WITH the long-awaited adaptation of The Great Gatsby hitting the silver screen, cocktail hour beckons as we revisit the glamour and decadence of the 1920s.

This popular American import was born out of the Prohibition Era (1920-1933) when alcoholic beverages were banned and ultimately gave rise to speakeasies and bootleggers.

Royal Gin Fizz

  • 50ml Tanqueray Gin No. 10, 
  • 25ml fresh lemon juice,
  • one barspoon white sugar (or 12.5ml sugar syrup),
  • one egg white,
  • champagne or sparkling wine

Half fill a shaker with ice. Add the egg white, gin, lemon juice and sugar. Shake vigorously, strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top up with champagne (if you’re feeling flamboyant), or sparkling wine.

An American institution, the martini comes in many guises and for purists, there’s no such thing as ordering ‘a martini.’ Gin or vodka, dry, dirty or wet, shaken or stirred... why not go smoky for a change and add a dash of whisky to this iconic cocktail?

Indeed, Johnnie Walker Black Label (£24.75, 70cl, www.thewhiskyexchange.com) blends signature smoky malt with moderate toffee and rich fruitcake for an interesting variation.

The Tabard

  • 44ml reposado tequila,
  • 15ml amontillado sherry,
  • 15ml Drambuie
  • dash of orange bitters

Half-fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the ingredients, stir gently and strain into a chilled martini glass. Twist orange peel over the drink to release its oils, float it on top, then top with a sprig of fresh thyme.

With all the right ingredients to pay homage to the Prohibition Era when corn whiskey was a favourite ‘moonshine’ product, Bootlegger (£36.50, 70cl, www.harrods.com) is a white grain spirit with no minimum maturation period.

Sweet and spicy with a short, slightly raw finish, it can be sipped neat over ice, or mixed in a cocktail to thrill gangsters and molls.

The Capone

  • 50ml Bootlegger,
  • 15ml Grand Marnier,
  • 30ml sugar syrup,
  • 2 dashes bitters,
  • 15ml fresh lemon juice,
  • splash of champagne or sparkling wine

Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Bootlegger, Grand Marnier, bitters, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into a large chilled coupette. Top with champagne or sparkling wine to float, and garnish with a raspberry.

Launched this month, The Macallan Amber (£44.95, 70cl, www.harrods.com) is part of The Macallan 1824 Series of single malts with no age statement apart from the colour.

Citrus and vanilla notes mingle with raisins, sultanas and toffee apple and the fruity, full-bodied flavour works like a dream in this classic cocktail recipe.

One of the few to use Scotch whisky instead of bourbon or rye, it’s inspired by Rudolph Valentino’s 1922 silent film of the same name.

BLOOD AND SAND

  • 25ml The Macallan Amber
  • 25ml sweet vermouth
  • 25ml cherry liqueur
  • 25ml freshly squeezed orange juice

Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a brandied cherry on a cocktail stick.

Chin chin!