Peaky Blinders, the riveting TV series set in post-World War I Birmingham, has captivated global audiences with its gritty portrayal of the Shelby crime family. Its cultural impact extends far beyond the screen, influencing modern heritage fashion, cinematic soundtracks, and now, the intriguing world of craft cocktails.

The show’s atmospheric setting in the Roaring Twenties, an era defined by extravagant parties and clandestine speakeasies, serves as the perfect backdrop for exploring the rich drinking culture of the time. By blending historical accuracy with the show’s dark, brooding aesthetic, we can immerse ourselves in this captivating era through cocktails that celebrate the “Peaky Blinders” spirit.

The 1920s Cocktail Scene: Innovation Under Prohibition

The 1920s represented a golden age for mixology. In the United States, this period marked the height of Prohibition, which ironically fueled a surge in underground speakeasies and illicit bars.

These hidden establishments became hotbeds of creativity. Bartenders were forced to experiment with bold new ingredients and sweeteners to mask the harsh, unrefined flavors of bootlegged spirits. It was during this time that several classic cocktails gained legendary status, including:

• The Sidecar: A sophisticated balance of cognac and citrus.
• The Mary Pickford: A fruity, rum-based tribute to the “silent film” era.
• The French 75: A potent blend of gin and champagne named after a piece of artillery.

While the U.S. moved underground, the cocktail scene flourished openly across Europe. In cities like Paris and London, legendary establishments like the American Bar at the Savoy were busy creating concoctions that remain staples of the modern bar today.

This was a time of jazz, flappers, and a rebellious spirit against traditional norms, all of which influenced the vibrant cocktail scene. The 1920s cocktails were more than just drinks; they were a symbol of defiance, luxury, and the transformative spirit of the time.

As we delve into the world of “Peaky Blinders,” we find a perfect alignment with this audacious era, inspiring a range of cocktails that echo the intensity and allure of the series.

Peaky Blinders-Inspired Cocktails

The Shelby Sour

• 60 ml Irish Whiskey (because Scotch would start a fight)
• 25 ml fresh lemon juice (sharp like Arthur’s temper)
• 20 ml honey syrup (sweetness hiding violence)
• 15 ml red wine (for that blood-in-the-water vibe)
• 1 dash aromatic bitters
• 1 egg white (optional, for that slick, dramatic foam)
• Ice
• Orange peel or brandied cherry (garnish, like a secret weapon)

The Garrison

• 45 ml smoky Scotch whisky (Islay preferred, think campfire & crime)
• 20 ml sweet vermouth
• 10 ml Benedictine (or swap with Amaro for bitterness and regret)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Ice
• Garnish: expressed orange peel or a charred cinnamon stick if you’re dramatic

Polly’s Potion

• 45 ml gin (floral, like Hendrick’s or something witchy)
• 15 ml elderflower liqueur (sweet, but not innocent)
• 20 ml lemon juice (sharp like her tongue)
• 15 ml lavender syrup (homemade or store-bought — Polly would lie either way)
• Dash of absinthe or pastis (a nod to her spiritual side)
• Egg white (optional, for drama and texture)
• Dried lavender or edible flower to garnish

Arthur’s Rage

• 50 ml Overproof Bourbon or Rye Whiskey (because Arthur doesn’t do “smooth”)
• 25 ml cherry liqueur (for the deep wounds he doesn’t talk about)
• 10 ml red chili-infused simple syrup (spicy. erratic. obvious.)
• 15 ml lemon juice (because sour is the emotional baseline)
• Dash of Angostura bitters (rage, but aged)
• Crushed ice, like his last emotional breakdown
• Garnish: maraschino cherry stabbed with a toothpick
• Optional: rim glass with smoked salt if you’re feeling truly volatile

The Blinder

• 45 ml Black Label Scotch or smoky bourbon (for charisma with a threat)
• 20 ml Amaro Montenegro or Averna (deep, herbal complexity)
• 15 ml dry vermouth (sharp like Shelby logic)
• Dash of orange bitters (subtle, but stings)
• Twist of lemon or burnt rosemary sprig (optional drama)

The Grace

• 40 ml Elderflower liqueur (St-Germain, of course, Grace doesn’t do cheap)
• 30 ml Pear vodka or white rum (smooth and clean)
• 20 ml fresh lemon juice (because there’s always a little ache)
• 10 ml rosewater syrup (just a whisper)
• Top with champagne or dry prosecco
• Garnish: edible flower or a single raspberry gently dropped in (no chaos, just grace)

Tommy’s Torment

• 45 ml Dark Rum or Barrel-aged Whiskey (the kind that’s older than your regrets)
• 20 ml Coffee liqueur (for the sleepless nights)
• 15 ml Amaro (because bitterness is a personality trait now)
• 20 ml Espresso (caffeine and pain)
• Dash of black walnut bitters or chocolate bitters
• Optional: 5 ml activated charcoal (for aesthetic despair)
• Garnish: roasted coffee bean or a burnt cinnamon stick

The Lizzie Starke

• 45 ml gin (a strong one, she’s not subtle)
• 15 ml Campari (for that bitter edge she never lost)
• 25 ml strawberry purée or syrup (a nod to softness that’s long gone)
• 20 ml lemon juice
• Top with rosé prosecco (because of course she sparkles)
• Garnish: fresh strawberry or gold sugar rim, if you’re dramatic (you are)

The Camden Paloma

• 50 ml blanco tequila (because Camden’s not fancy, but it’s real)
• 60 ml fresh grapefruit juice (juicy chaos)
• 15 ml lime juice (for that tart kick, like a snarky comeback)
• 10 ml agave syrup (not too sweet, we’re not in Shoreditch)
• Splash of soda water (for sparkle, but make it East London)
• Smoked salt for rim (optional, but elite)
• Garnish: grapefruit wedge or a lime wheel wearing Doc Martens (metaphorically)

The Sabini’s Revenge

• 40 ml Italian red vermouth (rich and ruthless)
• 30 ml mezcal (for the smoke… and the chaos)
• 20 ml maraschino liqueur (a sweet front for a bitter motive)
• 10 ml lemon juice (because revenge is best served with acidity)
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish: burnt orange peel or a single black cherry stabbed with a cocktail pick

The Alfie Solomons

• 40 ml spiced rum (a chaotic base, like Alfie’s monologues)
• 20 ml smoky mezcal (because we’re going off-script)
• 20 ml honey-ginger syrup (sweet, but don’t trust it)
• 15 ml lemon juice (adds a bite, obviously)
• 2 dashes cardamom bitters (mysterious. unexpected. biblical.)
• Optional: a splash of black tea for that Old Testament finish
• Garnish: candied ginger or toasted rosemary sprig (for the theatrics)

The May Carleton

• 40 ml dry gin (classic, like her posture)
• 20 ml violet liqueur (sweet but mysterious, she knows things)
• 15 ml lemon juice (for acidity and high expectations)
• 10 ml white crème de cassis or elderflower liqueur (a delicate finish)
• Egg white (optional, for drama and smoothness)
• Garnish: edible flower, lavender sprig, or a thin lemon twist

The Changretta Clout

• 45 ml amaro (Montenegro or Averna, bittersweet, like a grudge)
• 30 ml rye whiskey (smooth, but capable of violence)
• 15 ml sweet vermouth (to keep up appearances)
• 5 ml balsamic reduction syrup (trust me, dark, tangy, unforgettable)
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish: charred orange wheel or cracked black pepper rim

The Derby Day

• 45 ml bourbon (classy, but strong enough to win a fight)
• 15 ml sweet vermouth (because you never show all your cards)
• 10 ml mint syrup (Southern charm + sharp tongue)
• 10 ml fresh lemon juice (a little sour never hurt anyone)
• Top with splash of soda (for the illusion of refreshment)
• Garnish: mint bouquet and an optional mini jockey hat if you’re deeply unserious

The Birmingham Blackout

• 40 ml smoky Scotch (Islay preferred, tastes like coal and regrets)
• 20 ml coffee liqueur (for the grit and insomnia)
• 15 ml Fernet-Branca (herbal, mysterious, slightly unhinged)
• 10 ml blackcurrant syrup or crème de cassis (to deepen the shadow)
• Dash of charcoal bitters or orange bitters (a glimmer of something buried)
• Garnish: burnt rosemary sprig, black salt rim, or dehydrated blood orange

Conclusion

Dive into the world of “Peaky Blinders” with these 1920s-inspired cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a themed party or simply enjoying a night in, these drinks are sure to add a touch of Shelby-style flair. Therefore, don your flat cap, raise a glass, and toast to the vibrant spirit of the Roaring Twenties!