90s Party Drink Ideas: 11 Ultimate Cocktails & Mocktails for 2026

Planning the ultimate throwback bash? A true 90s themed party isn’t complete without the right drinks, but figuring out what people actually sipped on can be a challenge. You want that authentic vibe, not just generic party punch.

The most iconic 90s party drink ideas are defined by their vibrant, often neon colors, fruity and sweet profiles, and surprisingly simple recipes that capture the era’s fun-loving spirit. Think of classics like the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Sex on the Beach, and the notoriously potent Long Island Iced Tea, all of which made a splash in 90s pop culture.

Drawing from established best practices and verified recipe patterns, this guide provides everything you need to stock your bar. We’ll explore the 11 ultimate 90s cocktails and mocktails, complete with tested recipe instructions and bartender secrets. Get ready to serve up some serious liquid nostalgia.

Relive the Rave: Crafting the Ultimate 90s Party Drink Ideas for Your 2026 Bash!

The 90s were a time of bold choices, from fashion to music, and the drink scene was no exception. Popular drinks in the 90s were less about subtle, craft notes and more about fun, flavor, and visual appeal. Think vibrant blue drinks, electric greens, and sunset-hued layers that looked as good as they tasted. This was the era of the lounge revival movement, where the martini glass made a major comeback, but it was often filled with something sweet and sour rather than a classic dry martini. Understanding this shift is key to crafting an authentic menu for your 90s themed party. It’s all about embracing the fruity and sweet profiles that defined a generation of party refreshments.

90s Party Drink Ideas: 11 Ultimate Cocktails & Mocktails for 2026

Ready to build your ultimate 90s drink menu? We’ve curated a list of the 11 most essential 90s party drink ideas, covering everything from sophisticated sips to crowd-pleasing party starters. This list includes both 90s themed alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic 90s party drink ideas, ensuring every guest at your bash has a fun, nostalgic 90s drinks experience. We’ll provide clear cocktail recipes, pro tips, and even a solution for that iconic but discontinued 90s drink, Zima. Let’s dive into the recipes that will make your retro party a certified hit.

1. The Classic Cosmopolitan: A Nod to 90s Chic

Pin this iconic 90s cocktail to your “Throwback Party” board!
The Cosmopolitan is arguably the most iconic of all classic 90s mixed drinks, popularized by Sex and the City and embodying the chic, sophisticated vibe of the late decade. This vodka-based cocktail is known for its perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a signature pink hue from the cranberry. Serving this drink instantly adds a touch of authentic 90s style to your event.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz premium vodka (e.g., Absolut or Tito’s for a smooth base)
• 1 oz Cointreau (or other quality triple sec for a crisp orange note)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (essential for the tart balance)
• 0.75 oz cranberry juice (for the signature vibrant pink hue and fruity tang)
• Ice
• Orange peel or lime wedge (for classic garnish)

How to Make:

1. Combine ingredients: Add vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
3. Shake vigorously: Secure the lid and shake with ice for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then garnish with cherry or the twisted peel. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For that perfectly chilled, ultra-smooth Cosmopolitan renaissance experience, always chill your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before pouring. This helps prevent dilution and maintains the vibrant flavor profile.

2. Electric Blue Lagoon: A Visually Stunning Throwback

Bring back the vibrant blue drinks of the 90s! Save this recipe now.
Nothing screams 90s more than a neon colored drink, and the Blue Lagoon cocktail is a prime example. This visually stunning cocktail is all about the vibrant blue color from blue curacao, a liqueur that defined many 90s themed alcoholic drinks. It’s simple, refreshing, and a guaranteed conversation starter.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz smooth vodka (a neutral base allows the blue to shine)
• 1 oz blue curacao (the essential ingredient for the vibrant blue color)
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (for a tart balance to the sweetness)
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda or lemonade (to add fizz and sweetness)
• Crushed ice
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry (for classic garnishes)

How to Make:

1. Fill glass: Fill a tall highball glass with crushed ice.
2. Combine liquids: Pour vodka, blue curacao, and fresh lemon juice over the ice.
3. Top off: Gently top with lemon-lime soda or lemonade.
4. Stir: Lightly stir to combine the layers.
5. Garnish: Garnish with cherry and an orange slice. Serve immediately, enjoying the refreshing blue hue.

Pro-Tip: For an even deeper blue that feels authentically kitschy and retro aesthetic, consider adding a tiny drop of food-grade blue coloring, but ensure it’s food-safe! This can enhance the neon colored drinks effect without affecting flavor.

3. The Appletini: Sweet, Tart, and Totally 90s

Shake up an Appletini for your next 90s themed party! Pin the recipe.
The Appletini recipe, or sour apple martini, is a definitive drink of the decade. Its signature bright green color comes from sour apple liqueur like DeKuyper Pucker, an essential ingredient on any 90s bar ideas list. This drink perfectly encapsulates the sweet-and-sour profile that was so popular.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz quality vodka (a clean base for the bold apple flavor)
• 1 oz sour apple liqueur (like DeKuyper Pucker, essential for the green color and apple tang)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (for an extra tart kick and brightness)
• Ice
• Green apple slice (for an authentic 90s style garnish)

How to Make:

1. Chill glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Combine ingredients: Add vodka, sour apple liqueur, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake well: Shake with ice vigorously for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
5. Strain: Strain into glass (the chilled martini glass).
6. Garnish: Garnish with cherry or a thin slice of green apple. Serve this sweet and sour favorite immediately.

Pro-Tip: The secret to a perfect sour apple martini is using freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled juices can make the drink overly sweet, missing that critical balancing sweet and sour edge that made this cocktail so popular in the 90s lounge drinks scene.

4. Sex on the Beach: Fruity Fun for Any 90s Bash

Get tropical with this fruity and sweet 90s classic! Pin for your party.
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is the ultimate fruity and sweet drink that brings tropical vibes to any party. Made with a blend of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice, it’s known for its appealing layered appearance. It’s one of the most popular drinks in the 90s because it’s easy to make and undeniably delicious.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz smooth vodka (a versatile spirit for this fruity cocktail)
• 0.5 oz peach schnapps (for the distinctive sweet, peachy flavor)
• 1.5 oz cranberry juice (adds color and tartness)
• 1.5 oz orange juice (preferably fresh, for a brighter taste)
• Ice
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry (for a classic garnish and bold colors)

How to Make:

1. Fill glass: Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and peach schnapps: Pour vodka and peach schnapps over the ice.
3. Add juices: Fill the rest of the glass with equal parts cranberry juice and orange juice.
4. Stir gently: Stir minimally if you want to keep the layered effect somewhat visible, or stir thoroughly for a uniform color.
5. Garnish: Garnish with cherry and an orange slice. Serve this refreshing 90s party refreshment.

Pro-Tip: To achieve the most visually striking layers for your Sex on the Beach cocktail, carefully pour the cranberry juice over the back of a spoon held just above the drink’s surface. This allows the denser juice to float atop the lighter orange juice, creating a beautiful gradient.

5. Long Island Iced Tea: The Potent Party Starter

Ready for a strong 90s party starter? Pin this Long Island Iced Tea recipe!
The infamous Long Island Iced Tea recipe is a must-have for any list of 90s themed alcoholic drinks. Deceptively strong, this potent concoction features five white spirits and gets its tea-like color from a splash of cola. It’s a true party starter and a surprisingly smooth drink despite its high alcohol content.

What You Need:

• 0.5 oz quality vodka
• 0.5 oz light rum
• 0.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz blanco tequila
• 0.5 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (essential for balancing sweet and sour)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste for high sugar cocktails)
• Cola (to top off)
• Ice
• Lemon wedge (for classic garnish)

How to Make:

1. Fill glass: Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
2. Combine spirits: Add vodka, light rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec to the glass.
3. Add mixers: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (if using).
4. Stir: Stir gently to combine the spirits and mixers.
5. Top with cola: Top with cola until the glass is full, giving it that characteristic tea color.
6. Garnish: Garnish with cherry or a lemon wedge. Serve responsibly.

Pro-Tip: While many recipes call for specific amounts of cola, taste your Long Island Iced Tea before topping it off completely. The lemon juice and simple syrup quantity can be adjusted to balance the high sugar cocktails profile, helping to avoid a too-sweet or too-tart drink.

6. Midori Sour: The Iconic Green Delight

Bring back the neon green! Pin this Midori Sour recipe for your 90s themed party.
The Midori Sour is a quintessential 90s club culture drink, instantly recognizable by its electric green hue and sweet melon flavor. This melon liqueur cocktail perfectly balances fruity and sweet with a sour kick, making it a favorite for those who love high sugar cocktails. The Midori Sour recipe is a staple for any authentic 90s drink menu ideas.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz Midori Melon Liqueur (the essential ingredient for vibrant green drinks)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (for a sharp tart balance)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste, for high sugar cocktails)
• 1-2 oz club soda or lemon-lime soda (to add fizz and sparkling texture)
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry and orange slice (for classic garnishes)

How to Make:

1. Combine ingredients: Add Midori, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well: Shake with ice vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain into glass (a rocks glass filled with fresh ice).
5. Top off: Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish.
6. Garnish: Garnish with cherry and an orange slice. Serve and enjoy this sweet and sour favorite.

Pro-Tip: While Midori Sour is often made with a pre-made sour mix, using fresh lemon juice and simple syrup will elevate your cocktail dramatically, offering a cleaner, more refreshing taste. This is an authentic 90s proportions tip from experienced bartenders.

7. Tequila Sunrise: The Vibrant Layered Concoction

Capture the sunrise in a glass! Pin this 90s classic Tequila Sunrise recipe.
The Tequila Sunrise cocktail is a visual masterpiece, famous for its stunning layered appearance that mimics a sunrise. This tequila-based cocktail combines Tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine to create a beautiful gradient of red and orange. It’s a simple yet impressive drink that was a mainstay on popular 90s drinks lists.

What You Need:

• 2 oz blanco tequila (a smooth base for the fruity cocktail)
• 4 oz fresh orange juice (for sweetness and a bright, natural flavor)
• 0.5 oz grenadine (essential for the vibrant red layer)
• Ice
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry (for classic garnishes and bold colors)

How to Make:

1. Fill glass: Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add tequila and orange juice: Pour tequila and orange juice over the ice and stir gently to combine.
3. Layer grenadine: Slowly pour grenadine into the glass, allowing it to sink and create the layered effect. Do NOT stir after adding grenadine.
4. Garnish: Garnish with cherry and an orange slice. Serve immediately, marveling at the beautiful vibrant blue drinks-esque appeal.

Pro-Tip: For the most dramatic Tequila Sunrise layers, ensure your orange juice is well-chilled and pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon. This technique, part of professional mixology tips, prevents the grenadine from mixing too quickly with the orange juice.

8. DIY Zima Substitute: Recreating a Discontinued Gem

Miss Zima? Learn how to make your own 90s alcopop substitute! Pin the hack.
No discussion of nostalgic 90s drinks is complete without mentioning Zima. While this clear malt beverage is discontinued, you can create a fantastic Zima substitute to solve the problem of discontinued drinks. This DIY party drink recreates the lightly sweet, citrusy flavor and, of course, the classic Zima + Skittles serving method.

What You Need:

• 1 bottle (12 oz) clear, light-flavored malt beverage (e.g., hard seltzer base without strong flavor, or a light pilsner if you don’t mind a slight beer note)
• 12 oz lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP, for fizzy sweetness)
• Optional: 0.5 oz vodka (for an extra kick, if preferred)
• Optional: A few Skittles or other colorful, hard candies (for the iconic Zima + Skittles serving style)
• Ice
• Lemon or lime wedge (for classic garnish)

How to Make:

1. Chill ingredients: Ensure both the malt beverage and lemon-lime soda are well-chilled.
2. Combine base: In a tall glass, pour over ice the malt beverage and lemon-lime soda.
3. Add vodka (optional): If using, add vodka and stir gently.
4. Drop in candies (optional): Carefully drop a few Skittles into the drink for the classic 90s service.
5. Garnish: Garnish with cherry or a lemon/lime wedge. Serve immediately, embracing the liquid nostalgia.

Pro-Tip: For the most authentic Zima substitute, avoid malt beverages with strong hoppy flavors. Look for neutral, clear bases or even infuse vodka with a subtle citrus flavor for a homemade hard seltzer feel, perfectly embodying 90s alcopop history.

9. Mocktail Magic: Non-Alcoholic Options for Everyone

Every guest deserves a vibrant drink! Pin these 90s themed mocktails for your party.
An inclusive party needs great non-alcoholic 90s party drink ideas. The key is making mocktails look like cocktails by using the same vibrant colors and fun garnishes. This fruity and sweet mocktail recipe is a crowd-pleasing base you can adapt to create any color you want.

What You Need:

• 4 oz sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda (for a fizzy base)
• 1 oz fruit syrup (e.g., raspberry, passion fruit, or blue raspberry for neon colored drinks)
• 1 oz fresh lime or lemon juice (for tart balance)
• Ice
• Fresh berries, mint sprigs, or colorful rock candy (for classic garnishes and bold colors)

How to Make:

1. Chill glass: Use a chilled highball or coupe glass for a premium feel.
2. Combine: Pour fruit syrup and citrus juice into the glass.
3. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice.
4. Top off: Slowly top with sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda.
5. Stir gently: Stir just enough to combine the flavors without losing too much fizz.
6. Garnish: Garnish with cherry or your chosen fresh fruit and mint. Serve as a crowd-pleasing alternative.

Pro-Tip: To make your 90s themed mocktails truly stand out, invest in some fun, colorful straws or stirrers. A sugar rim, colored with food coloring, can also add to the retro aesthetic and make these high sugar cocktails alternatives feel truly special.

10. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini: A Sweet Dessert Drink

Indulge your sweet tooth with this 90s dessert drink! Pin the recipe.
For those who love dessert cocktails, the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini is a decadent treat. This vodka mixed drink uses vanilla vodka and pineapple juice to mimic the flavors of the classic cake. It’s a deliciously fruity and sweet concoction that will be a unique and memorable addition to your 90s party.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz vanilla vodka (for the cake flavor base)
• 1 oz pineapple juice (fresh or canned, for the fruity and sweet pineapple taste)
• 0.5 oz maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of cherries, for color and classic flavor)
• Optional: 0.5 oz butterscotch schnapps (for extra “cake” richness)
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry and small pineapple wedge (for classic garnishes)
• Optional: Brown sugar for rimming the glass

How to Make:

1. Rim glass (optional): If desired, wet the rim of a martini glass and dip it in brown sugar.
2. Combine ingredients: Add vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, maraschino cherry juice, and butterscotch schnapps (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
3. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
4. Shake well: Shake with ice vigorously until well-chilled.
5. Strain: Strain into glass (the prepared martini glass).
6. Garnish: Garnish with cherry and a small pineapple wedge. Serve this sweet and sour dessert in a glass.

Pro-Tip: The key to this dessert cocktail is using quality vanilla vodka; cheap versions can taste artificial. For an even more authentic “cake” note, add a tiny splash of cream or half-and-half just before shaking.

11. Fuzzy Navel: The Peachy Retro Delight

Fruity and sweet, this Fuzzy Navel is a true 90s classic! Pin the recipe.
The Fuzzy Navel is one of the easiest and most beloved retro 90s drinks. This simple two-ingredient cocktail combines peach schnapps and orange juice for a deliciously fruity and sweet flavor. It’s an effortlessly easy to make cocktail that’s perfect for serving large groups and remains a crowd-pleasing favorite.

What You Need:

• 1.5 oz peach schnapps (for the signature peachy flavor)
• 4 oz fresh orange juice (for a fruity and sweet base)
• Ice
• Orange slice or peach slice (for classic garnishes)

How to Make:

1. Fill glass: Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add peach schnapps: Pour peach schnapps over the ice.
3. Top with orange juice: Top with orange juice until the glass is full.
4. Stir gently: Stir lightly to combine.
5. Garnish: Garnish with cherry or an orange or peach slice. Serve this easy to make 90s refreshment.

Pro-Tip: For an extra twist on this retro pour, add a splash of soda water or sparkling wine to create a “Fuzzy Navel Spritzer,” adding a fizzy element that elevates its refreshing quality for a 90s themed party.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace the 90s Aesthetic: True 90s party drink ideas are often neon colored drinks, fruity and sweet, designed to be crowd-pleasing and visually striking, capturing the era’s retro aesthetic.
• Balance Classics with Creativity: While essential 90s cocktails like the Cosmopolitan and Appletini are a must, don’t be afraid to create DIY party drinks or vibrant mocktails to ensure options for all guests.
• Address Discontinued Favorites: For a truly nostalgic 90s drinks experience, consider a Zima substitute recipe to pay homage to a discontinued gem, solving a common problem of discontinued drinks.
• Presentation is Key: Classic garnishes like orange slices, cherries, and even playful items like colorful candies elevate the look, making your 90s themed beverages Pinterest-worthy.
• Prioritize Easy Preparation: Many popular drinks from the 1990s are surprisingly easy to make, allowing hosts to prepare ahead and focus on enjoying the party rather than mixing all night.
• Don’t Forget the Mocktails: Include equally fun and vibrant blue drinks or fruity and sweet 90s themed mocktails to ensure non-alcoholic options are just as exciting and visually appealing as their alcoholic counterparts.
• Focus on Authenticity: Use authentic 90s proportions and tested recipe guidance to ensure your drinks taste genuinely like the iconic 90s sips your guests remember, reinforcing the liquid nostalgia.

People Also Ask About 90s Party Drink ideas

What were the most popular drinks in the 90s?

The 90s were defined by vibrant, often sweet, and visually striking cocktails that were easy to make and enjoyed by many. Iconic choices included the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Sex on the Beach, and the potent Long Island Iced Tea. Alcopops like Zima and fruity liqueurs such as Midori were also incredibly popular, contributing to the era’s signature high sugar cocktails and neon colored drinks.

How to make a 90s Appletini?

To make an authentic 90s Appletini, combine 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz sour apple liqueur (like DeKuyper Pucker), and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a green apple slice. This sweet and sour mix was a quintessential 90s club culture drink and a staple of 90s lounge drinks.

Is it possible to make non-alcoholic 90s drinks?

Absolutely, it’s easy to create vibrant and delicious non-alcoholic 90s drinks that capture the same retro aesthetic. Focus on colorful fruit juices, lemon-lime sodas, and sparkling cider, often garnished with fresh fruit or candies. Mimicking the look of vibrant blue drinks or fruity and sweet layered cocktails allows everyone to join the 90s themed party fun.

What alcohol was popular in the 90s?

Vodka was king in the 90s, forming the base for many popular cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Appletini, and Sex on the Beach. Peach schnapps also saw a huge surge in popularity, often paired with orange juice in drinks like the Fuzzy Navel. Additionally, tequila, gin, and rum were standard in powerful mixes such as the Long Island Iced Tea, contributing to the diverse 90s drink menu ideas.

How can I make neon drinks without artificial dye for a 90s party?

You can achieve bright, “neon” colors in your 90s drinks naturally by leveraging intensely colored juices and liqueurs. For vibrant reds, use cranberry or grenadine. For bright greens, Midori melon liqueur is perfect. Blue curacao creates electric blues. Layering these bold colors can create a stunning retro aesthetic without relying solely on food coloring, offering a refreshing and visually appealing option.

What are some 90s party snack ideas that pair well with these drinks?

Classic 90s party snacks that pair perfectly with these drinks include anything nostalgic and slightly kitschy. Think pizza rolls, Gushers, Dunkaroos, or even homemade Jello shots. Savory options like mini quiches or cheesy poofs offer a counterpoint to the high sugar cocktails. The key is to match the playful and informal 90s party themes with party food and drink that evoke memories of the era.

Why was the Cosmopolitan so popular in the 90s?

The Cosmopolitan’s immense popularity in the 90s was largely due to its prominent feature in the hit TV show “Sex and the City,” which showcased it as a chic and sophisticated accessory for modern women. Its attractive pink hue, tart-sweet flavor, and elegant martini glass presentation made it a cultural icon and a defining drink of 90s lounge drinks and the Cosmopolitan renaissance.

What can I use as a Zima substitute since it’s discontinued?

Since Zima is discontinued, a great DIY substitute involves mixing a clear, light-flavored malt beverage (like an unflavored hard seltzer) with lemon-lime soda. For an extra kick, a splash of vodka can be added. The iconic Zima + Skittles serving style, where colorful candies are dropped into the drink, adds to the liquid nostalgia and captures the playful spirit of this discontinued 90s drink.

What are the ingredients in a Sex on the Beach cocktail?

A classic Sex on the Beach cocktail typically features vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. This combination results in a fruity and sweet, layered drink with bold colors that’s a staple of 90s themed alcoholic drinks. It’s known for its tropical vibes and its ability to be a crowd-pleasing addition to any 90s party refreshments menu.

How to set up a 90s themed bar at home?

To set up a 90s themed bar at home, focus on essential 90s spirits and mixers, colorful glassware, and nostalgic decorations. Stock vodka, peach schnapps, Midori, and plenty of juice. Incorporate neon colors in lighting or decor. Consider a 90s playlist ideas and themed signage. Ensure easy access to ice, shakers, and classic garnishes like cherries and orange slices for an authentic 90s style experience.

Final Thoughts on 90s Party Drink Ideas

Bringing the 90s party drink ideas to life is about more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about invoking a powerful sense of liquid nostalgia and recreating an era defined by bold flavors and vibrant colors. From the sophisticated Cosmopolitan renaissance to the playfully sweet and sour Appletini and the iconic Zima substitute, each drink serves as a portal to a time of uninhibited fun. By leveraging authentic 90s proportions and our tested recipe guidance, you’re not just making cocktails; you’re crafting an experience that celebrates the very essence of 90s club culture drinks and home party vibes.

Whether your guests are sipping on neon colored drinks or enjoying fruity and sweet mocktails, the key is to embrace the retro aesthetic fully. Don’t shy away from classic garnishes, bold colors, and ensuring every sip is a crowd-pleasing hit. With these 11 ultimate cocktails & mocktails, your 90s themed party is set to be a legendary throwback, perfectly capturing the spirit of a decade that truly knew how to party. So, get your playlists ready, your outfits styled, and shake up a night everyone will remember. Which popular 90s drinks are you most excited to make for your bash?

Last update on 2026-01-15 at 00:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API