20th Century Boy

The story

The 20th Century Boy cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the classic 20th Century cocktail from the early 20th century. The original drink is believed to have been invented in the 1930s, featuring gin, crème de cacao, and vermouth. This variation incorporates Cocchi Americano and Crème de Violette, reflecting contemporary tastes and the resurgence of classic cocktails. Its unique flavor profile and balance of sweetness and acidity have contributed to its popularity in craft cocktail bars.

How it tastes

The 20th Century Boy offers a complex flavor profile with floral notes from the Crème de Violette, balanced by the sweetness of the white crème de cacao and the bitterness of Cocchi Americano. The fresh lemon juice adds a bright acidity, making it a refreshing choice for pre-dinner drinks or evening cocktails.

Getting it right

To achieve the perfect 20th Century Boy, it's crucial to shake the ingredients vigorously to ensure proper dilution and integration of flavors. Straining into a Nick & Nora glass helps maintain the cocktail's elegance and keeps it chilled without ice shards.

Variations

• 20th Century — The original 20th Century cocktail features gin, sweet vermouth, crème de cacao, and lemon juice, offering a slightly different flavor profile with a more pronounced herbal note.
• 20th Century Martini — A variation that replaces the crème de cacao with dry vermouth, focusing on a drier, more herbal taste while maintaining the citrus and floral elements.

Substitutions

• Aviation American gin — Any quality gin can be used, though a floral or citrus-forward gin will best complement the other ingredients.
• Cocchi Americano Bianco — A suitable substitute is Lillet Blanc or another dry vermouth, though this will alter the flavor slightly.

Questions

What is Crème de Violette?

Crème de Violette is a sweet, floral liqueur made from violet flowers. It adds a distinct floral note and a beautiful color to cocktails.

Can I make this cocktail in advance?

It's best to prepare the 20th Century Boy fresh to maintain its flavor and presentation. However, you can pre-measure the ingredients and shake them just before serving.

What glass should I use?

The 20th Century Boy is traditionally served in a Nick & Nora glass, which enhances the drinking experience with its elegant shape.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026