A Train Ride in a Glass
The Twentieth Century Cocktail, a classic gin-based libation, is not named for the era but rather for the iconic 20th Century Limited train. This luxurious train, which ran between New York City and Chicago from 1902 to 1967, was a symbol of sophistication and travel during its time. The cocktail seeks to embody the same elegance and refinement. Created by British bartender C.A. Tuck, it first appeared in print in William J. Tarling’s 1937 “Cafe Royal Cocktail Book”.
The Origins of a Classic
C.A. Tuck, a prominent London bartender, is credited with inventing the drink. The cocktail is a tribute to the famed train, known for its opulent amenities and Art Deco design. The 20th Century Limited was advertised as “The Most Famous Train in the World” and its popularity peaked in 1938 when a new streamlined, Art Deco style locomotive and passenger cars came into service. This timing, however, is a year after the cocktail was published, which adds a touch of mystery to its origin story. It’s a drink that seems to bridge the gap between the roaring twenties and the late 1930s, capturing the spirit of both eras.
Decoding the Ingredients
The Twentieth Century cocktail features a unique blend of flavors that might seem unusual at first glance. It combines gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc (or a similar aperitif wine), and white crème de cacao. This mix creates a complex, surprisingly harmonious taste profile.
Key Components and Their Roles:
- Gin: London Dry Gin is the classic choice, providing a strong botanical base for the cocktail. Its juniper notes offer a crisp, dry counterpoint to the other ingredients.
- Lillet Blanc: This French aperitif wine adds a subtly sweet, floral, and slightly herbal note to the drink. It is a key component in achieving the drink’s refined balance. Some variations use Cocchi Americano as a substitute.
- White Crème de Cacao: This liqueur brings a gentle chocolate flavor without being overly sweet or heavy. It provides a crucial layer of richness and complexity, ensuring the drink isn’t too tart. It is very important to use a quality crème de cacao to avoid any unpleasant or artificial notes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This ingredient is essential for the cocktail’s brightness and acidity, which balances the sweetness of the other ingredients and prevents the drink from becoming cloying. The lemon is what brings everything together.
The Importance of Balance
The success of a Twentieth Century cocktail lies in the precise balance of its components. The proportions are critical, and even slight variations can alter the overall taste. Too much lemon, and the drink becomes too tart; too much crème de cacao, and it veers into overly sweet territory. A well-made Twentieth Century has a bright, high-acid profile with a subtle chocolate undertone.
How to Make a Twentieth Century Cocktail
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this classic cocktail:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 0.75 oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)
- 0.75 oz White Crème de Cacao
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional, but recommended)
- Coupe or cocktail glass
Instructions:
- Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice while you prepare the drink.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, Lillet Blanc, white crème de cacao, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake Well: Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to ensure the drink is thoroughly chilled and mixed.
- Double Strain: Remove the ice from the chilled glass. Double strain the cocktail into your chilled glass, using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer (optional) to remove any ice shards.
- Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink, then use the twist as a garnish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your expertly crafted Twentieth Century cocktail right away.
Tips for the Perfect Cocktail:
- Use Fresh Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice won’t provide the same brightness.
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality gin and crème de cacao for optimal results.
- Adjust to Taste: While the recipe above is a standard one, you may want to adjust the ratios slightly to suit your preference.
- Don’t Over-shake: Shaking for too long can dilute the drink and compromise its flavor.
Variations and Twists
While the classic recipe is timeless, there are several variations that bartenders and enthusiasts have created over the years. These variations often tweak the ingredients to bring different flavor profiles to the forefront.
Notable Variations:
- Using Cocchi Americano: This aperitif is a popular substitute for Lillet Blanc, offering a slightly more bitter and herbal flavor profile.
- Amaro Meletti: Some variations use Amaro Meletti, an herbal digestif with notes of anise and saffron, to replace the crème de cacao. This can be combined with chocolate bitters for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Different Crème de Cacao: Experimenting with different brands of crème de cacao, including a good dark crème de cacao, can influence the final taste. Some brands are sweeter or have different flavor characteristics.
- Orange Juice: A twist to the recipe replaces lemon juice with orange juice or Seville orange juice, adding a different citric layer to the drink.
- Chocolate Bitters: Adding a dash of chocolate bitters can intensify the chocolate notes in the cocktail.
The Modern Interpretation
Some modern bartenders experiment with the recipe by using equal parts of each ingredient, resulting in a richer flavor profile that emphasizes the balance between sweet, sour, and bright botanicals.
The Experience of Drinking a Twentieth Century
The Twentieth Century is more than just a cocktail; it is an experience. It’s a drink that evokes a sense of history and elegance. It’s sophisticated, complex, and nuanced, suitable for both cocktail enthusiasts and those looking for something different.
A Drink for Any Occasion
- Pre-Dinner Drink: Its complex and bright character makes it a good choice for a pre-dinner cocktail that will stimulate the appetite.
- Nightcap: It can serve as a sophisticated nightcap, with its subtle sweetness and chocolate undertones.
- Special Occasions: It is perfect for special occasions or for when you want to enjoy a unique and elegant cocktail.
Not a Dessert Drink
Despite the presence of crème de cacao, the Twentieth Century is not a dessert drink. It is a well-balanced sour that does not mask the taste of the spirits, unlike many overly sweet chocolate cocktails. The chocolate flavor is subtle and harmonizes with the other components.
Conclusion
The Twentieth Century cocktail is a testament to the art of mixing drinks. Its unique combination of ingredients and its rich history make it a fascinating and enjoyable drink. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer, the Twentieth Century is a classic that deserves a spot on your list. Take a sip and let yourself be transported to the age of elegant rail travel.
