8 Retro Drinks Your Grandma Used To Make At Home

Unquestionably, the drinks that our grandmothers used to make had a unique quality. Whether they were a warm, spiced treat on a cold evening or a refreshing drink on a summer afternoon, they were always perfect, simple, and lovingly prepared. These beverages dominated kitchens, get-togethers, and leisurely weekends long before the artisanal sodas and mixology fads of today. A lot of them were made from scratch with supplies you already had. Pure nostalgia in a glass—no expensive syrups, juicers, or blenders. These vintage beverages have enduring appeal. They were festive without being fussy, often shared among family, and could be easily adapted for kids or grown-ups. More than just a throwback, recreating them now allows you to relax, enjoy a comforting beverage, and relive simpler times. These eight drinks are unquestionably worth reviving, whether you’re reliving a favorite from your youth or introducing these timeless beverages to your own family.

1. Egg Cream

Don’t be fooled by the name; this classic contains neither cream nor eggs! With just three ingredients—cold milk, chocolate syrup, and seltzer water (or club soda)—the egg cream is a classic New York favorite. A proper egg cream is characterized by the formation of a fizzy, foamy head on top when it is made correctly. The method is crucial: pour the milk first, followed by the chocolate syrup, and then gradually add the seltzer while vigorously stirring. The end product is a refreshing, creamy, and bubbly beverage that isn’t too sweet or heavy. In the past, egg creams were the most popular beverage at corner stores and soda fountains. Using whatever chocolate syrup was available—often homemade—grandmas would make this at home. It’s a rare gem of a drink that merits a resurgence today. Best served immediately for maximum fizz and freshness.

2. Shirley Temple

The Shirley Temple, named for the well-known child star of the 1930s, is arguably the most recognizable non-alcoholic “cocktail” ever made. A maraschino cherry is used as a garnish after ginger ale (or occasionally lemon-lime soda) is combined with a dash of grenadine syrup. This drink, which was sweet, bubbly, and aesthetically pleasing, was frequently served to children at parties to make them feel elegant, much like the adults who drank actual cocktails. On special occasions or whenever a treat was in order, your grandmother may have prepared this. It was the thought and care that went into serving it in a lovely glass, not just the cherry on top, that made it even more memorable. The Shirley Temple is still popular today, and you can easily change the sweetness by adding a little fresh citrus juice to add brightness or using less grenadine.

3. Roy Rogers

Named for the well-known cowboy actor, the Shirley Temple’s slightly darker, cola-based cousin is called the Roy Rogers. Making it with cola, grenadine, and maraschino cherry is equally simple. That’s all. However, the end product is a rich, sugary, bubbly beverage that resembles a party in a glass. Kids and teenagers who wanted something “cooler” than the Shirley Temple were frequently served this drink at soda fountains and restaurants. It also feels a little more mature because it contains cola. Grandmothers would frequently prepare it for Sunday lunches, birthday celebrations, or simply to treat the grandchildren. Choose a premium grenadine made from actual pomegranate or cherry juice if you’re making it at home; many store-bought varieties are artificially flavored and may overpower the beverage. The Roy Rogers is a pop of nostalgia served over ice with a cherry.

4. Lime Rickey

Originating in the late 19th century, a lime rickey is a delightfully refreshing beverage. Fresh lime juice, soda water (or sparkling water), and a small amount of simple syrup or sugar are the ingredients. The family-friendly version of the drink is all about the tart-sweet flavor and bubbly refreshment, but the adult versions can be made with gin or without alcohol. For added sweetness and color, some versions even include a dash of cherry or raspberry syrup. When you need something light, zippy, and non-cloying on hot days, this is ideal. It’s possible that your grandmother prepared this during the sweltering summer months by carefully squeezing fresh limes and stirring in sugar. Simple, thirst-quenching, and immensely satisfying when served cold over ice, the Lime Rickey is the epitome of a drink that is better than the sum of its parts.

5. Ice Cream Float / Root Beer Float

Who doesn’t enjoy watching ice cream scoops melt and float in a bubbly sea of soda? A timeless treat is the traditional root beer float, also known as “ice cream soda.” The basic concept is straightforward: fill a tall glass with chilled root beer (or any other dark soda), then heap a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A delightfully sweet foam and creamy bubbles are produced as the ice cream melts. For many grandmothers, especially in the summer, this was their favorite treat. It’s a drink and dessert all in one, and it always makes people happy. For a change, you could use cola, orange soda, or even ginger ale in place of the root beer. Serve it with a long spoon and straw, and you’ll have a timeless classic that appeals to all ages.

6. Hot Buttered Rum / Warm Spiced Milk

A warm, comforting beverage that’s ideal for cold nights is hot buttered rum. Rich and calming, it’s traditionally made with dark rum, butter, hot water or apple cider, sugar, and warming spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. But there was often a non-alcoholic version for the kids—usually warm milk with a bit of butter, a touch of sugar, vanilla, and a sprinkle of spice. In many homes, these warm, spiced milk beverages were a reassuring bedtime ritual. It could have been made by your grandmother to help you fall asleep or simply to keep you warm after playing outside on a chilly day. They have that vintage charm and are wealthy without being ostentatious. This beverage is a hug in a mug, whether you’re drinking the kid-safe milk version or the adult version.

7. Eggnog

Grandmas all across the world have lovingly stirred eggnog by hand during the winter months, making it a holiday classic. Milk, cream, eggs (yellow and whipped white), sugar, and seasonings like nutmeg and vanilla are the ingredients that go into making it. The end product is a rich, custard-like beverage that is typically served cold and topped with a dash of spice. Rum, whiskey, and brandy are examples of alcoholic versions, but the classic, kid-friendly variety is equally delicious. Many contemporary recipes use pasteurized eggs or gently cook the mixture into a custard for safety because it contains raw eggs. Grandma may have used a different technique; some people simmered it carefully, while others whisked it raw. In any case, it was proudly and patiently made. Store-bought versions of eggnog are available today, but homemade eggnog is far superior in terms of flavor and tradition.

8. Lemonade / Homemade Citrus Punch

A tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade is the epitome of “homemade refreshment.” The quintessential summertime beverage is made with just lemons (or oranges or limes), water, and sugar. Grandma’s version, however, might have been a little different with sliced fruit, fresh mint leaves, or even a dash of soda water for some fizz. Homemade lemonade was frequently prepared in large quantities and served on the porch during leisurely weekends, family gatherings, and picnics. It can be made plain or with seasonal fruit, sweeter or tarter, still or sparkling. Oranges, grapefruits, or even crushed berries could be used in variations of citrus punch. When made with real ingredients, these drinks were healthy, affordable, and refreshing. Grandma’s citrus punch is a refreshing, traditional favorite in a world full of sugary sodas and bottled beverages.