Taylor Swift said it best—90s trends come back strong. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a resurgence in the clothing and beauty that defined the final decade of the 20th century, and now, the cocktails of the 90s have begun to make a comeback as well. Whether you were around to enjoy them the first time around or came of age in more recent years, read on for some nostalgic cocktail recipes that’ll have you breaking out your chokers and flannel shirts.
Appletini
Don’t let the name fool you—to be classified as a Martini, a drink needs to contain gin and vermouth, and the Appletini contains neither. What Appletinis do contain does vary a bit depending on the bar, but typically, you can expect the cocktail to be made with some combination of vodka, apple schnapps, and Cointreau. Served in a Martini glass, of course.
Cosmopolitan
While the history of the cosmopolitan can actually be traced back to the 1930s, the drink didn’t become popular until about 60 years later when Carrie Bradshaw was seen ordering them on Sex and the City. Made with vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, and lime, cosmos are known for their iconic pink color and sweet, tangy flavor that’s dangerously easy to drink.
Espresso Martini
Another misnomer, espresso martinis have more in common with Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos than they do actual martinis, but that didn’t stop people from enjoying them in the 90s and it’s not about to start. They’re made with vodka, Kahlúa, sugar, and espresso and are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a little buzz with their booze.
