20th Century Cocktail Recipe

The 20th Century cocktail is a classic gin cocktail that was named after the 20th Century Limited train that ran between New York and Chicago from 1902 until 1967. This train was known for its elegant and luxurious service, and the cocktail reflects this with its sophisticated and complex flavor profile. It was first published in 1937 in the Cafe Royal Cocktail Book. This cocktail would be enjoyed by those who appreciate a well-balanced drink with a hint of chocolate.

The 20th Century cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The gin provides a strong, yet smooth base, the Lillet Blanc adds a sweet and fruity touch, the lemon juice brings a refreshing sourness, and the crème de cacao gives it a unique chocolatey finish.

• The 20th Century cocktail is often served in a coupe glass, which was originally designed for champagne.
• Despite its name, the cocktail does not contain any ingredients that are particularly representative of the 20th century.
• The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist to enhance its citrus notes.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and crème de cacao.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

• Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Chill your glass before serving to keep your cocktail cold longer.
• Don't overdo it with the crème de cacao, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.

Food Pairings

• Fresh Seafood: The bright citrus notes of the 20th Century cocktail complement the delicate flavors of oysters, sushi, or ceviche.
• Soft Cheeses: Try it with a creamy goat cheese or brie which can balance the cocktail's acidity.
• Light Pasta Dishes: Dishes with a lemon butter sauce will echo the citrus in the cocktail while adding a rich contrast.

Drink Pairings

• Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips without competing with the complex flavors.
• Mild Herbal Tea: A tea like chamomile can be a calming post-drink beverage that doesn't overpower the 20th Century's profile.

• Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
• Lillet Blanc: If you can't find Lillet Blanc, you can use another sweet white vermouth.
• White Crème de Cacao: You can replace this with dark crème de cacao for a more robust chocolate flavor.

New Century

• Muscat Dessert Wine instead of Lillet Blanc
• Add a dash of orange bitters
• Garnish with an orange twist This version is sweeter with an enhanced citrus aroma, steering the drink into a new century of flavor.

21st Century

• Use cold brew coffee in place of creme de cacao
• Add a pinch of sea salt
• Add chocolate bitters The 21st Century twist combines a caffeinated kick with a touch of salt, resulting in a more savory and modern cocktail.

Space Age Century

• Substitute blue curaçao for creme de cacao
• Add a splash of tonic water
• Use a grapefruit twist instead of lemon The Space Age Century turns your drink into an otherworldly blue, with a bitter twist from the grapefruit and tonic adding an effervescent zing.