The 20th Century cocktail is one of those drinks that surprises you—in the best way. It’s crisp and citrusy at first sip, with a smooth chocolatey finish that lingers just long enough. It’s not your everyday gin cocktail, and that’s exactly what makes it special. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails, especially because it’s one I keep coming back to on quiet nights when I want something classic but a little unexpected.
20th Century
Ingredients
Serves: 1 drink
Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 45 ml (1.5 oz) gin
– 22 ml (0.75 oz) Lillet Blanc (or dry vermouth as a backup)
– 15 ml (0.5 oz) white crème de cacao (chocolate liqueur)
– 22 ml (0.75 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice (for shaking)
– Lemon twist (for garnish)
Glassware: A chilled coupe glass works beautifully. A martini glass will also do the trick if that’s what you have on hand.
Method
- Start by chilling your glass in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prep the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, Lillet Blanc, crème de cacao, and fresh lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake for about 15 seconds—until the shaker feels cold and the mixture is well-blended.
- Dump the ice from your glass (if you chilled it with water), then strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh lemon juice. It really brightens the drink and balances the sweetness from the chocolate liqueur.
– Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty. That’s your sign it’s cold enough.
– Taste and adjust: if you prefer it more tart, add a touch more lemon juice next time.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned along the way: not all crème de cacao bottles are the same. If yours is on the sweeter side, try cutting back just a touch or adding a little extra lemon juice to keep things balanced.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
This cocktail is best made fresh, right before serving. If you’re prepping for a party, you can mix the gin, Lillet, and crème de cacao ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the lemon juice and shake it up right before serving to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
Flavor Profile
The 20th Century is all about contrast. The gin gives it a clean, botanical base. The Lillet adds a hint of floral and citrus. Then you get the surprise: a soft layer of white chocolate flavor from the crème de cacao. It finishes with a zing of lemon that keeps it from being too rich.
Think of it as a grown-up version of a lemon chocolate truffle—light, smooth, and just a little indulgent.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Lillet Blanc: Dry vermouth works if you don’t have Lillet, though it’ll be a bit more herbaceous.
– Crème de cacao: Any white chocolate liqueur will work. You can even try a darker version, but it’ll change the color and deepen the flavor.
– Gin: A citrus-forward gin like Tanqueray Rangpur or Bombay Sapphire adds a nice layer of brightness.
What to Serve With It
This cocktail plays well with both sweet and savory dishes:
For dessert:
– Lemon tart or lemon bars
– Chocolate mousse
– White chocolate cheesecake
For savory pairings:
– Oysters or sushi (the lemon and gin really bring out the freshness)
– Spicy shrimp cocktail
– Thai spring rolls or light spicy appetizers
The balance of sweet and tart in the drink makes it a surprisingly versatile partner at the table.
Variations to Try
21st Century
– Swap the gin for tequila and add a dash of absinthe. It’s bold and herbaceous with a bit more edge.
Chocolate Century
– Add a dash of chocolate bitters and bump up the crème de cacao to 20 ml (0.75 oz). Richer, deeper, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
Citrus Century
– Add 15 ml (0.5 oz) orange liqueur and a splash of soda water. Lighter and more effervescent—great for summer.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Use a non-alcoholic gin alternative, mix 1 tsp chocolate syrup with 1 tbsp water in place of crème de cacao, and keep the fresh lemon juice. Shake it all up and garnish with a lemon twist for a refreshing zero-proof version.
Common Questions
Is the 20th Century sweet or sour?
Both! It has just enough sweetness from the crème de cacao to balance the bright tartness of lemon juice. It’s smooth, not syrupy.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh is really worth it here. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly acidic.
What’s the best gin for this cocktail?
A classic London Dry works well, but if you want to play up the citrus, go for something with more lemon or orange notes.
Why is it called the 20th Century?
It’s named after the 20th Century Limited, a famous luxury train that ran between New York and Chicago—known for its elegance and speed. The drink came around in the 1930s and reflects that same vibe.
Final Thoughts
The 20th Century is one of those hidden-gem cocktails that feels both vintage and fresh. It’s easy to make, but the flavor feels far more complex than the short ingredient list would suggest. Whether you’re sipping it after dinner or mixing it up to impress friends, it’s a drink that brings a little glamour to the glass.
