The Rise of the Speakeasy: A Return to Classic Cocktails & Simple Pleasures

In a world where everything feels more complicated than it should be, people are craving something different—something simple, timeless, and undeniably good. And that’s exactly why speakeasy-style bars and classic cocktails with a twist are making a massive comeback.

Forget neon-colored drinks with a hundred ingredients or sugary concoctions loaded with syrups and gimmicks. People just want a damn good cocktail.

Let’s talk about why the old-school ways of drinking—dimly lit bars, handcrafted drinks, and high-quality spirits—are taking over once again.

Why Speakeasy-Style Bars Are Booming

Speakeasies were born out of necessity during Prohibition, hidden behind bookshelves, through alleyways, and inside unmarked doors. They weren’t just places to drink—they were a form of rebellion. Fast-forward a century, and the allure is still the same.

In an era of chaotic schedules, endless notifications, and overcomplicated drinks, speakeasies offer a step back in time. The dim lighting, the rich wooden interiors, the bartender who actually knows their craft—it all adds up to something we’re desperately missing: a real, quality experience.

Rather than drowning in choices, these bars focus on classic cocktails done right, with just enough of a modern edge to keep things interesting.

Classic Cocktails with a Twist: Because Simple Can Still Be Exciting

The classics will never go out of style, but a little tweak here and there can make them feel brand new. The key? Start with a great whiskey, bourbon, or tequila. Here’s how some of the best bars are putting a fresh spin on the tried-and-true:

🔥 The Smoked Old Fashioned – The same timeless Old Fashioned, but finished with a smoked glass to add depth and complexity. A simple, elegant way to enhance the natural richness of good bourbon.

🔥 The Black Manhattan – Swap the traditional sweet vermouth for Averna amaro, and you get a darker, richer, more brooding version of the Manhattan—perfect for slow sipping.

🔥 The Spiced Whiskey Sour – A classic whiskey sour, but with a touch of cinnamon or smoked chili bitters to bring in an unexpected layer of warmth and spice.

🔥 The Oaxaca Old Fashioned – A riff on the bourbon-based classic, but using a split of tequila and mezcal for an earthy, smoky complexity.

🔥 The Boulevardier – Like a Negroni, but made with bourbon instead of gin. Deep, bitter, smooth, and dangerously easy to drink. (More on this one below—it's Jeremy’s favorite!)

🔥 The Poblano Penicillin – A spicy twist on the Scotch-based classic, adding charred poblano syrup to balance the smokiness of the whisky.

These drinks aren’t about fancy presentations or crazy ingredients. They’re about balance, depth, and simplicity done well.

Why We’re All Craving Simple Pleasures

Let’s face it: modern life is exhausting. Between endless emails, meetings, and social media updates, our brains never get a break. The simple act of sitting in a low-lit bar, sipping a perfectly balanced cocktail, and letting the world slow down for a moment?

That’s the new guilty pleasure.

It’s no longer about ordering the most complicated drink on the menu or keeping up with the latest cocktail trends. It’s about quality over quantity—choosing spirits that actually taste good on their own, not just as a mixer in an over-the-top drink.

And this is exactly why good bourbons, whiskeys, and tequilas are playing such a massive role in this shift.

The Role of Quality Spirits in a Good Cocktail

A great cocktail starts with a great spirit. The reason the classics hold up so well is that they were built around the flavors of well-crafted liquor.

🥃 Bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes make it perfect for drinks like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
🔥 Smoky, rich whiskeys hold their own in drinks like the Penicillin or Boulevardier.
🌵 Tequila and mezcal’s earthy complexity bring depth to twists like the Oaxaca Old Fashioned.

Speakeasy-style bars know this, which is why they focus on curating quality spirits, not just mixing up gimmicky drinks.

Two Classics Worth Mastering

If you're looking for the perfect introduction to the world of refined, balanced cocktails, look no further than these two timeless favorites.

The Boulevardier (Jer’s Favorite Cocktail)

🔥 A rich, bold whiskey variation of the Negroni, with deep bitter-sweet complexity.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz bourbon or rye whiskey (try Wild Turkey 101 or Heaven’s Door for depth)

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.

2. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.

3. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in for garnish.

Pairs best with: Slow-roasted pulled pork or sirloin steak bites with bleu cheese sauce.

The Sazerac (Jenn Michele’s Favorite Cocktail)

🔥 A New Orleans staple and one of the oldest American cocktails, packed with bold, herbal, and citrus notes.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey (try Sazerac Rye or Rittenhouse 100 for a spicy kick)

• ¼ oz simple syrup or 1 sugar cube

• 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

• Absinthe (for rinse)

• Lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe, coating the inside and discarding any excess.

2. In a separate glass, muddle the sugar cube with bitters and a few drops of water.

3. Add rye whiskey and ice, stirring until well chilled.

4. Strain into the prepared glass (no ice).

5. Express a lemon peel over the drink and discard.

Pairs best with: Red wine braised lamb shanks or bourbon bread pudding.

The Takeaway: Simple is the New Luxurious

The modern cocktail movement isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about perfecting what already works.

Speakeasies, classic cocktails with a modern edge, and high-quality spirits are a rebellion against the overcomplicated, over-processed, and over-hyped world we live in.

So the next time you want to unwind, skip the gimmicks and go for something classic, balanced, and expertly crafted.

After all, sometimes the simplest things are the best things. 🥃🔥

📍 Want to experience the best in whiskey, bourbon, and smoky, rustic flavors?

Join us every Friday & Saturday night at The Liberal Bull Lounge and Tobacco Republic in Loomis, CA for BBQ, bourbon, and handcrafted cocktails that bring together the best of classic and modern flavors.

🍽️ Check out our menu: baconnbourbon.com/menu
📍 See where we’re popping up next: baconnbourbon.com/location

#BaconNBourbon #SpeakeasyStyle #ClassicCocktails #BourbonCulture #WhiskeyLovers #BBQandBourbon