Prohibition Era Cocktails and Their History

The Prohibition era, spanning from 1920 to 1933, was a tumultuous period in American history marked by the ban on the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. Despite the nationwide prohibition, this era gave rise to some of the most iconic and enduring cocktails in the world. In this article, we'll explore the history of the Prohibition era, the speakeasies that defined the time, and some of the classic cocktails that emerged from this fascinating period.

The Roaring Twenties: Prohibition's Impact

The Prohibition era, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, was a time of significant social and cultural change in the United States. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This radical experiment aimed to reduce crime, corruption, and social problems associated with alcohol consumption.

However, the unintended consequences of Prohibition were manifold. Instead of curbing alcohol use, it led to the proliferation of underground bars and secret drinking establishments known as speakeasies. These hidden venues became hotbeds of nightlife, decadence, and social rebellion. They were often hidden behind unmarked doors, accessible only to those who knew the secret password.

The Rise of Speakeasies

Speakeasies, with their clandestine atmosphere and flouting of Prohibition laws, became hubs of creativity and cultural exchange. Jazz music thrived in these venues, and they played a pivotal role in the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement celebrating African American art, music, and literature.

The term "speakeasy" itself reflects the need for discretion. Patrons were instructed to "speak easy" or quietly when entering these establishments to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement. Speakeasies were often located in basements, back rooms, and hidden corners of restaurants, and they offered a wide range of alcoholic concoctions that catered to the diverse tastes of their patrons.

Classic Cocktails of the Prohibition Era

The Prohibition era gave birth to a myriad of cocktails, each with its own unique history and flavor profile. Many of these classic cocktails continue to be beloved staples of modern mixology. Let's delve into some of the most iconic cocktails that emerged during this fascinating period:

1. The Negroni

The Negroni is a timeless cocktail that originated in Florence, Italy, and made its way to the United States during Prohibition. It's a simple yet sophisticated concoction that combines equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Negroni's bittersweet and herbal flavor profile has made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Negroni Ingredients:

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• Orange Peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel twist.

2. The Sidecar

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail with a disputed origin, with some claiming it was created in Paris and others in London. Regardless of its origins, the Sidecar is a delightful blend of Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, creating a citrusy and balanced cocktail.

Sidecar Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cognac
• 1 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Lemon Twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the Cognac, Triple Sec (or Cointreau), and fresh lemon juice.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

3. The Bee's Knees

The Bee's Knees is a Prohibition-era cocktail that combines gin, honey, and lemon juice, resulting in a sweet and tangy libation. It's believed that the term "bee's knees" was slang for something excellent or outstanding during that era.

Bee's Knees Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.75 oz Honey Syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, stirred until dissolved)
• Lemon Twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously until well combined.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

4. The Mary Pickford

Named after the legendary silent film actress Mary Pickford, this cocktail was a favorite during the Prohibition era. It blends light rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur, creating a fruity and tropical flavor profile.

Mary Pickford Ingredients:

• 2 oz Light Rum
• 2 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 tsp Grenadine
• 1 tsp Maraschino Liqueur
• Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add the light rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur.
3. Shake until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

5. The Southside

The Southside cocktail is a gin-based concoction that blends mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. Its refreshing and minty taste made it a popular choice during the Prohibition era, particularly in Chicago's South Side.

Southside Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
• Mint Leaves (for muddling and garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle a few mint leaves.
2. Add gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Legacy of Prohibition-Era Cocktails

The cocktails that emerged during the Prohibition era hold a special place in cocktail culture. They not only survived the tumultuous times but also left an indelible mark on mixology. Even after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, these classic cocktails continued to be enjoyed and adapted by subsequent generations.

Today, craft cocktail bars and skilled mixologists pay homage to the Prohibition era by resurrecting and reinventing these classic libations. The Negroni, Sidecar, Bee's Knees, Mary Pickford, and Southside are just a few examples of timeless cocktails that continue to grace cocktail menus around the world.

The enduring appeal of Prohibition-era cocktails lies in their balance, elegance, and rich history. They serve as a reminder of a bygone era when creativity thrived in the face of adversity and the art of crafting the perfect cocktail became an essential part of American culture.

So, the next time you savor a Negroni or sip a Sidecar, raise your glass to the Roaring Twenties and the resilient spirit of those who sought solace and celebration in the hidden speakeasies of yesteryears. These classic cocktails are not just drinks; they are a taste of history, rebellion, and enduring craftsmanship. Cheers to the legacy of Prohibition-era cocktails!