Ultimate 90s Party Drinks: 13 Iconic Recipes for 2026

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Struggling to find the perfect 90s party drink ideas for your throwback bash? You want that authentic vibe, but most lists are just generic cocktails with a “90s” label slapped on. You need drinks that scream neon, pop culture, and pure nostalgic fun.

The most iconic 90s party drinks are characterized by their vibrant colors, often sweet and fruity flavors, and a significant presence of vodka and popular liqueurs like Midori, Hpnotiq, and Malibu Rum. These beverages, including the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, and Sex on the Beach, were central to the decade’s pop culture and perfect for evoking nostalgia at a themed party.

This guide delivers authentic, tested recipes for the drinks that defined the decade. We’ll show you how to mix, shake, and serve the ultimate 90s themed drinks, from glamorous cocktails to unforgettable party shots. Get ready to recreate the vibe and throw a party your friends will be talking about for years.

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Recreate the Vibe: Uncovering the Most Iconic 90s Party Drink Ideas for Your Next Throwback Bash

Throwing a killer 90s themed party goes beyond the playlist and fashion; it’s about capturing the feeling of the era. A huge part of that is serving the drinks that were in everyone’s hands. The 90s were a time of bold, unapologetic fun, and the cocktails reflected that perfectly. We’re talking about neon colored drinks, super sweet and fruity concoctions, and a whole lot of vodka. These aren’t just beverages; they are liquid nostalgia. From the chic sophistication of a Cosmopolitan, made famous by Sex and the City, to the fluorescent green glow of a Midori Sour, each drink tells a story and helps build an immersive retro aesthetic. This list is your ultimate resource for authentic 90s recipes that will transport your guests straight back to the best of times.

Ultimate 90s Party Drinks: 13 Iconic Recipes for 2026

Ready to build the perfect 90s drink menu? We’ve compiled 13 of the most essential 90s party beverage recipes that are guaranteed to be proven crowd favorites. Each recipe is broken down into a simple “What You Need” and “How To Make It” format, making your 90s party planning a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a first-time party host, these DIY 90s cocktails are designed for easy preparation without sacrificing that authentic 90s taste. We’ve even included pro-tips to help you nail the presentation and flavor, ensuring your drink station is the highlight of the night.

1. The Cosmopolitan: The Ultimate 90s Glam Cocktail

Vibrant Pink Cosmopolitan Cocktail In Martini Glass With Orange Peel Garnish On Marble Countertop With Soft Bokeh Background.

Pin this sophisticated 90s cocktail to your “Party Drinks” board!
No 90s drink menu is complete without the Cosmopolitan. This iconic pink drink became a cultural phenomenon, popularized by Sex and the City and symbolizing the glamorous, sophisticated side of the decade. It’s the ultimate glamorous party drink, a perfect blend of sweet and tart that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of vodka, cranberry, and lime is a timeless classic that defined an era of cocktail culture.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz premium vodka (recommended: smooth grain neutral spirit)
  • 0.75 oz Cointreau or quality triple sec (ensures proper orange flavor)
  • 0.75 oz fresh lime juice (use a citrus juicer for best results)
  • 0.5 oz cranberry juice cocktail (not pure cranberry; look for classic ruby red color)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange peel or lime wedge for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Chill your martini glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside.
  2. Combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice cocktail into a cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with fresh ice cubes.
  4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled on the outside.
  5. Discard the ice and water from your martini glass.
  6. Double strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass to remove any ice shards.
  7. Garnish with an elegant orange peel twist or a lime wedge.

Pro-Tip: For that true 90s party vibe, ensure your cranberry juice is the sweetened cocktail variety, not unsweetened. This delivers the iconic sweet and fruity profile. Liqueur density for layering isn’t crucial here, but proper chilling and vigorous shaking are key for a perfectly emulsified drink.

2. Crafting the Classic Appletini: Sweet, Sour, and Iconic

Bright Green Appletini Cocktail In Chilled Martini Glass With Apple Slice Garnish On White Bar Top.

Save this bright green 90s drink for your next 90s themed party!
The Appletini, or sour apple martini, is the poster child for the fluorescent cocktails of the 90s. Its electric green color and bold sweet and sour taste made it a signature party drink in the 1990s club scene. This vodka apple drink is incredibly simple to make but delivers a powerful punch of nostalgic flavor, making it a must-have for any authentic 90s bar ideas.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz smooth vodka (a mid-range, clean tasting spirit works best)
  • 1 oz green apple liqueur (like DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker for authentic 90s flavor)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (balances the sweetness, ensuring a crisp finish)
  • Ice cubes
  • Thin green apple slice for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Chill your martini glass.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, green apple liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice.
  4. Shake well for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
  5. Discard the chilling ice and water from the martini glass.
  6. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
  7. Garnish with a thin slice of green apple, placed on the rim or floating.

Pro-Tip: The key to an authentic Appletini is the right sour apple liqueur. If you want to slightly modernize old recipes, you can add a dash of simple syrup if your liqueur isn’t sweet enough, but generally the liqueur provides the sweet and fruity profile.

3. Mixing the Midori Sour: That Sweet Green Glow

Neon Green Midori Sour Cocktail In Highball Glass With Cherry And Lemon Garnish On Retro Coaster.

Pin this vibrant 90s classic to brighten up your cocktail ideas!
If there’s one liqueur that screams 90s, it’s Midori. This melon liqueur cocktail is famous for its almost nuclear green color and unmistakable melon flavor. The Midori Sour was a staple on every 90s drink menu, offering a fizzy, sweet and sour drink experience that was both refreshing and fun. It’s incredibly easy to mix, making it a perfect choice for serving a crowd.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz Midori melon liqueur (the quintessential bright green liqueur of the 90s)
  • 1 oz sweet and sour mix (pre-made or homemade)
  • 2 oz lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up, for fizz and balancing sweetness)
  • Ice cubes
  • Maraschino cherry and a lemon slice for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a highball glass or a large rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour the Midori melon liqueur over the ice.
  3. Add the sweet and sour mix.
  4. Top with lemon-lime soda.
  5. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz.
  6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice.

Pro-Tip: To make your Midori Sour extra fluorescent cocktails vibrant, ensure your lemon-lime soda is freshly opened. For a less sweet version, increase the sweet and sour mix slightly.

4. Unleashing Sex on the Beach: A Fruity 90s Favorite

Layered Sex On The Beach Cocktail In Hurricane Glass With Tropical Garnish On Rustic Wooden Table.

Pin this ultimate throwback cocktail for your next 90s party!
With its provocative name and delicious fruity flavor, the Sex on the Beach was one of the most popular 90s drinks. This fruity 90s cocktail combines vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice to create a beautifully layered, refreshing drink that tastes like a tropical vacation. It’s a proven crowd favorite and a perfect example of the fun, easy-drinking 90s era beverage style.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz quality vodka (choose a smooth spirit that won’t overpower the fruit)
  • 0.75 oz peach schnapps (essential for its distinct sweet and fruity flavor profile)
  • 1.5 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed for best taste, or no-pulp concentrate)
  • 1.5 oz cranberry juice (for color and tartness, aiming for that neon colored drinks look)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice and cherry for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a highball glass or hurricane glass with ice.
  2. Pour vodka and peach schnapps over the ice.
  3. Add orange juice.
  4. Slowly top with cranberry juice, allowing it to create a subtle layered effect for visual appeal.
  5. Stir gently if you prefer a fully blended color, or leave partially layered for aesthetic.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Pro-Tip: For a truly vibrant 90s look, consider a cocktail umbrella or a fun stir stick. Using a good quality orange juice can significantly elevate the sweet and fruity profile of this popular 90s party beverage.

5. Mixing the Tequila Sunrise: A Colorful Morning Delight

Perfectly Layered Tequila Sunrise Cocktail In Highball Glass With Orange Slice Garnish On Patio Table.

Capture the vibrant colors of the 90s with this Tequila Sunrise recipe!
The Tequila Sunrise is a visual masterpiece and a classic 90s beverage. Its iconic layered effect, created by combining grenadine, orange juice, and tequila, is incredibly easy to achieve but always impresses. This colorful party drink is sweet, refreshing, and brings a fun, tropical vibe that pairs well with 90s music and a laid-back party atmosphere.

What You Need:

  • 2 oz Blanco tequila (or Reposado for a slightly smoother taste)
  • 4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed is always best for sweet and fruity flavor)
  • 0.5 oz grenadine syrup (creates the iconic red layer)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add the tequila to the glass.
  3. Pour in the orange juice.
  4. Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink to the bottom and gradually rise, creating the “sunrise” effect.
  5. Do not stir if you want the layered effect.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Pro-Tip: For the most dramatic layered cocktail effect, ensure your grenadine is cold and pour it slowly. This process of pouring helps maintain the distinct color separation, key to any good Tequila Sunrise.

6. Mastering the Long Island Iced Tea: A Potent 90s Mix

Amber Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail In Highball Glass With Lemon Wedge Garnish On Polished Bar Top.

Get the party started with this classic 90s drink menu staple!
Infamous for its strength, the Long Island Iced Tea is a potent 90s cocktail that surprisingly contains no actual iced tea. This complex mix of spirits brings together vodka, gin, rum, and tequila with a splash of cola and lemon for a surprisingly palatable and powerful drink. It’s one of those classic retro drinks that guarantees to get the party started, but it should always be enjoyed responsibly.

What You Need:

  • 0.5 oz vodka (any standard brand)
  • 0.5 oz gin (London Dry style works well)
  • 0.5 oz white rum (light and clean)
  • 0.5 oz Blanco tequila (smooth and versatile)
  • 0.5 oz triple sec (orange liqueur)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (essential for balancing sweetness and tartness)
  • 1 oz cola (like Coca-Cola or Pepsi, for color and a hint of flavor)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon wedge for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour the vodka, gin, white rum, tequila, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice into the glass.
  3. Stir well to combine the spirits and juice.
  4. Top with cola.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Pro-Tip: The key to a good Long Island Iced Tea is the even measure of each spirit and fresh lemon juice. Avoid over-stirring after adding the cola to maintain some fizz. This is a powerful adult party drink, so advise guests to sip responsibly!

7. Shaking Up the Blue Lagoon: A Dazzling Blue Delight

Vibrant Blue Blue Lagoon Cocktail In Hurricane Glass With Orange Slice Garnish On White Bar Mat.

Add a splash of electric blue to your 90s party beverages!
The Blue Lagoon is the epitome of the technicolor cocktail era. This shockingly vibrant blue drink gets its color from blue curaçao and its refreshing taste from a simple mix of vodka and lemonade. It’s a visually stunning 90s summer drink that’s as fun to look at as it is to drink, making it a guaranteed hit for any party aiming for that bright, bold 90s aesthetic.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz smooth vodka (a neutral spirit allows the blue color to shine)
  • 1 oz blue curaçao (the key ingredient for its vibrant blue drinks hue and citrus notes)
  • 4 oz lemonade (fresh or good quality bottled lemonade, for tartness)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a tall hurricane glass or highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour the vodka into the glass.
  3. Add the blue curaçao.
  4. Top with lemonade.
  5. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Pro-Tip: For the most dramatic blue lagoon color, make sure your blue curaçao is a good quality brand. You can batch cocktail recipes for a larger 90s party by pre-mixing the vodka and blue curaçao, then adding lemonade just before serving to maintain fizz.

8. Preparing Kamikaze Shots: The Zesty 90s Powerhouse

Line Of Clear Kamikaze Shots In Shot Glasses With Lime Wedges On Black Serving Tray.

Get ready for a blast from the past with these zesty 90s party shots!
No 90s party was complete without a round of shots, and the Kamikaze was king. These potent 90s cocktails, served in shot glasses, are essentially a small, powerful margarita made with vodka, triple sec, and lime. They are zesty, strong, and perfect for getting the energy up on the dance floor. Best of all, they are quick party drinks that are easy to make in large batches.

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What You Need:

  • 1 oz quality vodka (a smooth, neutral vodka is ideal for shots)
  • 0.5 oz triple sec (adds essential orange flavor and sweetness)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (use freshly squeezed for the best zesty kick)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Pour vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice into the shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into chilled shot glasses.
  5. Garnish each shot with a small lime wedge.

Pro-Tip: For the ultimate Kamikaze shots, make sure all ingredients are well chilled before mixing. You can also pre-mix the liquid (minus ice) and keep it in the fridge, then shake and serve on demand for easy 90s cocktails for large groups.

9. Crafting Nostalgic Jello Shots: A Jiggly 90s Treat

Assortment Of Colorful Jello Shots In Clear Plastic Cups Arranged On Black Serving Tray.

Get your jiggly party on with these classic 90s Jello shots!
Blurring the line between party food and drink, Jello shots are the ultimate 90s alcoholic treats. These fun, jiggly, and colorful party shots are a must-have for any authentic throwback party. Learning how to make jello shots is a rite of passage for any party host. The simple combination of Jello and vodka creates a nostalgic treat that’s as fun to make as it is to consume.

What You Need:

  • 1 (3 oz) package of Jello (any vibrant 90s colors like cherry, lime, blue raspberry)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 0.5 cup cold water
  • 0.5 cup chilled vodka (a standard, smooth vodka works best)
  • Small plastic shot cups (1.5-2 oz capacity, with lids for convenience)

How To Make It:

  1. Boil water and pour it into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Add the Jello powder to the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cold water and then the chilled vodka.
  4. Carefully pour the mixture into the small plastic shot cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
  5. Place the filled cups on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until completely set.
  6. Once set, you can cover them with lids if desired for easier transport and hygiene.

Pro-Tip: For layered Jello shots, allow each layer to partially set before adding the next. This requires patience but yields impressive colorful party shots. Always ensure your vodka is chilled before adding to the Jello mixture to prevent it from affecting the setting process.

10. Mixing the Malibu Bay Breeze: A Tropical 90s Escape

Refreshing Pink Malibu Bay Breeze Cocktail In Highball Glass With Pineapple Garnish On Beach Table.

Bring the beach to your 90s party with this easy tropical drink!
The sweet taste of coconut from Malibu Rum defined the tropical side of 90s drinking. The Malibu Bay Breeze is a simple yet delicious rum and fruit juice cocktail that combines coconut rum with pineapple and cranberry juice. It’s a light, refreshing, and sweet and fruity option that’s perfect for a more laid-back 90s party or as a gentler alternative to the more potent cocktails on the menu.

What You Need:

  • 2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum (essential for the authentic 90s tropical flavor)
  • 3 oz pineapple juice (fresh or good quality bottled, for sweetness)
  • 2 oz cranberry juice (for tartness and color)
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a highball glass or a large rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour the Malibu Coconut Rum over the ice.
  3. Add the pineapple juice.
  4. Top with cranberry juice.
  5. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a maraschino cherry.

Pro-Tip: For a lighter version, you can slightly reduce the amount of cranberry juice or add a splash of soda water. This simple cocktail is perfect for making large quantities as a party punch for your 90s party planning.

11. Crafting the Hpnotiq Martini: A Glamorous Blue Choice

Sophisticated Blue Hpnotiq Martini In Classic Martini Glass On Dark Polished Bar Top.

Elevate your 90s party with this glamorous blue martini!
Emerging later in the decade, Hpnotiq became an iconic 90s liquor thanks to its mesmerizing aqua-blue color and unique blend of exotic fruit juices, vodka, and a touch of cognac. The Hpnotiq Martini is a simple yet glamorous blue 90s cocktail that lets the liqueur’s flavor and color take center stage. It’s a sweet party drink that brings an element of upscale cool to your retro celebration.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz Hpnotiq Liqueur (the defining blue liqueur for this drink)
  • 1 oz quality vodka (choose a neutral spirit to let Hpnotiq shine)
  • 0.5 oz white cranberry juice (optional, for a slightly dryer martini, or use regular for a sweeter mix)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist or berry skewer for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Chill your martini glass by filling it with ice and water.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine Hpnotiq, vodka, and white cranberry juice (if using).
  3. Fill the shaker with fresh ice.
  4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
  5. Discard the chilling ice and water from the martini glass.
  6. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
  7. Garnish with a lemon twist or a skewer of fresh raspberries or blueberries.

Pro-Tip: The Hpnotiq Martini is inherently sweet and fruity. For those who prefer a drier drink, adding a splash of fresh lemon juice can help to balance sweetness. This drink truly embodies the technicolor cocktail era of the 90s.

12. Recreating the Surge Cocktail: A Zesty Blast from the Past

Bright Green Surge Cocktail In Highball Glass With Citrus Garnish On Retro Laminate Countertop.

Bring back the 90s energy with this Surge-inspired party drink!
For those who truly want to dive deep into 90s pop culture drinks, recreating discontinued 90s drinks is the ultimate move. Surge soda was the citrus-fueled, caffeinated rival to Mountain Dew, and its flavor is pure nostalgia. Since it can be a hard to find 90s drink, this Surge soda cocktail recipe cleverly mimics its signature zesty, sweet taste for the perfect adult-friendly throwback.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz vodka (or a citrus-flavored vodka for extra kick)
  • 0.5 oz Midori melon liqueur (to achieve a similar bright green color and subtle fruitiness)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (for that signature zesty tang)
  • 3-4 oz lemon-lime soda (preferably one with a strong citrus flavor like Sprite or 7-Up)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour the vodka, Midori, and fresh lime juice into the glass.
  3. Stir well to combine.
  4. Top generously with lemon-lime soda.
  5. Stir gently one more time to integrate the soda without losing too much fizz.
  6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

Pro-Tip: If you can get your hands on a re-released Surge soda, definitely use that! Otherwise, this mixing combination is a fantastic way to capture that zesty 90s beverage feeling. A little green food coloring can amplify the neon colored drinks look without affecting flavor.

13. Zima Replacement Cocktail: Bringing Back the Original Hard Seltzer

Clear Sparkling Zima-Inspired Cocktail In Tall Glass Bottle With Lemon Twist On Minimalist Bar.

Recreate the original hard seltzer with this Zima-inspired 90s drink!
Before the hard seltzer craze of today, there was Zima. This clear malt beverage was a cultural icon of the 90s, known for its light, citrusy flavor and futuristic branding. Finding it today is nearly impossible, but you can create a surprisingly accurate Zima alternative that will evoke childhood memories (of seeing the commercials, of course). This recipe captures the spirit of the original hard seltzer.

What You Need:

  • 1.5 oz clear flavored malt beverage (e.g., a neutral hard seltzer or clear flavored vodka for a stronger kick)
  • 0.5 oz lemon-lime vodka (or regular vodka + a squeeze of lemon/lime)
  • 4-5 oz lemon-lime sparkling water or club soda (to replicate the carbonation and light flavor)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon or lime slice for garnish

How To Make It:

  1. Fill a tall highball glass or a small clear bottle with ice.
  2. Pour the clear flavored malt beverage (or vodka + juice) into the glass.
  3. Top generously with lemon-lime sparkling water or club soda.
  4. Stir gently to combine, preserving the fizz.
  5. Garnish with a fresh lemon or lime slice.

Pro-Tip: For the most authentic Zima alternative, use a very neutral-flavored hard seltzer as your base, then add a tiny splash of citrus vodka. The goal is a light, barely sweet, effervescent beverage. Experiment with different sodas and sparkling waters to get your preferred balance.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to 90s Party Drink Ideas

  • Embrace Color & Sweetness: The most iconic 90s party drink ideas are characterized by their neon colored drinks, often with a sweet and fruity profile. Don’t shy away from vibrant hues and balanced sugary notes.
  • Master the Classics: Drinks like the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Midori Sour, and Sex on the Beach were quintessential 90s cocktails. Learning these core authentic 90s recipes is key to recreating the era.
  • Don’t Forget the Fun: Jello shots and Kamikaze shots were integral to 90s themed parties, offering a playful and potent element to your 90s party beverages.
  • Strategic Ingredient Sourcing: Be prepared to source specific liqueurs like Midori, Hpnotiq, and Malibu Rum, and get creative with recreating discontinued 90s drinks like Zima and Surge for true nostalgic party drinks.
  • Presentation is Key: For maximum 90s aesthetic, serve your 90s themed drinks in appropriate glassware, often martini or tall highball glasses, with fun garnishes like fruit slices and cherries.
  • Batching for Crowds: Many 90s cocktails are ideal for making large quantities as easy 90s cocktails for large groups, making your expert party planning more efficient.

FAQs About 90s party drink ideas

What drinks were popular in the 90s?

The 1990s were dominated by brightly colored, often sweet, and vodka-based cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Midori Sour, Sex on the Beach, and Long Island Iced Tea. These iconic 90s drinks reflected the decade’s pop culture, often featured in movies and TV shows, and were staples at 90s themed parties.

How to make jello shots for a party?

To make Jello shots, dissolve a 3 oz package of Jello in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in 0.5 cup of cold water and 0.5 cup of chilled vodka. Pour the mixture into small plastic cups and refrigerate for 2-4 hours until set. This process of preparing ensures perfectly jiggly 90s party shots.

What alcohol was popular in the 90s?

Vodka was exceptionally popular in the 90s, serving as the base for many prominent cocktails like the Cosmopolitan and Appletini. Additionally, sweet liqueurs such as Midori, Peach Schnapps, Malibu Rum, and Hpnotiq were frequently used to create the characteristic sweet and fruity flavor profiles of 90s alcoholic drinks.

What are some 90s non-alcoholic party drinks?

For a truly authentic 90s non-alcoholic experience, focus on popular sodas and juices like Capri Sun, Surge soda, SunnyD, Orbitz, Snapple, and Fruitopia. These 90s era beverages offer a nostalgic taste and are perfect for guests of all ages, embodying the pop culture vibes of the decade.

Is the Appletini from the 90s?

Yes, the Appletini is definitively a product of the 90s, rising to prominence with its vibrant green color and distinctive sweet and sour flavor. It quickly became an iconic 90s cocktail and a signature party drink that perfectly captured the era’s adventurous approach to mixology.

How to serve drinks at a 90s party?

Serve drinks at a 90s party using period-appropriate glassware like martini glasses for Cosmos and Appletinis, and tall highball glasses for Long Island Iced Tea and Tequila Sunrises. Consider having fun garnishes like fruit slices, cherries, and cocktail umbrellas to enhance the retro aesthetic and display your 90s themed drink menu creatively.

What goes in a 90s themed drink menu?

A comprehensive 90s themed drink menu should include a mix of classic cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Midori Sour, Sex on the Beach, and Jello shots. Don’t forget popular 90s drinks featuring Malibu Rum or Hpnotiq, and consider recreating discontinued 90s drinks like Zima or Surge-inspired options.

What are cheap 90s party drink ideas?

For budget-friendly 90s party drink ideas, focus on simpler mixes using common spirits and mixers like vodka with soda and a splash of cordial, or rum with fruit juices. Batch cocktails like a large Sex on the Beach or Jello shots can also be very cost-effective for making large quantities to please a crowd.

How to make a Blue Lagoon cocktail?

To make a Blue Lagoon cocktail, combine 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 4 oz lemonade over ice in a tall glass. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry. This creates a visually stunning vibrant blue drink characteristic of 90s party beverages.

Why were 90s drinks so colorful?

90s drinks were so colorful due to the widespread use of vibrant, often artificially flavored liqueurs like Midori and blue curaçao, as well as colorful juices and sodas. This trend aligned with the decade’s broader pop culture vibes that celebrated bold aesthetics, leading to visually striking neon colored drinks that were a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Final Thoughts on 90s Party Drink Ideas

Crafting the perfect drink menu is your secret weapon for an unforgettable 90s themed party. By embracing the bold colors, sweet flavors, and iconic spirits of the era, you’re not just serving drinks; you’re serving memories. From the chic Cosmopolitan to the playful Jello shot, each of these nostalgic party drinks plays a role in creating an immersive, authentic experience for your guests.

Now that you have this comprehensive 90s guide, you’re equipped to confidently step behind the bar and start mixing. Choose a few favorites, gather your ingredients, and get ready to throw a 90s party that’s all that and a bag of chips. Which of these classic 90s cocktails will you be making first?

Last update on 2026-01-09 at 12:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Richard
Richard

Richard Charpentier is the CEO of Baking Innovation, a leading provider of baking solutions. He has over 20 years of experience in the baking industry and has been a driving force behind the company's success.

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