Prohibition Era Cocktail Recipes and Their History

Prohibition Era Cocktails and Their History

The Prohibition Era, a period in United States history from 1920 to 1933, is infamous for the nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. However, rather than extinguishing the public's thirst for alcohol, Prohibition unwittingly fostered a period of immense creativity in the realm of cocktail creation. This era gave birth to a slew of ingenious cocktail recipes that remain beloved to this day. Below, we explore some of the most iconic Prohibition Era cocktails, delving into their fascinating histories and the recipes that have allowed them to endure through the ages.

The Bee's Knees

History: The Bee's Knees is a classic cocktail that epitomizes the ingenuity of Prohibition mixologists. Created as a means to mask the harsh flavors of bathtub gin, this cocktail combined the sweetness of honey and the tartness of lemon to create a palatable and delightful drink. The name "Bee's Knees" was Prohibition slang for "the best," reflecting the drink's popularity.

Cocktail Recipe:

• 2 oz Gin
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Sidecar

History: Though its origins are a bit murky, the Sidecar is believed to have been invented in Paris during World War I, gaining popularity in the United States during Prohibition. This cocktail's balanced blend of brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice made it a standout recipe during a time when quality spirits were scarce.

Cocktail Recipe:

• 2 oz Brandy or Cognac
• 3/4 oz Orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass.

The Mary Pickford

History: Named after the silent film star, the Mary Pickford cocktail was created in Havana, Cuba, during Prohibition. This drink, a mix of rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, and grenadine, showcases the era's penchant for experimenting with new and exotic flavors.

Cocktail Recipe:

• 2 oz White rum
• 2 oz Fresh pineapple juice
• 1 tsp Maraschino liqueur
• 1 tsp Grenadine

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

The Last Word

History: The Last Word is a Prohibition Era cocktail that originated at the Detroit Athletic Club. Its equal-parts recipe of gin, lime juice, green Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur creates a harmonious and complex drink that was nearly forgotten until its revival in the early 21st century.

Cocktail Recipe:

• 3/4 oz Gin
• 3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
• 3/4 oz Maraschino liqueur
• 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Conclusion

The Prohibition Era, though marked by its legal restrictions on alcohol, was a golden age for cocktail innovation. The necessity to disguise the taste of inferior spirits led to the creation of cocktail recipes that are celebrated for their complexity and flavor. These cocktails not only survived the end of Prohibition but have thrived, becoming staples of modern mixology and testament to the enduring human spirit of creativity and resilience. As we sip on these historic concoctions, we're reminded of a tumultuous time in American history and the lasting legacy it left on cocktail culture.