12 Cocktails That the 1970s Elite Loved To Drink

Two tropical cocktails with dark and light layers are garnished with pineapple slices and purple flowers, placed on a ledge with a blurred seascape in the background.
Maridav/istockphoto

Two cocktail trends reigned supreme among the 1970s elite: creamy, dessert-like drinks and colorful, tropical cocktails with fruit garnishes. Whether at an upscale dinner party or a swanky lounge, these drinks made a statement — rich and indulgent or bright and lively, they were crafted to impress.

These are some of the cocktails that only the classiest folks drank during the 1970s.

1. White Russian

A hand pours cream into a glass of iced coffee, creating a swirling effect. Another glass of iced coffee sits beside it on a stone coaster. Coffee beans and two straws are scattered on the table. A metal shaker and strainer are in the background.
MurzikNata / istockphoto
MurzikNata / istockphoto

The white Russian epitomized 1970s decadence, blending vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream into a cocktail that felt as indulgent as dessert. Whether sipped at a chic lounge or a private party, it gave off a vibe of effortless sophistication.

2. Grasshopper

Two martini glasses filled with a light green creamy cocktail, garnished with mint leaves, are placed on a gray textured surface. A cocktail shaker and muddler are visible in the background.
MurzikNata / istockphoto
MurzikNata / istockphoto

Minty and sweet with a touch of flair, the grasshopper was a favorite among those who wanted their cocktails to double as dessert. Its light green color and creamy texture made it a fun, whimsical choice for anyone seeking a drink that felt indulgent yet lighthearted.

3. Brandy Alexander

Two vintage-style coupe glasses filled with creamy eggnog, dusted with nutmeg, are placed on a wooden board. A metal jigger lies nearby, and the background features a rustic wooden surface with some rope.
bhofack2 / istockphoto
bhofack2 / istockphoto

The brandy Alexander carried a legacy of sophistication, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century. But it truly shined in the 1970s as a symbol of refined indulgence. With its mix of brandy and crème de cacao, it was a classic drink with a touch of glamour.

4. Martini

Two martini glasses with skewered olives placed on a wooden table next to a bowl of green olives and a shiny cocktail shaker. The background is black, highlighting the elegance of the setup.
Kristina Maksymova / istockphoto
Kristina Maksymova / istockphoto

The martini, a cocktail steeped in history, became a staple of 1970s elite culture, embodying both elegance and versatility. Though it originated in the late 19th century, its allure was (and still is) ever-present, whether served classic with gin and dry vermouth or modernized with vodka. 

5. Pink Squirrel

A pink cocktail garnished with a cherry in a martini glass on a pink surface. Shadows are visible on the background. A small bowl of fresh strawberries is on the left side.
5PH/istockphoto
5PH/istockphoto

The Pink Squirrel was the epitome of retro charm, with its blush hue and creamy, nutty flavor. Originally crafted in the 1940s at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee, it gained newfound popularity in the 1970s as a playful yet indulgent option. Made with crème de noyaux, crème de cacao, and cream, it was a sweet treat that felt both nostalgic and stylish.

6. Singapore Sling

Top view of a red cocktail with a frothy surface, garnished with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry on top. Two black straws are inserted in the drink. The background features a black and white patterned surface.
Jonas Listl / istockphoto
Jonas Listl / istockphoto

The Singapore sling was a vibrant gin-based drink, concocted with cherry liqueur, herbal Bénédictine, citrus, and soda for a complex yet refreshing experience. Its tropical flair and striking color made it a favorite during the 1970s.

7. Harvey Wallbanger

Two glasses of orange cocktails with black straws and lime wedges on the rim, against a warm, blurred bar background.
ivanmateev / istockphoto
ivanmateev / istockphoto

The Harvey Wallbanger became a 1970s icon with its bright, citrusy base and cheeky backstory. A twist on the classic screwdriver, it featured vodka, orange juice, and a splash of Galliano, an Italian herbal liqueur, for that signature golden finish. The drink was supposedly named after a surfer who stumbled into a bar after a rough day.

8. Godfather

A glass of whiskey with a large ice cube placed on a marbled surface. The scene is dimly lit, casting a soft shadow and creating a contrast against the dark background, highlighting the amber color of the liquid.
Ekaterina Molchanova / istockphoto
Ekaterina Molchanova / istockphoto

Smooth, strong, and undeniably cool, the Godfather cocktail oozed the kind of understated power that the movie character who inspired it is known for. Made with just scotch and amaretto, it was simple yet rich. As Don Vito Corleone famously said, “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse” — and after one sip of this drink, you might just find yourself agreeing.

9. Tequila Sunrise

A cocktail with orange and red layers, garnished with a sprig of rosemary, sits on a marble countertop. The background features tufted brown upholstery.
izikMd / istockphoto
izikMd / istockphoto

With its vibrant, sunrise-like layers of orange and red, the tequila sunrise was as visually stunning as it was refreshing. Created in the 1930s in California, it found new life in the 1970s, becoming a symbol of easygoing, beachy vibes. A blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, it was the perfect cocktail for lounging by the pool or celebrating a carefree night. Plus, it just looked like a party in a glass.

10. Piña Colada

Three tiki-style glasses filled with yellow frozen drinks are garnished with pineapple slices, cherries, and striped straws. They are arranged on a marble board with pineapple leaves around them, and a jigger is nearby. A light blue background is visible.
VeselovaElena / istockphoto
VeselovaElena / istockphoto

The piña colada took center stage as the go-to vacation drink of the 1970s. While it originated in Puerto Rico in the 1950s, its popularity exploded in the next decade, becoming a symbol of escape and indulgence. With rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice blended into a smooth, creamy concoction, it was like a mini tropical getaway in every sip — whether you were actually at the beach or just wishing you were.

11. Golden Cadillac

A frothy, light beige drink in an elegant glass, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, placed on a textured blue-gray surface.
AlexPro9500 / istockphoto
AlexPro9500 / istockphoto

Born in the 1950s at a California bar, the golden Cadillac cocktail (not car) became a 1970s favorite thanks to its rich, smooth flavors and signature golden hue. A mix of Galliano, crème de cacao, and cream, it was dessert-like, perfect for sipping slowly after dinner. 

12. Blue Hawaii

Two vibrant blue cocktails garnished with orange slices and cherries, set against a blurred background. Each glass has a sugar-rimmed edge and a straw, creating a festive and refreshing appearance.
Elena Igonina / istockphoto
Elena Igonina / istockphoto

If you haven’t noticed by now, the 1970s elite were enamored with colorful, tropical cocktails, and blue Hawaii was one of their favorites, combining rum, pineapple juice, and blue Curacao.

Author
Rachel Schneider

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and English. Throughout her career, she has dabbled in a variety of subject matter from finance and higher education to lifestyle pieces and food writing. She also enjoys writing stories based on social media trends. Find her on Instagram @rachel.schneider922