Welcome to the roaring 1920s! The era of decadently flashy jazz clubs, poised flapper dancers, and a “Noble Experiment” that changed the course of American history forever. We are discussing the Prohibition Era, which lasted 13 years in American history and led to the creation of several new cocktails. This was the time when Uncle Sam urged people to have “no more booze!” as alcohol-thirsty Americans collectively went, “Hold my (illegal) beer”.
The Pre-Prohibition Era
At the turn of the 20th century, there was a significant increase in the temperance movement. People were passionately advocating against the evils of alcohol, believing that a sober nation would lead to a happier society. This movement emerged against the backdrop of rapid industrialization in the United States, which contributed to rising urban poverty, alcoholism, prostitution, and various other social problems. The American middle class began to explore ways to address and reduce the chaos caused by these growing vices.
Even though alcohol was one of the main targets, it was rightfully justified. Many saloons offered drinks to young boys to ‘train’ them, while many others offered free drinks and food to attract new customers. Not to forget – many cities and towns saw a rise in alcohol-fueled violence – inebriated men would abandon their families or resort to violence against their wives and children.
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The Role Of Women In Fuelling The Anti-Alcohol Movement
The 1870s saw women-led collectives raising their voices to express their concerns about the widespread issues related to alcohol consumption. The Women’s Christian Temperance Movement emerged as a strong advocate for temperance and the outright prohibition of alcohol. Its members firmly believed that saloons were the root cause of the problem and that eliminating them would resolve the issues associated with alcohol.
One of the most infamous figures in this movement was Carrie Nation. She stood six feet tall, dressed in black, and was renowned for wielding an axe. A popular story recounts how Nation prayed and read the Bible in front of a saloon in Medicine Lodge, hoping for divine intervention. However, tired of waiting, she took matters into her own hands—literally. She charged into the saloon with her axe and demolished it.
The Anti-Saloon League (ASL) also campaigned for alcohol prohibition. Unlike a democratic interest group, the ASL operated more like a bureaucratic pressure organization. In addition to directly pressuring politicians, the ASL crafted an effective public relations campaign against drinking. By using powerful cartoons and ‘scientific’ studies designed to alarm the public about the dangers of alcohol, the ASL played a significant role in promoting the ban on alcohol.
The Eighteenth Amendment
On December 19, 1917, the Senate proposed the Eighteenth Amendment, outlawing the production, sale, importation, and distribution of alcohol. By alcohol, they meant any drink having more than 0.5% alcohol. Strict penalties were set, however, the act of consumption of alcohol was never itself banned. The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified in January 1919 and came into effect a year later.
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Prohibition Era In Action
Even though the Prohibition was in full force, Americans couldn’t keep calm. There was a significant rise in the illegal smuggling of alcohol through Canada and the West Indies. People also started making their alcohol from local ingredients. Most of this imported and homemade alcohol was seen selling in secret bars called speakeasies. It is estimated that during the peak of the Prohibition era in 1925, there were about 30,000 to 100,000 speakeasies in New York City alone. That’s simply a LOT of zeroes!
During this dry era, most people resorted to drinking whatever they could (illegally) find, or simply make it at home. There was hardly any choice. You could either get your hands on smuggled booze, or homemade drinks like moonshine or bathtub gin. This was a cue for bartenders who desperately wanted to break into the alcohol scene with something new for the masses. Eventually, bartenders began using creative ingredients like citrus fruits, soda, grenadine, and many others, to craft genius cocktails.
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Some Of The Famous Cocktails From This Era
You’d be surprised to know that a lot of famous cocktails were birthed in the Prohibition era. The cocktails born in this era did a great job of masking the ‘robust’ flavor of alcohol. Have a look at some of the most famous cocktails from this era
Bee’s Knees: The Bee’s Knees is a Prohibition-era gem that buzzes with the flavors of fresh lemon juice, honey, and gin. Its name reflects the slang of the times, meaning “the best,” and it offers a smooth, sweet, and citrusy sip that is perfect for masking the less-than-stellar spirits of the 1920s.
Sidecar: Elegant and zesty, the Sidecar is a cocktail classic blending cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. Believed to have been concocted in Paris or London, this drink boasts a perfect balance of tart and sweet, served in a sugar-rimmed glass. Quite a creative cocktail for its era!
Mojito: Believe it or not, the classic Mojito was also born in this era. It is a refreshing Cuban concoction that combines white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and a splash of soda water. With its vibrant and invigorating flavors, this cocktail has charmed drinkers from the tropical sands of Havana to bars worldwide, offering a cool, crisp taste of summer.
Mary Pickford: Named after the silent film star Mary Pickford, this cocktail is a glamorous mix of white rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur. It’s a fruity, sweet, and slightly tangy drink that captures the sparkle and sophistication of the Golden Age of Hollywood, making every sip feel like a red carpet moment.
Summing Up
There you have a crash course on inarguably the most chaotic era in recent American history. The Prohibition era where booze was legally banned, yet it flowed freely through the back allies and speakeasies. Bartenders seized this opportunity to experiment with flavors and crafted some of the most well-known cocktails in the world – ironically in the era of banned alcohol. This era of 13 dry years in American history is not just a moment in history, but also reminds us of the extent to which alcohol is embedded in our daily lives.
FAQs
What Was The Era Of Prohibition?
Prohibition was a nationwide ban in America on the sale and import of alcoholic beverages that lasted from 1920 to 1933, almost for 13 years.
What Were The Rules Of The Prohibition?
The 18th Amendment didn’t ban drinking alcohol; it just outlawed its production, sale, and transportation.
What Does The Saying “Bees Knees” Mean?
It is an old idiom that means ‘to be excellent’. The drink got its name from this idiom because of its exceptional taste.
Is A Sidecar A Martini?
The Sidecar is a Margarita with Cognac as the base.
Why Is It Called A Speakeasy?
Speakeasies got their name either because patrons were asked to “speak easy” or quietly while inside to avoid detection, or because their low profile made it hard for police to find them as people whispered inside.
What Does A Mary Pickford Taste Like?
Grenadine may take a backseat in the Mary Pickford, but it performs its role perfectly. The spotlight shines on white rum and pineapple juice, complemented by a hint of maraschino liqueur for balance. This cocktail is undeniably tropical without going overboard.
