During the 1940s, many cocktails were created to not only help people deal with the difficulties of war, but also to replace scarce materials that they no longer had access to. Many of the drinks people order today at a bar have their roots in wartime. Here are a few popular cocktails of the 1940s.

What Cocktails Were Popular in the 1940s?

1. Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary cocktails are one of the most popular drinks served during brunch these days. However, not many people are aware that the vodka and tomato infused cocktail gained popularity at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the 1920s. Famous bartender Ferdinand “Pete” Petiot was the first to mix equal parts of tomato juice and vodka. Sophisticated cocktail drinkers though thought the cocktail tasted bland and requested for Petiot to spice it up. He then added cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and black pepper to give the drink a kick.

2. French 75

If you love the taste of champagne, but wish it had more potency, you’ll enjoy the French 75. Made with gin, lemon juice, syrup, and champagne, the French 75 was frequently a toasting drink of celebrities and aristocrats at the famous Stork Club. The cocktail received its name from a 75mm Howitzer field gun used in World War I and also in the 1942 film Casablanca.

3. Sidecar

A famous origin story of the sidecar states that it originated in World War I when a U.S. army captain had someone escort him to and from his favorite Parisian bar in the sidecar of a motorcycle. The cocktail is made with orange liqueur, brandy, and lemon juice, and was likely thought of as a ladies’ drink at one time because the rim has a sugar coating. However, it’s less sweet than many cocktails served today and goes well with numerous meals.

If you want to try these wartime drinks, stop by Starlite Lounge & Banquet Room in Lincoln, NE. The local bar and cocktail lounge has a 1940’s atmosphere, with vintage furniture and smooth jazz music, and is a fantastic place to spend an evening with your friends. As you’re sipping on tasty craft cocktails made by the lounge’s skilled bartenders, you will enjoy the smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and more. For more information about their services, call (402) 475-8822 or visit their website.