20th Century
The 20th Century is a dazzling classic cocktail that elegantly blends gin, Lillet Blanc, crème de cacao, and fresh lemon juice. Its harmonious balance of botanical, citrus, and chocolate notes creates a sophisticated sip that’s both refreshing and intriguing—a drink that feels both timeless and modern, much like the era it’s named after.
20th Century
The 20th Century is a dazzling classic cocktail that elegantly blends gin, Lillet Blanc, crème de cacao, and fresh lemon juice. Its harmonious balance of botanical, citrus, and chocolate notes creates a sophisticated sip that’s both refreshing and intriguing—a drink that feels both timeless and modern, much like the era it’s named after.
- Gin45 ml (1.5 oz)Use a London Dry gin for classic flavor
- Lillet Blanc25 ml (0.75 oz)A French aromatized wine, substitute Cocchi Americano if needed
- Crème de Cacao (white)25 ml (0.75 oz)White (clear) variety preferred for color and subtle chocolate flavor
- Fresh lemon juice25 ml (0.75 oz)Freshly squeezed for best results
- Ice1 cupFor shaking
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Jigger
- Citrus juicer (for fresh lemon juice)
- Coupe glass
Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water and setting aside.
Add gin, Lillet Blanc, white crème de cacao, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until well chilled.
Discard the ice water from the coupe glass.
Strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass using a Hawthorne strainer (double strain with a fine mesh strainer for extra smoothness, if desired).
Garnish with a freshly cut lemon twist over the drink, expressing the oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
- Unique blend of gin and chocolate flavors
- Bright, zesty citrus notes for refreshing complexity
- Elegant and unexpected combination of ingredients
- Perfect for impressing guests with classic cocktail knowledge
- Versatile enough for both casual sipping and special occasions
The 20th Century cocktail hails from 1937, created by British bartender C.A. Tuck and first published in the Café Royal Cocktail Book. Named after the famed 20th Century Limited train that ran between New York City and Chicago, the drink was designed to evoke the sense of luxury, innovation, and speed associated with that iconic locomotive. Its unexpected pairing of gin and crème de cacao was a bold move for its time, but it quickly found favor among adventurous drinkers seeking a taste of the future.
A lemon twist, which adds a burst of citrus aroma and highlights the drink’s bright, refreshing notes.
Estimated per serving: 180 calories, 0g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 0g protein. Contains alcohol. (Values may vary based on brands used.)