pineapple wedge and cherry.

7. Blue Hawaii

Because the 70s loved color, and nothing was as electric as blue curaçao.

Invented in the 1950s, it dominated tiki menus in the 70s as themed bars boomed.

Recipe:

0.75 oz light rum
0.75 oz vodka
0.5 oz blue curaçao
3 oz pineapple juice
1 oz sweet and sour mix

Method:
Shake with ice and strain into a hurricane glass over fresh ice.

Why Learn These Drinks?

These cocktails aren’t just historical curiosities—they’re fun, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for theme nights or updating with craft twists. At National Bartending School, we teach classic recipes like these alongside modern mixology trends so you’ll be ready for any customer request.

Want to level up your bartending skills? Enroll today and learn the art of mixing vintage cool with today’s precision.

Looking to host a groovy shindig without the hassle? Learn more here.