90s Party Cocktails to Bring the Vibe Back

If you’re throwing a 90s-themed party, you’ll need more than flannel shirts, chokers, and a playlist full of TLC and Nirvana. You need cocktails that capture the spirit of the decade — bold, fun, and unapologetically colorful. The 1990s were a wild time for drinks, filled with bright hues, fruity flavors, and over-the-top garnishes. It was an era of experimentation and, yes, a little sugar overload.

Whether you're planning a full-on themed bash or just want to sip your way through some nostalgia, these cocktails will transport you straight to the club nights and living room parties of the 90s.

What Made 90s Cocktails So Iconic?

Three words: color, sweetness, and flair. The 90s were a time when bartending leaned hard into visual appeal and big flavor. Cocktails often came in electric blues, neon greens, or shocking pinks. Ingredients like sour mix, grenadine, and flavored schnapps were king.

It wasn’t about balance — it was about bold personality in a glass.

6 Totally Rad 90s Cocktails to Serve

1. Cosmopolitan

Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice

Made iconic by Sex and the City, the Cosmo is sleek, tart, and still delicious. Serve it in a coupe or martini glass with an orange twist to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw.

2. Midori Sour

Midori melon liqueur, sour mix, lemon-lime soda

Bright green, sweet, and slightly tangy — this drink looks wild and tastes like a party. It’s one of the most visually memorable cocktails of the decade.

3. Blue Lagoon

Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade

Nothing screams “90s” like a drink the color of a swimming pool. The Blue Lagoon is refreshing, citrusy, and photogenic — perfect for your themed bash.

4. Sex on the Beach

Vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice

A fruity beachside staple that combines sweetness and tartness with tropical vibes. Serve it over ice in tall glasses with paper umbrellas.

5. Purple Haze

Vodka, Chambord (or raspberry liqueur), cranberry juice

Deep purple, subtly tart, and easy to batch — this one’s a low-effort crowd-pleaser that keeps the retro energy flowing.

6. Long Island Iced Tea

Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, cola

The wild child of the 90s cocktail menu. It's strong, messy, and memorable — just like your favorite throwback party.

Want full recipes and tips for making these neon masterpieces at home? Check out our retro cocktail collection for step-by-step instructions and 90s party ideas that pop.

Party Tips to Match the Drinks

Use colorful glassware: Think martini glasses, hurricane glasses, and anything with a rim ripe for sugaring.

Get playful with garnishes: Maraschino cherries, orange wheels, cocktail umbrellas, and even candy skewers.

Make a punch bowl: Turn any of these into big-batch versions by multiplying the recipe and serving over ice.

Set the vibe: Lava lamps, cassette tapes, disposable cameras, and lots of glitter go a long way.

You can even print mini menus for each cocktail, giving guests a nostalgic menu to order from — just like a 90s cocktail bar.

Final Thoughts: Bring Back the Flavor and the Fun

The 90s gave us bold fashion, unforgettable music, and some of the most outrageously fun cocktails ever made. They weren’t subtle — and that was the point. These drinks are sweet, dramatic, and made to get the party started.

Whether you're sipping a Blue Lagoon while listening to the Spice Girls or passing around Cosmos in between rounds of Mario Kart, one thing’s certain: these cocktails bring the vibe.

Want even more ideas for themed parties and nostalgic drink recipes? Dive into our curated party cocktail guide and make your 90s night one to remember.