Tag: Retro

Enjoy Classic Cocktails with a Contemporary Twist

Spring is here, and with warmer temperatures emerging in the forecast, people are ready to get outside and socialize. And nothing goes better with a good time than a fun cocktail (or “mocktail”) to set the mood. Although everyone has their own personal preferences, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic concoction. Many of the trendy beverages we consume today, such as an “Old Fashioned” or “Manhattan,” are creations from decades ago.

With timeless appeal, Elmira’s Northstar and Antique appliances have a similar charm to the cocktails of yesteryear. Their reimagined interpretation of appliances from the 1950s and 1890s makes them feel familiar, yet new at the same time. Just one glance at the stylish renditions and you’ll feel the comfort of the past while enjoying the ease of modern functionality. An Elmira Stove Works kitchen is the perfect place to create and enjoy your favorite beverage (Cosmo anyone?) with a fresh twist.

Here are some of our favorite classic cocktails to try this season.


Martini

The Martini is quite possibly one of the most recognizable cocktails worldwide. Despite the beverage’s immense popularity, its “creation” story is up for debate. The original recipe consists of gin, vermouth, and an olive garnish. Throughout the years, people began using vodka in place of gin to achieve a cleaner finish. This led to countless reimagining of the beverage into variations that suit any palate.

For a colorful rendition of a classic, try the Aviation Cocktail. First, add ice into a cocktail shaker. Then add gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de Violette liqueur, and lemon juice, and shake until chilled. Finally, garnish a chilled martini glass with a fresh lemon twist, and strain the mixture into the glass. The curious grouping of flavors results in a striking violet cocktail that is just as beautiful as it is tasty.

Aviation Cocktail

Old Fashioned

As the popularity of bourbon and American whiskey once again rises in North America, it’s not uncommon to find a rendition of the Old Fashioned on the menu of just about every bar and restaurant. The recipe originated at a private social club in Louisville, Kentucky in 1881 and has been a mainstay ever since. The simple bourbon cocktail is a blend of sugar, spice and – well – everything nice.

To make this classic drink with a modern twist, add to your favorite highball glass a spoonful of sugar, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, a slice of lemon and orange, and brandy-infused cherry. Muddle the ingredients until blended fully. Add ice and two ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey, depending upon your taste (bourbon has sweet notes while rye is more peppery), and shake well. Pour the beverage into the glass and garnish with a flamed orange peel.

Old Fashioned

Moscow Mule

The story behind the Moscow Mule is one of ingenuity. The well-loved drink was first created in 1941 when restaurateur and entrepreneur John “Jack” Morgan formulated a recipe for ginger beer. At the time, Mr. Morgan was struggling to get people to catch on to the bold flavor. He met John Martin, president of a spirit company, who was also having trouble finding people to consume his new product called Smirnoff Vodka.

The two men bonded over the similarity of their circumstances, which led to the idea of creating a cocktail by combining the two drinks. They added ice and a wedge of lemon to the drink, and the Moscow mule was created. Today, the drink is very trendy, with creative variations everywhere you turn. A fun rendition to try at your next social gathering is a blood orange and pomegranate Moscow Mule. It starts with the traditional recipe, then adds two ounces of blood orange juice and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Garnish the mug with a blood orange wedge and a sprig of mint, for a tangy twist on the beloved mid-century cocktail.

Moscow Mule

Negroni

The Negroni is an Italian aperitif, created in 1919 at the request of Count Camillo Negroni. A classic Negroni consists of three equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth garnished with a twist of lemon. The classic beverage is a riff on a cocktail called an Americano, which uses club soda instead of gin for a fizzy, refreshing sip. Negronis remain a drink of choice for cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

For an innovative take on the original, try a Pink Negroni. Just add ice, gin, Campari, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, and a few dashes of hibiscus bitters to a cocktail shaker. Shake ingredients until well chilled, then strain into your favorite glass and finish with a hibiscus bloom or sprig of tarragon. You are sure to love this elevated version of a classic cocktail.

Negroni

While the Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, and Negroni are timeless beverages, perfect in their authentic form, they can easily be modified to fit the ever-changing palates of today. With a few simple steps and ingredient substitutions or additions, you can transform a legendary cocktail into a mixologist-inspired creation with a personal touch.


The art of blending old favorites with new ideas will never go out of style. After all, there is always room to make a classic even more interesting than the original.

Antique, Vintage or Retro? How to Tell

Sometimes it can be confusing when trying to determine in which era particular design elements originated. Fortunately, antique, vintage and retro items can be distinguished by knowing a few key factors.

Antique Authenticity

As a rule of thumb, anything more than 100 years in age is considered an antique. These items are usually heirlooms and have a historical quality to them. Antique pieces are great for adding character to a simple room. They bring richness and depth to a space – especially when mixed with other styles – that is often difficult to find in modern design. An original period painting or an authentic Tiffany Lamp would be considered an antique – think “Antiques Roadshow.”

Many homeowners are drawn to the historic charm of antique stoves, in particular. These classic models offer a timeless look and often serve as the focal point of a kitchen. Antique stoves are gaining in popularity not only for the sense of nostalgia they evoke, but also because they work with a variety of aesthetics – from rustic to farmhouse to Victorian or even more contemporary styles. 

While it is possible to find antique stoves that have been restored, many of today’s homeowners are looking for modern functionality and features, and prefer to purchase new “antique style” appliances with designs based on cookstoves from the late 1800s.

Vintage Vibes

“Vintage,” on the other hand, refers to an item that can be attributed a specific era within the last 20 to 100 years. Vintage items are generally easy to spot because they are iconic and represent something exceptional from a certain time period. For example, think about a 1960s model car, 1970s bellbottom pants or a 1950s poodle skirt. In the interior design world, mid-century modern decor is a common example of vintage style.

When it comes to vintage appliances, some homeowners opt to purchase older appliances that have been refurbished. Although these appliances bring a feeling of authenticity to kitchens, they don’t typically have the “bells and whistles” that many consumers desire, especially those who cook often.

Retro Restyle

When compared to antique and vintage, retro is a much broader term. Retro is typically used to describe items that are not original, but rather provide a modern twist on a style from the past. Retro style decorating usually has a fun, energetic feel to it, and incorporates bright colors, dynamic designs, and an overall sense of flair.

Homeowners looking to get a period look without sacrificing function and modern amenities are able to find new kitchen appliances that mimic retro style. These retro appliances are a great way to add character and a cheerful pop of color to a kitchen without overwhelming the space. Their versatile design complements a variety of decor styles, including mid-century ranch, 1950s retro, farmhouse and contemporary kitchens.

The “Original”

Elmira Stove Works has been crafting appliances since 1975, and offers full lines of ranges, refrigerators, range hoods and splash backs, microwaves, and dishwashers. Elmira initially debuted the Fireview woodburning cookstove followed by the Heritage collection of 1890’s-styled appliances, and – in 2001 – expanded to retro / mid-century appliances with the introduction of the Northstar line.

Heritage appliances are available in a variety of classic colors, including Black, White, Bisque, Cayenne Pepper Red and Liberty Blue, as well as custom hues. Northstar appliances feature an inviting collection of classic colors reminiscent of the 1950’s look – including pastels such as Buttercup Yellow and brights like Candy Red – along with more than a thousand custom colors.

So, whether you’re looking for a kitchen with the perfect touch of antique, vintage or retro inspiration, we’ve got you covered!