The Official Mixer's Manual lists the popularized version of the Boomerang Cocktail as calling for:
- 1/3 Rye Whiskey
- 1/3 Swedish Punsch
- 1/3 Dry Vermouth
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash lemon juice
To be stirred well with ice and strained into a glass.
The Cafe Royal Cocktail Book lists the same recipe. The Savoy Cocktail Book lists the same recipe, but calls for "Canadian Club whisky" instead of rye. The Standard Cocktail Guide employed rye whisky but calls for different proportions, with 1 oz rye, 3/4 oz. swedish punsch, 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth, 2 dashes of lemon juice, and 1 dash of Angostura bitters.
Trader Vic lists the same recipe in his 1947 Bartender's Guide as was in the Official Mixer's Manual but substitutes the rye with bourbon.
Prior to World War II, the original Boomerang Cocktail was associated with a South African origin, and likely referred to the boomerang as used for hunting. The drink reached its zenith for a period of time after WWII, when the early atomic age and space age began to influence Las Vegas and popular culture in terms of architecture, furniture, fabrics, and style, including boomerang shaped cocktail tables, barware, and so-called "atomic cocktails". Flying-themed cocktail names were also popular during this time.