The 1938 - A Decadent Art Deco Cocktail Showcasing Rothwell Distillery’s Art Deco Gin

A Taste of Timeless Elegance: The 1938 Cocktail

Some cocktails tell a story simply through the way they taste — and the 1938 is one of them. Inspired by the glamour, geometry, and bold creativity of the Art Deco era, this drink is a celebration of elegance and precision. It brings together zesty citrus, velvety cacao, and gently aromatised botanicals, all balanced on a foundation of Rothwell Distillery’s Art Deco Gin, a spirit crafted with refinement and intention.

The name 1938 pays homage to the final peak of the Art Deco movement — a time when craftsmanship was king, beauty was intentional, and quality stood above all else. Much like the architecture and design of that era, this cocktail is striking yet approachable, stylish yet familiar, modern yet nostalgic.

And that is precisely the essence of our Art Deco Gin.

The Gin That Started It All: Rothwell Distillery’s Art Deco Gin

Distilled on-site at the historic Mt Rothwell Homestead in Little River, Victoria, Art Deco Gin reflects the innovation of a bygone era while embracing modern Australian craft. Rothwell Distillery is proudly family-owned, paddock-to-bottle, and deeply connected to the land on which it stands.

Every botanical is grown on the estate, with a strong emphasis on Australian natives — a nod to the rugged beauty of the You Yangs and the heritage of the Rothwell landscape. The gin itself embodies the very essence of early 20th-century Art Deco values: clean lines, sophistication, and iconic simplicity.

A classic London Dry–style gin, it is:

• Elegant and refined
• Familiar and approachable
• Beautifully versatile as a foundation for cocktails
• Built with balanced botanicals that shine without overwhelming

It’s the type of gin that feels just as at home in a classic martini as it does in a playful twist like the 1938.

What the 1938 Cocktail Tastes Like

This cocktail is designed to highlight the crisp, structured nature of Art Deco Gin while layering flavours that are indulgent without being heavy.

The flavour profile is:

• Bright and citrus-forward thanks to the fresh lemon juice
• Silky and lightly sweet from the white crème de cacao
• Aromatic and elegant from the American Bianco
• Crisp, clean, botanical from the Art Deco Gin

The result is a cocktail that feels like a luxurious evening drink — something you serve when you want to impress without being extravagant. It has the charm of a dessert cocktail without the creaminess, maintaining a refreshing finish that keeps you going back for more.

The Inspiration Behind the Drink

Like the Art Deco movement itself, the 1938 is about balance — beauty meeting function, indulgence meeting structure. White crème de cacao became popular in the early 1900s as bartenders sought lighter, more delicate ways to use chocolate flavours. Bianco vermouth (American Bianco) rose in popularity for its aromatic finesse and gentle sweetness. Citrus, of course, has always played a role in brightening and elevating spirits like gin.

Bringing all three together creates a drink that feels undeniably classic.

Perfect Occasions for the 1938

The 1938 suits a variety of settings and palates:

Evening celebrations

An excellent pre-dinner drink or a sophisticated nightcap.

Special events

Perfect for weddings, milestone birthdays, and cocktail-themed gatherings — especially those steeped in elegance.

Palates that enjoy balance

This drink appeals to those who like a hint of sweetness without losing freshness, and who appreciate spirits-forward cocktails that remain approachable.

Anyone exploring craft Australian spirits

This is a showcase cocktail for Art Deco Gin, highlighting its versatility and refinement.

The 1938 — Recipe

Ingredients

• 40ml Rothwell Distillery Art Deco Gin
• 20ml White Crème de Cacao
• 20ml American Bianco (Bianco Vermouth)
• 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• Ice
• Optional: Lemon twist or dehydrated citrus wheel, for garnish

Feel free to adjust sweetness by reducing the crème de cacao to 15ml if you prefer a drier profile.

Method

1. Chill your glass — A coupe or small martini glass works beautifully.
2. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Fine strain into your chilled glass to achieve a crisp, velvety finish.
5. Garnish with an expressed lemon twist or dehydrated citrus wheel to enhance the aroma.

Sip Into the Art Deco Era

The 1938 isn’t just a cocktail — it’s an experience. With Rothwell Distillery’s Art Deco Gin at its core, this drink transports you to a world where craftsmanship mattered, details were celebrated, and every sip carried intention.

Serve it to guests, pair it with good conversation, or enjoy it as a moment of calm and refinement at the end of a long day.

And for those who appreciate spirits made with care, history, and sustainability, Rothwell Distillery welcomes visitors to explore its paddock-to-bottle ethos — either online or at the soon-to-open cellar door in Little River.