Who invented the Twentieth Century Cocktail?

The Twentieth Century Cocktail was invented by British bartender C.A. Tuck.

What inspired the Twentieth Century Cocktail?

It was inspired by the 20th Century Limited luxury passenger train that ran between New York City and Chicago.

When did the 20th Century Cocktail first appear?

It first appeared in Harry Craddock’s 1937 Savoy Cocktail Book.

What are the ingredients of the 20th Century Cocktail?

Gin, Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano), white crème de cacao, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a lemon twist garnish.

What makes the 20th Century Cocktail unique?

Its unusual combination of gin, citrus, Lillet Blanc, and crème de cacao creates a balanced flavour that is citrusy, floral, and subtly chocolatey.

Why is the 20th Century Cocktail historically significant?

It reflects the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco era and was named after the iconic 20th Century Limited train.

The 20th Century Cocktail Recipe

Q: How is the 20th Century Cocktail assembled?

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake until chilled for about 15 seconds, fine-strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Jan 27, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Dec 12, 2025

The Twentieth Century was invested by British bartender C.A. Tuck inspired by the famous and luxurious passenger train that ran between New York City and Chicago from 1902 to 1967. The drink was fitting the trains elegant travel accommodation and opulent dining cart.

The 20th Century Cocktail is a classic gin cocktail with a rich history rooted in the 1930s. Named after the 20th Century Limited, the iconic luxury passenger train that connected New York City and Chicago, the drink was designed to reflect the modernity, sophistication, and elegance of the Art Deco era. The train itself was celebrated for its streamlined design, first-class service, and distinctive red-carpet rollout, making it a symbol of glamour and innovation. The cocktail mirrored this image with a refined and forward-looking flavour profile.

Originally appearing in Harry Craddock’s 1937 Savoy Cocktail Book, the 20th Century Cocktail is attributed to the British bartender C.A. Tuck. Its recipe is notable for combining gin, Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano), fresh lemon juice, and crème de cacao, producing a uniquely balanced drink that is citrusy, floral, and subtly chocolatey. This unusual combination set it apart from other pre-Prohibition and early 20th-century gin cocktails, offering complexity and elegance in every sip.

Despite fading in popularity during the mid-20th century, the cocktail experienced a revival during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s. Modern mixologists appreciate it for its historical significance and versatile flavour profile, often featuring it as a sophisticated alternative to classics like the Martini or Aviation.

Today, the 20th Century Cocktail remains a celebrated example of Art Deco-era mixology, combining a juniper-forward gin base with citrus and cocoa notes. Its enduring appeal lies in both its historical context and its refined, modern taste, making it a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders seeking a drink that bridges vintage glamour and contemporary sophistication.

Twentieth Century Cocktail

Ingredients

1 ½ oz of gin
½ oz of Lillet Blanc
½ oz of White crème de cacao
3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Use a lemon twist as a garnish

Assembly Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled for about 15 seconds. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe, and top with a lemon twist as garnish.