We’re rolling out the imaginary red carpet for this week’s recipe: the 20th Century cocktail. Named after the luxury express passenger train that connected New York City and Chicago from 1902 to 1967, this drink was created by English barkeep C.A. Tuck and first appeared in William J. Tarling's Café Royal Cocktail Book published in 1937.
Before you think we’ve gone completely off the rails adding chocolate and lemon to our shaker, hear us out. While it might sound unusual on paper, this cocktail’s ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
Equal parts bright citrus, subtle cocoa and smooth botanicals perform a delicate dance of flavors that unfold with every sip. If there's ever been an argument for using Crème de Cacao in a cocktail, this is it.
P.S. If you enjoy the 20th Century, be sure to try the Corpse Reviver #2 — essentially the same cocktail with orange liqueur subbed for cacao – or the Sunflower.
Add all ingredients to your Hybrid Cocktail Shaker with ice and shake for 20-30 seconds.
Strain into a Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with lemon.
Notes:
The original 20th Century recipe featured Kina Lillet, which was reformulated in 1986 to Lillet Blanc. And while you can certainly use Lillet in this cocktail, we recommend subbing in Cocchi Americano for the truest recreation.
