Frank Sinatra's Favorite Cocktails - Easy Recipes Revealed

Frank Sinatra, often referred to as The Chairman of the Board, had a distinctive taste in music, movies, and undoubtedly, in his cocktails. Known for his smooth voice and suave personality, Sinatra's drinking habits were as legendary as his performances. This blog post will explore some of Frank Sinatra's favorite cocktails, providing easy-to-follow recipes and insights into why these drinks were a perfect match for the man behind the microphone. Whether you're a Sinatra fan, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply looking for new drinks to try, this post will guide you through some classic cocktails with a Sinatra twist.

The Jack Daniel’s Highball

One of Sinatra’s favorites was the Jack Daniel’s Highball, a simple yet elegant mix that he reportedly enjoyed nightly.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
  • High-quality lemon-lime soda
  • Ice
  • A lemon wedge
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour the Jack Daniel's over the ice.
  3. Top with soda, leaving a small space at the top.
  4. Gently stir to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

🎤 Note: Sinatra was known to prefer Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 for his highballs. He was such a fan that Jack Daniel's even dedicated a bottle in his name!

The Old Fashioned

Another drink that Sinatra cherished was the Old Fashioned, a classic that has stood the test of time.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Club soda or water
  • Orange peel
  • Maraschino cherry (optional)
  • Ice
• Instructions:
  1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
  2. Add the bitters, then a splash of soda or water to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Fill the glass with ice.
  4. Add the whiskey.
  5. Stir until well mixed and chilled.
  6. Express the orange peel over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in or rub it around the rim.
  7. Optionally, garnish with a cherry.

🎶 Note: Sinatra had specific tastes; he liked his Old Fashioned simple, without the muddled fruit often added today.

The Pegu Club Cocktail

While lesser known than some of his other favorites, Sinatra also enjoyed the Pegu Club Cocktail, which has an interesting mix of flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 oz Gin
  • 1/2 oz Orange Curaçao
  • 3/4 oz Lime juice
  • 1 dash of Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash of Orange bitters
  • Lime peel
• Instructions:
  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, orange curaçao, lime juice, and bitters.
  2. Shake well until cold.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a twist of lime peel.

Frank’s Love for Scotch

While Sinatra was famous for his whiskey love, he also had a soft spot for Scotch, particularly enjoying it straight or with a splash of water or soda.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Scotch whisky
  • A splash of soda or water
  • Ice (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Pour the Scotch into a glass.
  2. Add a splash of soda or water, according to taste.
  3. Add ice if desired.

In the world of spirits, Frank Sinatra knew what he liked. His cocktails were an extension of his personality - timeless, straightforward, and with a touch of class. Whether it was the robust simplicity of a Jack Daniel's Highball or the nuanced blend of flavors in an Old Fashioned, Sinatra's choices reflected his unique style. These drinks were more than just beverages; they were part of his persona, his way of living large and living well.

The key to mastering these cocktails lies in their simplicity, allowing each spirit to shine. Just like Sinatra's music, these drinks are classics, unpretentious, yet deeply satisfying, embodying the charm and allure of the man who made them famous.

What made Frank Sinatra’s drinking habits so unique?

+

Frank Sinatra’s drinking habits were unique because he had very specific tastes, preferring certain spirits like Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey or classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. His preference for straightforward, high-quality drinks without much fuss reflected his personality and style.

Can these cocktails be made without alcohol?

+

Yes, these cocktails can be adapted for non-alcoholic versions. For instance, you can use whiskey or gin-flavored teas, non-alcoholic bitters, or syrup substitutes for liqueurs. The flavor profiles will differ but can still capture the essence of the original drinks.

What was Frank Sinatra’s favorite drink?

+

Frank Sinatra’s favorite drink was reportedly Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, often enjoyed as a Highball. However, he also had a profound love for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.

How did Sinatra’s preference for simple drinks influence mixology?

+

Sinatra’s preference for simple, classic cocktails influenced a revival of interest in straightforward, high-quality mixed drinks. His drinks were an inspiration for the craft cocktail movement, emphasizing the quality of spirits and the art of classic mixology.