Mixing it Right: Crafting Prohibition Era Cocktails with a Twist

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Prohibition-Era Cocktail Origins

The time from 1920 to 1933, known as the Prohibition Era, left a big mark on American culture, especially in terms of cocktails.

Influence of Prohibition on Cocktails

With booze outlawed during Prohibition, folks had to get sneaky about enjoying their drinks. This led to the emergence of speakeasies—concealed bars where people clandestinely sipped their spirits. Bartenders, faced with limited supplies, became inventors, creating cocktails with whatever was on hand. Al Capone's crew raked in the bucks, pulling in about $60 million a year fueling speakeasy patrons with bootleg liquor.

Cocktail-making became a staple of home shindigs as well, where hosts would whip up tantalizing tipples instead of the now-scarce beer and wine. These parties led to a mix-and-match of spirits, resulting in some pretty wild flavors and techniques that still inspire today's mixers.

Popular Spirits and Ingredients

The Prohibition cocktail scene was all about making do with what you could smuggle in. Whiskey was king, but rum got plenty of love too, thanks to shipments coming in from the Caribbean (The Conversation). Here's a peek into the spirits that ruled the roost back then:

Bartenders of the time resurrected and invented classics that still have sway over today's cocktail scene. This revival piqued interest in the late '80s, sending folks on a hunt through cocktail history books and tales of historical mixologists to shake up those enduring drinks. The spirit of the era? Oh, it's alive and mixing, stirring up the cocktail love we know today.

Impact on Bartending Culture

Put away your dusty history books; we're takin' a colorful journey back to the Prohibition days, a time that flipped the bartending world on its head. This era not only juggled up the craft itself but also stirred up the way folks mingled over a drink.

Transformation of Bartending Profession

In the 1920s, bartending took an unexpected twist as speakeasies—those sneaky hideaways flourishing in big cities—became the place to be. Bartenders, equipped with their measure of flair, turned the odd assortment of whatever they got their hands on into sippable delights, concealing the rough taste of bootleg booze. These folks weren't just tending the bar anymore; they were whip-smart creators and the life of the party, holding the secret recipe to good times in their hidden hideaways.

Speakeasies were like stages, giving bartenders the spotlight to flaunt fresh talents and dream up new flavors, nudging America toward a more refined drink scene. The magic that emerged during these times lingers in our social calendars today with iconic cocktail moments that we still toast to.

Shift in Gender Roles

Prohibition didn't just shake up drinks; it stirred societal roles too. With men often tangled in the illegal booze game or behind bars, women—nicknamed "flappers"—took the reins in bar rooms. By stepping up, they not only shattered old-time gender norms but stamped a new wave of independence and rebellion, a frosty cocktail of change in a slowly evolving society.

With women minglin' at speakeasies, a new norm bubbled to the surface. For the first time, men and women shared a drink in public, swapping smoke-filled saloons for lively, more welcoming venues.

All told, Prohibition was the spark that lit more than just the bartending profession—it reimagined society’s party lineup, paving the way for today's vibrant cocktail culture. Those curious about the full play-by-play can explore history of cocktails for a pivotal sip of storytelling.

Legacy and Evolution

1933 was the year when the booze flowed back, and bars transformed into lively social hubs once again. The government's coffers filled up fast, pocketing a neat $258 million in alcohol taxes in that first comeback year—contributing almost a tenth of its tax cash flow and supporting Roosevelt’s New Deal dreams of an economic lift. Bartenders got busy shaking up classic cocktails as folks returned to their spirited ways with enthusiasm.

Post-Prohibition Industry Boost

Prohibition's end meant more than just parties; it opened wide doors for business. The alcohol biz, up and running in '34, sparked job opportunities and communities thrived on the bubbly revival. Distilleries, breweries, and bottle makers thrived, each fizz driving economic vitality. This buzz wasn’t just about clinking glasses; it was rebuilding livelihoods and giving neighborhoods a new lease on life.

Transition to Craft Cocktail Movement

Fast forward to the early 2000s, when the craft cocktail movement shook things up with a quest to bring back the art of drink mixing. This wasn't about tossing ingredients together, but a mission with a purpose—premium spirits and fresh, local fare leading the charge. Bartenders became taste pioneers, cooking up epic flavor adventures that tickled the taste buds.

Craft cocktailing gave a friendly nudge to mass-produced sippables, instead spotlighting a curated collection of drinks that tipped their hat to the history of prohibition-era drink favorites. Classic concoctions were back, inviting people to savor the tricks and tastes of cocktail days gone by. Enthusiasts hit the books on liquid history and sipped through the journey of mixology, recycling the Prohibition era's knack for challenge and inventiveness into today’s cocktail scene.

Iconic Prohibition-Era Cocktails

The Prohibition era, marked by the U.S. banning alcohol, was a time when mixologists really flexed their creative muscles, giving rise to some legendary concoctions. Here's a look at some of the cocktails that made a splash back then and are still stirring up good times today:

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned, with its timeless charm, holds a prestigious spot in cocktail lore. Born in the late 1800s at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, this no-fuss drink combines bourbon, a bit of sugar, a splash of bitters, and a hint of water. During Prohibition, its simple ingredients were a boon, making it a chic option even without fancy illegal booze.

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Old Fashioned

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4.54 / 5

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Invented

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1806

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Bourbon

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104 calories

Garnish

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Orange, cocktail cherry

Alcohol content

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40% | 1.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Stirred

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a bold, complex flavor profile. Originating in the mid-1800s, it is one of the oldest known recipes for mixed drinks. The traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients: sugar, bitters, and bourbon. The sugar cube provides a touch of sweetness, while the Angostura bitters add a depth of flavor with their complex blend of spices and herbs. The bourbon, with its smooth, smoky character, is the star of the show, providing a warm and comforting kick. When mixed together with ice and stirred well, the Old Fashioned is a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Ingredients

Sugar

Angostura Bitters

Bourbon

Method

How to make a Old Fashioned

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass

Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon

Stir gently

Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve

~ The Old Fashioned can be made with bourbon or other whisky. ~

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The Last Word

This tongue-tickler, first whipped up at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s, brings together gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice in equal measures. Easy to remember, and the kind of drink that makes you look like you know your way around a shaker.

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Last Word

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4.9 / 5

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Base ingredient

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Green Chartreuse

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159 calories

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27.5% | 3.3 units of alcohol ^*

The Last Word is a prohibition-era cocktail that has experienced a revival in modern mixology. A balanced mix of tart and botanical flavors, this cocktail combines fresh lime juice with the complex herbal notes of Green Chartreuse and the sweet, nutty profile of Maraschino liqueur, all underpinned by the crispness of dry gin. The ingredients are equal parts, contributing to its harmony and making it a classic example of the precision required in cocktail crafting. Traditionally served in a cocktail glass, the Last Word is a vibrant, zesty drink with a captivating green hue, embodying both historical charm and contemporary sophistication.

Ingredients

Lime juice

Green Chartreuse

Dry gin

Maraschino cherry liqueur

Method

How to make a Last Word

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

In a shaker with ice add all the ingredients

Shake well and strain into in a chilled cocktail glass and serve

~ Green Chartreuse works the best, Yellow Chartreuse doesn't go as well with the lime. If you're too heavy with the maraschino liqueur the cocktail will have too rich of a taste. Err on the side of using less of it, but it is a necessary ingredient. ~

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The Sidecar

A drink that’s as classic as they come, the Sidecar has been delighting folks for over a century with its blend of Cognac, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, and sugar. The zesty combination gives off major old-school vibes and continues to be a favorite.

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Sidecar

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4.97 / 5

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Invented

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1922

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Cognac

Calories

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193 calories

Alcohol content

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31.11% | 2.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Shaken

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail steeped in history, believed to have been invented around the end of World War I in either London or Paris. The Sidecar strikes a balance between the robust warmth of cognac and the sharp, citrus notes provided by freshly squeezed lemon juice, complemented by a touch of sweetness and complexity from the triple sec. Traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass, the drink's presentation is elegant and timeless. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of tart and sweet, making it a sophisticated choice for a before-dinner aperitif. The Sidecar remains a favored choice among those who appreciate classic cocktails with an illustrious past.

Ingredients

Cognac

Triple Sec

Lemon Juice

Method

How to make a Sidecar

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

The French 75

Cooked up during World War I and surviving through Prohibition, the French 75 mixes gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and tops it off with champagne. Named after a French artillery gun, its punchy, celebratory vibe has made it a must-have at parties ever since.

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French 75

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4.65 / 5

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Base ingredient

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Gin

Calories

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193 calories

Garnish

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Lemon

Alcohol content

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14.67% | 2.64 units of alcohol ^*

The French 75 is a classic cocktail believed to have originated in Paris during World War I. Its name is derived from the French 75mm field gun used in the war. This elegant drink has a balanced and refreshing flavor profile, with the tartness of lemon juice and sweetness of sugar syrup complementing the juniper notes of gin. The addition of champagne adds a touch of effervescence and sophistication to the drink. The French 75 is typically served in a champagne flute and garnished with a lemon twist. It is a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions, and is often considered the perfect cocktail to transition from aperitif to dinner.

Ingredients

Lemon Juice

Gin

Sugar Syrup

Champagne / prosecco

Method

How to make a French 75

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Stir the sugar syrup, lemon juice and gin into an ice-filled mixing glass

Strain into a champagne flute and top up with champagne

Garnish with a lemon slice and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Prohibition Classics Revived

During the Prohibition, some drinks like the Corpse Reviver were touted as hangover cures, often finding their way into cocktail books of the day, like the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Handbook.

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Corpse Reviver

Recipe card

4.49 / 5

Cocktail glass

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Base ingredient

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Cognac

Calories

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209 calories

Alcohol content

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34% | 4.08 units of alcohol ^*

The Corpse Reviver is a classic cocktail with a name that suggests its historic use as a hair-of-the-dog remedy, intended to jolt the drinker back to life with its potent blend. The drink is a harmonious mix of cognac, Calvados, and red vermouth, creating a rich and aromatic flavor profile with depths of fruit and spice. The use of Calvados, an apple or pear brandy from Normandy, France, adds a distinct layer of fruity complexity which, along with the herbal notes of the red vermouth, complements the robustness of the cognac. Served in a cocktail glass, the Corpse Reviver is both an elegant and bracing concoction, revered for its balance and its unapologetic nod to the traditional stiff drinks of the past.

Ingredients

Cognac

Calvados

Red vermouth

Method

How to make a Corpse Reviver

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Stir all the ingredients along with a dash of water, in a mixing glass with ice

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

These legendary Prohibition-era cocktails symbolize the ingenuity and spirit of bartenders facing tough times, and they continue to win hearts today. If you're thirsty for more cocktail history, check out our deep dives into the history of cocktails and cocktail origins timeline.

Cultural Influences

During the Prohibition era, a whirlwind of cultural shifts reshaped the way folks crafted, served, and savored cocktails. This bit's gonna take you through the rise of speakeasies, the social swings in nightlife, and the techy gadgets that jazzed up the drinking scene.

Rise of Speakeasies

Speakeasies were the secretive hideouts where people could sip the good stuff during Prohibition. Hidden entrances and an air of mystery were their trademarks, drawing folks in through passwords and concealed doors. These secret haunts popped up all over, letting patrons enjoy Prohibition-era cocktails away from prying eyes. A biggie was how speakeasies welcomed both men and women, a real game-changer in the way Americans enjoyed a night out.

Social Change and Nightlife

Prohibition shook up the whole nightlife vibe, letting a wider crowd into the fold. Women started venturing into bars more freely, enjoying their cocktails with a mix of folks. This opened up a nightlife where everyone, from all walks of life, rubbed elbows.

Plus, hitting up these covert joints felt like sticking it to the man. People attending speakeasies were showing their rebellious side, and it became part of the colorful backstory of vintage cocktails.

Technological Advancements

Interestingly, the whole Prohibition gig spurred some neat tech leaps. The U.S. Coast Guard was all about fast boats to catch those sly smugglers. So, bootleggers upped their game with speedier vessels to dodge the law. The ripple effect of developing these speedboats spread beyond just sneaky liquor runs (TIME).

Even now, Prohibition's legacy hangs around, re-shaping cocktail culture. The craft cocktail scene that took off in the late '80s harks back to the hush-hush speakeasy days (The Conversation). Today, drink enthusiasts dive into cocktail history with cocktail history books and revel in iconic cocktail moments.

Our Favourite 18 Prohibition Cocktails

Discover our favourite 18 prohibition style cocktails on our Listmania.