In with the Old, Out with the New

By Jadrian Klinger

Retro Cocktails in the Capital City

Even after years, decades or centuries, and old standard never truly goes out of style. It may, perhaps, fall from favor, lying momentarily dormant until a new spark of interest resurrects it.  Trends change and often repeat, and a classic seems to always find its way back into popularity.  And when it comes to the joys of an extended “most certainly unrelated to work” lunch, stress-relieving happy hour, a long-overdue night out or just a few laughs with friends, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic appeal or the newly discovered allure of a retro cocktail to fuel the fun.  As the saying sort of goes, “Out with the new and in with the old.”

In search of spirits reborn from the bygone, Harrisburg Magazine took on the enviable task of finding some of the finest retro cocktails – some with a modern twist – in the capital city.

Blackberry Vesper @ Buddha Buddha

Gin, vodka, Lillet, orange bitters and blackberry preserves

Italian Manhattan @ Zia’s at Red Door

Bourbon, amaretto and maraschino liqueur

Moscow Mule @ The Sturges Speakeasy

Vodka, lime juice and ginger beer in a copper mug

Tom Collins @ The Bar at the Hilton Harrisburg

Gin, club soda, sour mix

Cucumber Mint Gimlet @ Café Fresco

Gin, lime juice, mint simple syrup and cucumber

Stinger @ Carley’s Ristorante & Piano Bar

Brandy and crème de menthe