in Vintage Ads

Bizarre Vintage Alcohol Ads That Used Sex to Sell Every Type of Booze

Boozvertising refers to the bold and often sexual way alcohol is advertised. Vintage ads for hard liquor are rarely subtle. They grab attention with eye-catching images and suggestive themes. These ads know that sex sells, and they use it to their advantage.

In the world of alcohol advertising, marketers often push boundaries. They want to stand out in a crowded market, and sex is a surefire way to do that. Vintage ads featured beautiful women, handsome men, and sometimes both. These figures posed in ways that drew the eye and stirred interest. The visuals communicated a sense of excitement, fun, and allure.

One common tactic was to show people enjoying drinks in glamorous settings. These ads often portrayed luxurious lifestyles. They suggested that drinking alcohol was tied to having a good time. A stunning woman might be seen laughing with a drink in her hand, while a dapper man leans in closer. This setting made it clear that alcohol was linked to social success and attractiveness.

Another technique used in these ads was playful innuendo. The language in the text often hinted at something more than just alcohol. Phrases and taglines played with double meanings, teasing the audience while promoting the drink. This clever wordplay added an extra layer of appeal. It made the ads memorable and engaging.

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The imagery used in these vintage ads was often glamorous. Women were frequently depicted in alluring outfits, drawing attention to their figures. Men, too, were shown as confident and charming. Together, they created a fantasy that many consumers wanted to be part of. The ads suggested that drinking this liquor would elevate their own lives to that glamorous level.

Some ads went even further by creating stories around the product. They portrayed scenarios where alcohol was the key to romance or adventure. In these narratives, the drink served as a catalyst for excitement. Whether it was a romantic encounter or a wild party, alcohol was always at the center. This connection made the drink feel essential for having a good time.

Boozvertising also used humor to attract attention. Some ads featured funny situations where alcohol played a crucial role. The lighthearted approach made the ads enjoyable to look at. They often left a lasting impression, making consumers remember the brand.

As times changed, so did the way alcohol was advertised. However, the boldness of boozvertising remains a fascinating part of advertising history. The use of sex and allure in vintage alcohol ads captures a unique moment in marketing. These ads tell us a lot about the culture of their time and how brands tried to connect with their audience.

#3 Was this advert inspired by the abusive relationship of Ike & Tina?

Was this advert inspired by the abusive relationship of Ike & Tina?

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#4 They don’t have a sense of humor at airport security like they once did.

They don’t have a sense of humor at airport security like they once did.

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#5 A clever tag line is great, but nothing beats a pair of boobs in a booze advert.

A clever tag line is great, but nothing beats a pair of boobs in a booze advert.

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#6 There’s definitely something phallic going on here. It’s as if Sigmund Freud himself was in charge of the Smirnoff account.

There’s definitely something phallic going on here. It’s as if Sigmund Freud himself was in charge of the Smirnoff account.

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#7 Your secretary will have sex with you, if you have lots of Cossack Vodka on hand.

Your secretary will have sex with you, if you have lots of Cossack Vodka on hand.

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#9 Lest you imagine the “sex sells booze” approach was strictly a Western thing, this advert clears up any misconception. Asian advertisers were wise to the selling power of a chick in a silver bikini living in an empty gin bottle. You might say Japanese were the greatest experts of them all.

Lest you imagine the “sex sells booze” approach was strictly a Western thing, this advert clears up any misconception. Asian advertisers were wise to the selling power of a chick in a silver bikini living in an empty gin bottle. You might say Japanese were the greatest experts of them all.

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#10 The Japanese also made insanely stupid ads like this one, completely undermining my previous statement.

The Japanese also made insanely stupid ads like this one, completely undermining my previous statement.

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#12 Her shirt reads “It’s Real”. I suppose it’s better than “They’re Fake”, but still not the greatest thing to emblazon across a female’s breasts. She already looks a little tipsy, so she probably doesn’t care.

Her shirt reads “It’s Real”. I suppose it’s better than “They’re Fake”, but still not the greatest thing to emblazon across a female’s breasts. She already looks a little tipsy, so she probably doesn’t care.

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#13 These Boodle ads from 1982 used the “always proper” British Gin as a slang for sex. I wish they had gone a bit further with it. For example, “Is it proper to boodle a complete stranger?” Or even better, “Is it proper to boodle a circus clown while tripping on bath salts?”

These Boodle ads from 1982 used the “always proper” British Gin as a slang for sex. I wish they had gone a bit further with it. For example, “Is it proper to boodle a complete stranger?” Or even better, “Is it proper to boodle a circus clown while tripping on bath salts?”

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#14 “Have you these features? [A] Eyes deep set in soft flesh… characteristic of an appreciative type. [B] Ears lying close to the head… characteristic of a type with good taste.”

“Have you these features? [A] Eyes deep set in soft flesh… characteristic of an appreciative type. [B] Ears lying close to the head… characteristic of a type with good taste.”

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Written by Kimberly Adams

Kimberly Adams is passionate about classic movies, actors, and actresses. She offers a fresh perspective on timeless films and the stars who made them unforgettable. Her work is an ode to the glamour and artistry of a bygone era, and a tribute to the enduring appeal of classic cinema.

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