📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 20%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 11g
Prep time 4 minutes
Imagine sipping on a story, where each sip takes you back in time and around the world. That’s the 20th Century cocktail for you—a blend of gin, lemon, chocolate, and a hint of sophistication. Let’s embark on a journey to explore its history, taste, and how to craft this classic drink perfectly. Ready to shake up some history in a glass? Let’s dive in! ⬇️
History
The 20th Century cocktail was born in the early 1900s, named after the famous 20th Century Limited train. It quickly became a symbol of elegance and luxury. This drink captures the spirit of an era known for its innovation and cultural milestones.
- The 20th Century cocktail was created by a British bartender named C.A. Tuck.
- It first appeared in print in 1937 in the “Café Royal Cocktail Book”.
- Its name reflects the optimism and progressiveness of the early 20th century.
The taste of a 20th Century?
A sip of the 20th Century cocktail is like tasting a liquid symphony, with sweet and tart notes playing together harmoniously. The combination of gin’s botanicals, the sharpness of lemon, and the luxurious hint of chocolate create a memorable flavor journey.
I find the 20th Century cocktail irresistibly charming, with its perfect balance of zesty and sweet, wrapped in a velvety layer of chocolate—it’s like a sip of history with every glass.
Interesting facts about 20th Century
- The train it’s named after was known as “The Most Famous Train in the World”.
- Despite its early creation, the 20th Century cocktail gained popularity in the 21st century.
- It’s part of the “Corpse Reviver family,” a group of cocktails designed as hangover cures.
Ingredients 📃
- Gin: 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Lillet Blanc: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Crème de cacao (white): 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.75 oz (22ml)
A Coupe glass is the ideal vessel for a 20th Century, its broad bowl allows the aromas to mingle, enhancing the drinker’s experience. Alternatively, a Martini glass can also cradle this timeless concoction beautifully.
Recipe. How to make 20th Century 🍹
- Fill a shaker with ice and add 1.5 oz of gin.
- Pour in 0.75 oz of Lillet Blanc and 0.5 oz of Crème de cacao.
- Squeeze in 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Shake well, then strain into your chilled glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon for an elegant finish.
The 20th Century cocktail, while a delight to the senses, contains alcohol and sugar which should be enjoyed in moderation. For a healthier twist, try substituting the crème de cacao with a natural chocolate essence and a dash of sweetener like stevia.
Food Pairings
Pairing foods with a 20th Century cocktail can elevate both the drink and the dish. Here are some perfect matches that complement the unique flavors of this classic cocktail.
Decadent Desserts
The subtle chocolate notes in the 20th Century make it a divine partner for desserts like chocolate mousse or a lemon tart. The contrasting flavors create a dance of sweet and tart on your palate.
Seafood
The botanicals in gin and the crispness of lemon juice enhance the fresh, briny flavors of oysters and sushi. It’s a pairing that transports you to the seaside with each bite and sip.
Spicy Appetizers
The sweetness of the 20th Century can cut through the heat of spicy dishes like Thai spring rolls or jalapeño poppers, offering a refreshing reprieve.
I truly enjoy the 20th Century’s whimsical dance of flavors—the chocolate whispers and the citrus zing make it a perfect partner for both storytelling and sipping.
🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
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Bartender Advice
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more authentic taste.
- Chill the glass beforehand to keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Balance is key; measure ingredients carefully to maintain the cocktail’s classic harmony.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic 20th Century, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in 20th Century
- Lillet Blanc: Can be substituted with another aromatized wine or dry vermouth.
- Gin: A citrus-forward gin can add a refreshing twist.
- Crème de cacao: Experiment with different chocolate liqueurs for varying depths of flavor.
20th Century Variations
21st Century
- Ingredients: Swap gin for tequila and add a dash of absinthe.
- Recipe: Follow the classic recipe, adding the absinthe before shaking.
Chocolate Century
- Ingredients: Increase crème de cacao and add chocolate bitters.
- Recipe: Stir in the bitters with the other ingredients and shake well.
Citrus Century
- Ingredients: Include orange liqueur and a splash of soda water.
- Recipe: Add orange liqueur to the mix and top with soda after shaking.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the gin with non-alcoholic spirit and use a chocolate syrup mixed with water in place of crème de cacao. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy a Virgin 20th Century!
Q&A
Can I make a 20th Century without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just swap the gin for a non-alcoholic spirit and the crème de cacao for a chocolate syrup concoction.
Is the 20th Century cocktail sweet or sour?
It’s a delightful balance of both! The sweetness of the chocolate liqueur and the sourness of the lemon juice create a harmonious taste.
What’s the best chocolate liqueur to use?
A white crème de cacao is traditional, but feel free to experiment with other chocolate liqueurs to find your favorite.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best! Bottled juice can taste quite different and may affect the cocktail’s balance.
Why is it called the 20th Century cocktail?
It’s named after a luxurious train that represented the height of progress and elegance in the early 1900s.
What food can I serve with a 20th Century?
It pairs beautifully with seafood, spicy appetizers, and decadent desserts, enhancing the flavors of both the drink and the dish.
