THE 20TH CENTURY
The 20th Century Cocktail features gin, Lillet blanc, white creme de cacao and lemon juice. According to William J. Tarling’s 1937 “Cafe Royal Cocktail Book,” it was created by British bartender C.A. Tuck and named for the luxurious 20th Century Limited passenger train that ran between New York City and Chicago from 1902 to 1967. At first glance, the ingredients comprising the drink may seem strange. Gin’s dry nature and botanical flavor profile pair perfectly with Lillet blanc, a light and floral aromatized wine. But creme de cacao (a chocolate-flavored liqueur) and tart lemon juice do not scream synergy. However, something magical happens when you merge everything. The Lillet blanc softens the gin, while the creme de cacao adds a touch of sweetness that’s balanced by the lemon juice. And when you break down the recipe, it’s really just a riff on the Corpse Reviver No. 2, with the creme de cacao taking the place of the orange liqueur.
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) Gin
- 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) Vermouth
- 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) White Crème de Cacao
- 3/4 oz. (22.5 ml) Lemon Juice
Method
- 1. Add the gin, Lillet blanc, white creme de cacao and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled for about 15 seconds.
2. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist.
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