Step back in time to the clandestine world of the Roaring Twenties, where jazz music filled smoky rooms and secret doors led to hidden speakeasies. This was an era of ingenuity and rebellion, giving birth to some of the most iconic and enduring drinks in cocktail history. Today, we’re inviting you to unearth the spirit of that bygone era and master the art of crafting classic prohibition era cocktails right in your own home.
Forget everything you thought you knew about dull drinks; the necessity of masking inferior spirits during Prohibition actually spurred bartenders to incredible creativity, resulting in balanced, flavorful concoctions. From the bold Manhattan to the zesty Gin Rickey, these timeless libations are more than just drinks; they’re a taste of history in every sip. Get ready to shake, stir, and savor the sophisticated charm of authentic prohibition era cocktails.
Why These Classic Prohibition Era Cocktails Will Become Your Go-To
Diving into the world of prohibition era cocktails is more than just mixing drinks; it’s an experience. Here’s why these recipes are a must-try for any aspiring home bartender or cocktail enthusiast:
- Taste History with Every Sip: Each drink tells a story, a testament to the resilience and creativity of bartenders forced to innovate under challenging circumstances. You’re not just making a drink; you’re reviving a piece of culinary history.
- Master Foundational Bartending Techniques: These recipes often rely on fundamental techniques like stirring versus shaking, precise measurements, and proper chilling, which are essential skills for crafting any cocktail, modern or classic.
- Versatile and Impressive: With a few core spirits and mixers, you can create a wide array of sophisticated drinks that will impress your guests and elevate any gathering. These prohibition era cocktails are timeless crowd-pleasers.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Prohibition Era Cocktails
Crafting authentic prohibition era cocktails starts with understanding and selecting the right ingredients. During Prohibition, quality was often a concern, but today, we have the luxury of choice. Here’s a deep dive into the spirits and mixers that defined the era:
Gin: The Spirit of the Roaring Twenties
Gin was king during Prohibition, often because it was easier to produce illicitly than aged spirits. For your prohibition era cocktails, opt for a good quality London Dry Gin, known for its juniper-forward profile, or explore an Old Tom Gin for a slightly sweeter, maltier character, reminiscent of gins from that period. Brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Plymouth are excellent choices.
Whiskey: Rye or Bourbon for Robustness
While often smuggled, whiskey remained a beloved base for many classic drinks. Rye whiskey, with its spicy, bold character, was particularly popular in many prohibition era cocktails like the Manhattan. Bourbon offers a sweeter, smoother profile, perfect for an Old Fashioned. Look for Rittenhouse Rye or a reliable Bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace.
Vermouth: The Essential Aromatic Modifier
Vermouth, an aromatized fortified wine, is crucial for adding depth and complexity. Sweet vermouth (red) brings a rich, slightly bitter, herbaceous sweetness, while dry vermouth (white) offers a lighter, more floral, and often savory note. Always store opened vermouth in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. High-quality options include Carpano Antica Formula for sweet and Dolin or Noilly Prat for dry.
Fresh Citrus Juices: The Bright Mask
To mask the rough edges of some illicit spirits, bartenders heavily relied on fresh citrus. Lemon and lime juice are non-negotiable for vibrant, balanced prohibition era cocktails. Always use freshly squeezed juice; pre-bottled varieties simply won’t achieve the same bright, crisp flavor.
Simple Syrup: The Sweet Balancer
A staple in any bar, simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) provides essential sweetness without adding graininess. You can easily make it at home. Consider a rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water) for a more concentrated sweetness or experiment with flavored syrups for unique twists on your prohibition era cocktails.
Angostura Bitters: The Aromatic Backbone
A few dashes of Angostura Bitters can transform a drink, adding aromatic complexity and balancing flavors. It’s a key ingredient in many classic recipes and was readily available even during Prohibition, often sold as a medicinal tonic.
Orange Liqueur: Adding Zest and Depth
Liqueurs like Cointreau or other high-quality triple secs add a bright, citrusy sweetness and depth to various prohibition era cocktails, such as the Sidecar or the White Lady.
Crafting Your Prohibition Era Cocktails: A Step-by-Step Overview
While each prohibition era cocktail has its unique recipe, the general process for preparing these timeless drinks follows a consistent pattern. Precision and attention to detail are key to unlocking their full flavor potential.
Gather Your Gear and Ingredients
Before you begin, ensure you have all your chosen spirits, mixers, and essential bar equipment laid out. This includes your cocktail shaker or mixing glass, jigger, strainer, and bar spoon. Having everything at hand streamlines the process and ensures a smooth cocktail-making experience.
Chill Your Glassware for Optimal Enjoyment
A properly chilled glass is paramount for any well-made cocktail, especially prohibition era cocktails. Fill your chosen cocktail glass with ice and water, or place it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This prevents your drink from warming too quickly and diluting prematurely.
Measure and Combine with Precision
Accuracy is the hallmark of a great bartender. Use a jigger to carefully measure all your liquid ingredients. Combine them in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with fresh, quality ice. The quality of your ice significantly impacts the final taste and dilution of your prohibition era cocktails.
Stir or Shake with Purpose
The choice between stirring and shaking is crucial. For spirit-forward cocktails (like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned), stir gently with a bar spoon until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). This maintains the drink’s clarity and smooth texture. For cocktails containing citrus, cream, or egg white (like a Sidecar or Gin Sour), shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled. Shaking aerates and emulsifies these ingredients, creating a frothy texture.
Strain and Serve Immediately
Once your drink is perfectly chilled, discard the chilling ice and water from your serving glass. Strain the cocktail from the shaker or mixing glass into your prepared glass. This ensures a clean, undiluted drink.
Garnish for Grandeur
The final touch is often the most visually appealing. Garnish your prohibition era cocktails with an appropriate accompaniment – a citrus twist, a brandied cherry, or an olive. Garnishes not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to the aroma and overall experience of the drink.
Prohibition Era Cocktails
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Bar Spoon
- Cocktail Glasses
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Gin
- Whiskey (Rye or Bourbon)
- Sweet Vermouth
- Dry Vermouth
- Lemon Juice
- Lime Juice
- Simple Syrup
- Angostura Bitters
- Orange Liqueur (e.g., Cointreau)
- Ice
Instructions
Instructions
- Gather all your chosen spirits, mixers, and bar equipment.
- Select your cocktail glass and chill it by filling it with ice and water, or placing it in the freezer.
- Measure and combine your liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with fresh ice.
- For stirred cocktails (spirit-forward), stir gently with a bar spoon until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). For shaken cocktails (with citrus or cream), shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
- Discard the chilling ice and water from your glass. Strain the cocktail from the shaker/mixing glass into the chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a citrus twist, cherry, or other appropriate accompaniment, and serve immediately.
Notes
Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Your Prohibition Era Cocktails
Elevate your prohibition era cocktails with these professional tips and explore exciting variations.
Can I Make These Prohibition Era Cocktails as Mocktails?
Absolutely! While the original prohibition era cocktails were boozy, you can easily adapt many of them into delicious mocktails. Focus on using high-quality non-alcoholic spirits (like non-alcoholic gin or whiskey alternatives), fresh citrus, and homemade syrups. For example, a Virgin Gin Rickey could use non-alcoholic gin, lime juice, and soda water. A non-alcoholic Old Fashioned can be made with a smoked tea base, simple syrup, and bitters.
Batching for Parties
Planning a gathering? Many prohibition era cocktails can be batched in advance. Prepare the non-perishable ingredients (spirits, vermouth, bitters, syrups) in a large bottle or pitcher and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply add fresh citrus juice, ice, and stir or shake individual servings. This saves time and allows you to enjoy your guests.
The Importance of Quality Ice
Good ice is often overlooked but is fundamental to a great cocktail. Large, dense ice cubes melt slower, diluting your drink less and keeping it colder for longer. Avoid small, cloudy ice from automatic ice makers if possible.
Essential Bar Equipment for the Home Enthusiast
You don’t need a professional bar setup to make amazing prohibition era cocktails. A jigger for measuring, a cocktail shaker (or mixing glass), a strainer, a bar spoon, and quality glassware are your core essentials. Investing in these few items will significantly improve your cocktail game.
Experiment with Ratios and Flavors
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipes, don’t be afraid to experiment. Adjust the ratios of spirits, sweeteners, and citrus to suit your palate. Try different types of bitters, or infuse your simple syrups with herbs or spices to add a unique twist to your favorite prohibition era cocktails.
Serving Suggestions for Your Speakeasy Experience
The presentation and pairing of your prohibition era cocktails can enhance the entire experience, transporting you and your guests further into the allure of the 1920s.
Pair with Small Bites
Classic cocktails often pair wonderfully with simple, elegant appetizers. Think olives, spiced nuts, a curated charcuterie board, or even small tea sandwiches. The rich, complex flavors of these drinks complement savory snacks beautifully.
Theme Your Gathering
Host a speakeasy-themed party! Encourage guests to dress in 1920s attire, play some jazz music, and serve your array of prohibition era cocktails. It’s a fantastic way to immerse everyone in the historical charm of the era.
A Perfect Aperitif or Digestif
Many prohibition era cocktails serve perfectly as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal, or as a digestif to aid digestion afterward. Their balanced profiles make them versatile companions to various culinary experiences.
Raise a Glass to History with Prohibition Era Cocktails
From the clandestine corners of hidden speakeasies to the comfort of your home bar, prohibition era cocktails offer a captivating journey through history. Each sip is a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and enduring appeal of a time when the simple act of enjoying a well-crafted drink was an act of quiet rebellion. By mastering these classic recipes, you’re not just making a beverage; you’re preserving a legacy.
So, gather your ingredients, sharpen your skills, and let the spirit of the Roaring Twenties guide your hand. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious beginner, these iconic drinks promise to delight and transport you. Cheers to the timeless allure of prohibition era cocktails!
More Classic Beverages to Explore
- Master the Classic Vieux Carre Cocktail: A Taste of New Orleans History
- Master the Perfect Americano: Your Ultimate Guide to a Classic Espresso Drink
- Bad Ass Barbie Cocktail: A Bold, Pink Party Drink
What were common ingredients used in Prohibition-era cocktails?
During Prohibition, common ingredients included gin, whiskey (often rye or bourbon), vermouth, citrus juices (lemon, lime), simple syrup, and bitters. Strong flavors were often used to mask the quality of available spirits.
Why were cocktails popular during the Prohibition era?
Cocktails became popular during Prohibition because mixing spirits with other ingredients helped to mask the often harsh taste of illegally produced or smuggled alcohol. They also allowed for more creative and discreet consumption in speakeasies.
What are some classic Prohibition-era cocktails?
Some classic Prohibition-era cocktails include the Bee’s Knees, Mary Pickford, French 75, Sidecar, and the Old Fashioned (though older, it remained popular and adapted).
What is a speakeasy?
A speakeasy was an illicit establishment that sold alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era. Patrons were often told to ‘speak easy’ or quietly to avoid drawing attention from law enforcement.