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