The Story Behind The Floradora

This pretty-in-pink tipple is an often-forgotten pre-Prohibition delight that deserves a spot in your weeknight cocktail rotation.

While the origin of this drink is unknown, its name comes from the “Florodora Sexette,” a group of six ladies who starred in one of the first successful Broadway musicals of the 20th century. Dressed in the same shade of flamingo pink as those aforementioned women, the Floradora is composed of raspberry syrup or liqueur, gin, ginger ale, and lime. The final product covers all the bases of the perfect refresher: tart, summery, a little spicy, and sessionable.

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, using ginger beer or muddling raspberries at the bottom are great ways to elevate this drink.

Ingredients

2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce crème de framboise liqueur, Chambord, or raspberry syrup
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces ginger ale
Garnish: lime wedge, raspberries

Directions

Add gin, crème de framboise, and lime juice to a shaker with ice and shake.
Strain into a Collins or highball glass with fresh ice, and top with ginger ale.
Garnish with lime wedge and a few skewered raspberries.