20th Century
22%
ABV
180
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass thoroughly.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
Double-strain into the chilled glass.
Glassware
Served 'up' in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Garnish
Express oils over the drink, then drop in
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a high-quality, less sweet white crème de cacao to avoid a cloying drink; Tempus Fugit or Giffard are excellent choices.
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for essential brightness and balance.
Ensure your coupe or Nick & Nora glass is thoroughly chilled before straining to maintain the perfect temperature.
Double-straining is key to achieving a silky-smooth texture free of ice chips.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the 20th Century.
Other Variations
Original 1937 Ratio
The original recipe from the Café Royal book, which uses equal parts of the modifiers, resulting in a sweeter profile.
Changes
Drier Approach
A modern, more gin-forward take that reduces the sweetness from the crème de cacao.
Changes
Corpse Reviver #2
A close relative that swaps the crème de cacao for orange liqueur (like Cointreau) and adds a dash of absinthe.
Changes
History & Heritage
Created by British bartender C.A. Tuck and first published in the 1937 'Café Royal Cocktail Book'. The cocktail is named for the luxurious 20th Century Limited passenger train, reflecting the Art Deco elegance and innovation of the era.
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bee's Knees
Prohibition-era gin, lemon, and honey shaken into a bright, velvety sour whose sweetness once softened rough bathtub gin.
Lavender Bee's Knees
A modern classic that elevates the Prohibition-era Bee's Knees with the aromatic allure of lavender, showcasing the beautiful synergy between botanical gin, tart lemon, sweet honey, and herbal lavender.
Army & Navy
A refined gin sour sweetened with almond orgeat and seasoned with Angostura—silky, citrusy, and gently spiced.
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