21st Century Cocktail

This modern classic is a clever twist on the gin-based 20th Century cocktail, created by Jim Meehan. It swaps gin for tequila and the original Kina Lillet for the more accessible Lillet Blanc, resulting in a complex yet refreshing drink. The blanco tequila provides an earthy, agave backbone, which is perfectly complemented by the dry chocolate notes of white crème de cacao. Lillet Blanc adds a floral, honeyed bitterness, all brought together by the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice for a truly elegant sip.
21st Century Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The 21st Century Cocktail is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks, characterized by a base spirit, a sweet element, and a sour element. Its creation in the 21st century by a prominent bartender solidifies its status as a modern staple in the craft cocktail world.

Serving

This is a crisp, cold cocktail with a moderate alcohol content, served straight up in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass to maintain its temperature.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before chilling)
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created in 2007 by renowned bartender Jim Meehan at the acclaimed New York City bar PDT (Please Don't Tell). The drink was conceived as a tequila-based riff on the classic 20th Century cocktail, updating the pre-Prohibition formula for contemporary tastes. It quickly gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts for its elegant balance and unique flavor profile, securing its place as a modern classic.
Origin
New York City, USA, circa 2007.

21st Century Cocktail

The drink's name, "21st Century Cocktail," is a direct and modern homage to its inspiration, the classic "20th Century Cocktail." It signifies an update or evolution of the original formula for contemporary palates. The name is straightforward and doesn't carry other significant meanings or widely used alternatives.
Original name
21st Century Cocktail
Alternative name
Twenty-First Century Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink has a bright, citrus-forward aroma and a complex flavor balancing agave, dry chocolate, and floral notes. Its texture is smooth and it finishes cleanly, making it a sophisticated and refreshing year-round cocktail.
Flavor
Agave, Citrusy, Light chocolate, Floral, Herbal
Aroma
Lemon zest, Tequila, White flowers, Faint cocoa
Taste balance
Sour, Slightly sweet, Subtle bitterness
Aftertaste
Clean, Dry, Lingering citrus, Light chocolate
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale straw, Cloudy-translucent
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a prominent sourness from the lemon, balanced by a subtle sweetness and fruity character from the liqueurs, with a moderate alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need four key ingredients for this cocktail: a good quality blanco tequila, white crème de cacao for a hint of dry chocolate, Lillet Blanc for floral notes, and fresh lemon juice for acidity.
  • Blanco Tequila45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A 100% blue agave tequila is recommended for best flavor.
  • White Crème de Cacao22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use a quality brand like Tempus Fugit or Marie Brizard. It should be clear (blanc), not the brown version.
  • Lillet Blanc22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A French aromatized wine. Keep refrigerated after opening.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best taste.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a shaken cocktail, so you will need a cocktail shaker and ice. A jigger for measuring and a double-straining method using both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers are recommended.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, ice-chip-free texture.

Instructions

The process is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and double strain into the glass. Finish by garnishing with an expressed lemon twist.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Measure and pour the blanco tequila, white crème de cacao, Lillet Blanc, and fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the drink's surface to express the aromatic oils, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

The drink is garnished simply with a lemon twist. Expressing the citrus oils over the glass adds a crucial aromatic dimension that enhances the first sip.
  • Lemon twist: Express the oils over the surface of the drink for aroma before dropping it in.

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic beverage that is typically vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. Always check individual liqueur labels if you have a severe allergy.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains roughly 180-210 calories, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The sugar content is moderate, averaging around 10-13 grams per drink.
Calories
Averagely 180-210 kcal / 750-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect as an aperitif to stimulate the palate before a meal. Its elegant presentation and complex flavor make it ideal for cocktail parties, sophisticated social gatherings, or a stylish happy hour.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Aperitif
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's bright acidity and complex flavors pair well with light and fresh dishes. It's an excellent match for seafood, especially citrus-cured ceviche or light fish tacos. It also complements tangy cheeses like goat cheese.
  • Ceviche
  • Light seafood appetizers
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Fish Tacos

The 21st Century Cocktail: A Modern Classic Reinvented

The 21st Century Cocktail is a sophisticated and refreshing drink created by modern bartending icon Jim Meehan. It's a tequila-based reinterpretation of the classic 20th Century, expertly balancing the earthy notes of agave with dry chocolate, floral Lillet Blanc, and bright lemon citrus. Shaken and served up in a coupe, it's an elegant cocktail perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced sour with unique complexity. Its clean and crisp profile makes it an excellent aperitif or a standout choice for any cocktail enthusiast.

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