Disco Cocktails: 40 Classic & Kitsch Party Drinks from the 70s

40 fun retro recipes for drinks that sum up the upbeat, carefree and vibrant vibe of the disco era.

The upbeat, carefree and vibrant vibe of the disco era was something that allowed people a momentary reprieve from everyday life, and the fun drinks on offer where a huge part of that scene. These so-called ＂disco drinks＂ are now making a comeback--defined as cocktails that visually interpret and sum up the spirit of that time. They boast bright colors, sweet flavors, and amusing, sometimes outrageous, blush-inducing names!

Familiar classics such as Between the Sheets, Midori Sour, and Blue Lagoon until recently seen as a bit ＂kitsch＂ or passé are attracting a new following from a generation who don’t remember them from the first time round, as well as returning fans as the quality of ingredients has improved in the intervening decades.

Revisit the iconic drinks you once loved or try fresh new concoctions inspired by this exciting emerging trend. From Murder on the Dancefloor and Soul Train to Thank Funk It’s Friday, these disco-inspired beverages will have you slipping on your boogie shoes in just a few delicious sips!

David T. Smith is a drinks writer who has contributed to numerous publications, including the best-selling Gin Tonica and Negroni for Ryland Peters & Small. He is a senior judge for international spirits competitions, a member of The Gin Guild and, in 2021, was the 7th person to be inducted into the Gin Hall of Fame. Keli Rivers’ career has taken her from a ginnoisseur at San Francisco’s Whitechapel to Sipsmith US Brand Ambassador. She has 30 years under her belt working in the hospitality industry all over the world and lives in Brooklyn, NY.