Imagine the clandestine whispers, the jazz music, and the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties. During Prohibition, a golden age of mixology emerged from the shadows, giving birth to iconic drinks that are still cherished today. This guide will transport you back to the speakeasies, showing you how to master two quintessential prohibition cocktails: the refreshing Bee’s Knees and the sophisticated Manhattan.
Why These Classic Prohibition Cocktails Are a Must-Try
These aren’t just drinks; they’re a journey through history. Here’s why diving into the world of prohibition cocktails is an experience you won’t want to miss:
- Historical Significance: Each sip tells a story of defiance and creativity, crafted during a fascinating era when alcohol was banned.
- Timeless Flavors: These recipes have stood the test of time for a reason, offering perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying tastes.
- Impress Your Guests: Elevate your home bar skills by serving authentic speakeasy-style drinks that are sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Prohibition Cocktails
The beauty of classic speakeasy drinks lies in the quality of their few, simple ingredients. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes these drinks sing:
Choosing Your Gin for the Bee’s Knees
For the Bee’s Knees, gin is the star. Opt for a classic London Dry Gin, which offers a robust juniper backbone that stands up beautifully to the lemon and honey. Brands like Tanqueray or Beefeater are excellent choices, providing the crisp, aromatic profile essential for this refreshing classic cocktail.
The Right Rye Whiskey for a Classic Manhattan
The Manhattan demands a good quality rye whiskey. During Prohibition, rye was more prevalent than bourbon, giving this drink its characteristic spicy, slightly peppery kick. Look for brands like Rittenhouse Rye or Bulleit Rye. The higher rye content ensures that the whiskey’s bold character shines through, balancing the sweetness of the vermouth and the bitterness of the Angostura. This is key to a truly authentic speakeasy experience.
Sweet Vermouth: The Unsung Hero
Don’t skimp on your sweet vermouth! It plays a crucial role in the Manhattan, adding depth, sweetness, and herbal complexity. A good quality Italian sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica Formula or Dolin Rouge, will make a noticeable difference. Store your vermouth in the refrigerator after opening, as it is a fortified wine and will oxidize over time.
Crafting Your Honey Syrup
While simple syrup is common, honey syrup is what gives the Bee’s Knees its unique, smooth sweetness. It’s incredibly easy to make: simply combine equal parts honey and warm water, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved. This not only makes the honey easier to incorporate into cold drinks but also mellows its intensity, allowing the gin and lemon to shine. It’s a small detail that elevates this particular drink.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Quality Bitters
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the Bee’s Knees. Bottled lemon juice simply won’t deliver the same bright, zesty flavor. For the Manhattan, Angostura Bitters are non-negotiable. Their complex blend of herbs and spices is fundamental to the drink’s aroma and taste, tying all the elements together. These details are vital for creating truly authentic prohibition cocktails.
Mastering These Prohibition Cocktails: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these classic drinks is an art, but one that is easily mastered with a little practice. Here’s a simplified overview of how to bring these speakeasy favorites to life in your own home.
Crafting the Refreshing Bee’s Knees (Shaken)
The Bee’s Knees is a bright, tangy, and subtly sweet gin-based drink, perfect for those who appreciate a lighter, more refreshing classic. Begin by gathering your gin, fresh lemon juice, and homemade honey syrup. Combine these ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass, then finish with a delicate lemon twist for garnish.
Mixing the Sophisticated Manhattan (Stirred)
The Manhattan is a robust, spirit-forward classic that exudes elegance. For this timeless classic, you’ll need rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Unlike the Bee’s Knees, the Manhattan is stirred, not shaken. Combine your ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir with a bar spoon for at least 30 seconds, ensuring the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted. Strain the chilled cocktail into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass over a large, fresh ice cube. A traditional garnish is a maraschino cherry. For another whiskey-based classic, you might enjoy Mastering the Elegant New York Sour: Your Guide to a Classic Red Wine Whiskey Cocktail, which offers a delightful twist on a similar profile.
Once both prohibition cocktails are prepared, serve them immediately to enjoy their optimal temperature and flavor.
Prohibition Cocktails
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Mixing Glass
- Bar Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.75 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 honey to warm water)
- Ice
- Lemon Twist for garnish
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Instructions
Instructions
- Gather all necessary ingredients and cocktail equipment.
- For Bee’s Knees (shaken): Combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
- For Manhattan (stirred): Combine rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir with a bar spoon until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds).
- Strain the Bee’s Knees into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Strain the Manhattan into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a cherry (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy your classic Prohibition-era cocktails.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Prohibition Cocktails & Creative Variations
Elevate your classic cocktail game with these expert tips and explore ways to customize these timeless recipes.
Can I Make These Drinks into Mocktails?
While the essence of these drinks lies in their spirits, you can certainly create delicious non-alcoholic versions. For a Bee’s Knees mocktail, replace gin with a non-alcoholic gin substitute or simply omit it, increasing the lemon and honey syrup slightly and topping with sparkling water. For a Manhattan mocktail, use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, non-alcoholic sweet vermouth, and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters.
Storage Tips for Ingredients
As mentioned, store sweet vermouth in the refrigerator after opening. Fresh lemon juice is best used immediately. Honey syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it convenient for impromptu classic cocktail sessions.
Experimenting with Other Prohibition-Era Spirits
The Prohibition era was a time of great experimentation. Feel free to explore other spirits and liqueurs that were popular or smuggled during that time. The world of prohibition cocktails is vast and full of discovery.
Glassware Matters
Serving these drinks in appropriate glassware (coupe, martini, or rocks glasses) not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the overall drinking experience, truly immersing you in the speakeasy vibe of these classic drinks.
Serving Your Historic Prohibition Cocktails
These classic drinks are best enjoyed in an atmosphere that reflects their rich history. Serve them chilled, allowing their complex flavors to unfold with each sip. They are perfect as an aperitif before dinner or as sophisticated sips during a themed gathering. Pair them with light appetizers, cheese boards, or even some classic jazz music to complete the speakeasy experience. These prohibition cocktails offer a taste of a bygone era, providing a moment of refined indulgence.
Embrace the Spirit of the Roaring Twenties with Prohibition Cocktails
From the refreshing zest of the Bee’s Knees to the bold elegance of the Manhattan, these iconic recipes offer more than just a drink – they offer a journey through history. Recreating these classic drinks at home allows you to connect with the rebellious and inventive spirit of the Roaring Twenties. So, gather your ingredients, hone your mixology skills, and raise a glass to the enduring legacy of these truly classic drinks. Cheers to the timeless appeal of prohibition cocktails!