Popular 1920 Drinks and Cocktails – Prohibition Era

Welcome to a journey through the vibrant world of 1920 drinks and cocktails during the exhilarating Prohibition Era. From 1920 to 1933, creativity sparked in the underground bars. Bartenders turned poorly concocted spirits into delightful vintage cocktails.

This thrilling time saw men and women sneaking into speakeasies. They were driven by a passion for innovative drink creations. This passion transformed the cocktail scene forever.

As we delve into this charming era, we’ll explore how classic drinks from 1920s made their mark. They set the stage for the cocktails we enjoy today. Let’s toast to the audacity and inventiveness of the Prohibition-era mixologists. They shaped the landscape of modern mixology with their ingenious recipes!

Key Takeaways

• The Prohibition Era lasted from 1920 to 1933, fostering creativity in cocktail making.
• Classic cocktails like the Sidecar and Gin Rickey gained prominence during this time.
• Speakeasies became hidden hubs for enjoying unique drinks.
• Many Prohibition-era cocktails have experienced a resurgence in popularity today.
• The art of mixology was significantly influenced by the challenges posed during Prohibition.
• Innovative ingredients, like honey in Bee’s Knees, showcased ingenuity among bartenders.

The Fascinating History of the Prohibition Era

The Prohibition era lasted from 1920 to 1933. It started when the 18th Amendment banned liquor in 1919. The Volstead Act then defined what was considered intoxicating.

This led to a secret world of speakeasies. Here, creative cocktails were made despite the law.

By 1925, New York City had thousands of speakeasies. These secret bars were full of life, ignoring the law. Mixologists made clever cocktails to hide the poor quality of liquor.

Women started going to bars with men, changing society. The Cocktail Hour became a big part of American life in the 1920s.

As cocktails became more popular, so did the desire for food to go with them. Speakeasies began serving small dishes like lobster canapés and cheese balls. This trend helped shape future parties.

Even after Prohibition ended in 1933, serving small foods at parties remained popular.

The Prohibition era was exciting for drinking, but it slowed down cocktail innovation. The secrecy and restrictions limited the creation of iconic cocktails. It took time for the cocktail industry to bounce back after Prohibition.

Aspect	Details
Start Year	1920
End Year	1933
Key Legislation	18th Amendment, Volstead Act
Speakeasies in NYC by 1925	Thousands
Rise of Cocktail Parties	Yes
Popular Finger Foods	Lobster canapés, crabmeat cocktails, devilled eggs
Impact on Women	Shared drinking experiences with men
Post-Prohibition Cocktail Revival	Lag in innovation

Significance of Cocktails During Prohibition

Cocktails became symbols of defiance during Prohibition. The 18th Amendment made drinking hard to find. So, people turned to creative drinks that hid bad spirits.

This led to a big increase in cocktail importance. Mixologists showed off their skills with colorful, tasty drinks.

Before Prohibition, only 40% of alcohol was spirits. But by the end, over 75% of Americans drank gin and whiskey. Speakeasy drinks became classics, loved for their unique flavors.

Speakeasies were secret places where people found community and fun. Cocktails were key to this experience. They were more than drinks; they were a way to defy the law.

Mixologists got creative with ingredients like canned fruit juices. They used these to make drinks taste better, hiding the bad taste of industrial alcohol. This creativity helped start the craft cocktail movement in the late 1980s.

The creativity and teamwork of that time still influence mixology today. We celebrate making great drinks and honor the past.

Iconic 1920 Drinks and Cocktails

The 1920s were a time of vibrant cocktail culture. Many iconic drinks from this era are still loved today. These drinks were made in secret bars, where bartenders used their skills to make the best out of bad liquor.

Overview of Classic Drinks

The Sidecar is a favorite for its mix of brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. The Gin Rickey is a classic in Washington D.C., made with gin, lime, and soda water. The Bee’s Knees cocktail uses honey to balance sweet and tart flavors, even with low-grade gin.

The French 75 is a popular mix of gin, Champagne, lemon, and syrup. It was a hit with American expats in Paris.

How They Evolved to Mask Poor Quality Liquor

The Southside cocktail, with its minty taste, was a favorite of Al Capone. These drinks were more than just a taste; they were a way to cope with the era’s challenges. Bartenders tweaked recipes to hide the poor quality of spirits, ensuring a good experience for everyone.

The Corpse Reviver cocktails were known for helping with hangovers. These creative drinks have become a big part of American drinking culture. For more on these classic cocktails, check out this detailed guide.

Gin Rickey: A Refreshing Highball Classic

The Gin Rickey is a delightful highball cocktail made with gin, fresh lime juice, and club soda. It dates back to the 1880s, evolving from the Bourbon Rickey. In Washington, D.C., it was named after Joe Rickey, a Democratic lobbyist.

Over time, the Gin Rickey became more popular than its bourbon cousin. By the 1920s, it was a favorite among those looking for a refreshing drink.

Making a Gin Rickey is easy. You mix 2 ounces of gin with half a lime’s juice and rind, then add club soda. This mix is low in carbs, unlike drinks with tonic water.

The Gin Rickey is served over ice in a highball glass. It’s garnished with lime wheels, perfect for summer, cocktail hours, or a casual drink.

• Essential tools for crafting the perfect Gin Rickey include:
• Highball glass
• Cocktail jigger
• Bar spoon
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Large ice cube mold
• Straws

The Gin Rickey’s legacy lives on, offering a light and invigorating drink. It’s a nod to the lively 1920s mixed drinks. Its versatility makes it a favorite for any occasion.

The Old Fashioned: A Timeless Icon

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail with a rich history. It dates back to the early 19th century. It became famous in the 1920s, especially during Prohibition.

This classic drink mixes whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. It has delighted people for many years.

Traditional Recipe Variations

The Old Fashioned recipe has changed over time. It started simple but evolved during Prohibition. Bartenders added muddled fruits and extra sugar to improve the taste.

Today, the classic recipe still exists. But, mixologists also try new things. They use smoked whiskey, mezcal, and even candied bacon for unique flavors.

Cocktail’s Resilience Through the Decades

The Old Fashioned’s charm comes from its versatility and cultural importance. It’s a favorite in bars around the world. It has been loved by famous people like President Harry Truman and William Faulkner.

It’s easy to find old-fashioned recipes with seasonal ingredients. This makes every event special. For more ideas, check out festive cocktail ideas for 2025.

Sidecar: A Sophisticated Sour Drink

The Sidecar cocktail is a refined choice among sophisticated drinks. It reflects the elegance of classic 1920s cocktails. It was first made at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

This cocktail mixes the rich flavors of brandy or cognac with fresh lemon juice and Cointreau’s sweetness. Its fame during the Prohibition era shows the need for better drinks, even with watered-down spirits.

• 2 ounces of VSOP Cognac, Armagnac, or high-quality California brandy
• 1 ounce of Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice

Making a Sidecar is quick and simple, taking just five minutes. Only one minute is spent actively preparing it. It’s perfect for personal enjoyment or to impress someone.

Early recipes called for equal parts of brandy, lemon, and Cointreau. Now, a 2:1:1 ratio is preferred for a better taste.

The Sidecar is best served ice-cold. This ensures a perfect mix of strong, sweet, and sour flavors. It’s a timeless classic that still excites cocktail lovers today.

French 75: The Champagne Cocktail

The French 75 is a sparkling gem among champagne cocktails. It mixes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. This cocktail became famous in the 1920s, a time filled with jazz and Prohibition.

• 1 ½ ounces of gin
• ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice
• ¾ ounce of simple syrup (made from honey or sugar and water)
• 2 to 3 ounces of chilled Champagne

The cocktail’s name comes from the French military’s 75-mm field gun in World War I. It suggests a strong, lively drink with a rich history. Drinking it feels like stepping back in time, embracing the spirit of the Prohibition era.

There are many French 75 variations, like the Earl Grey or Elderflower Champagne Cocktail. Each one keeps the original’s festive feel but adds new tastes. Whether for a calm afternoon or a fun party, the French 75 remains a favorite among cocktail lovers.

Bee’s Knees: A Sweet and Tasty Prohibition Favorite

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a sweet treat from the Prohibition era. It mixes gin, honey, and lemon juice. This drink was a clever way to hide the bad taste of low-quality spirits during Prohibition.

It’s not just a tasty drink. It shows how bartenders were creative with what they had. They made something special out of limited ingredients.

How Honey Became a Key Ingredient

During Prohibition, the gin was often bad-tasting. To make it better, bartenders used strong flavors. Honey syrup was a hit, added to drinks like the Bee’s Knees to balance the taste.

This recipe uses 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of honey syrup. It makes a sweet drink that was great for secret parties in speakeasies.

To make honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and water. It adds a touch of sweetness that goes well with lemon. You can use different types of gin to change the flavor. The Bee’s Knees is easy to make and brings back the fun of the Roaring Twenties.

Ingredient	Quantity
Gin	2 oz
Lemon Juice	3/4 oz
Honey Syrup	1/2 oz
Garnish	Lemon Twist

Mary Pickford: A Tropical Delight

The Mary Pickford cocktail is named after a Hollywood star from the 1920s. It’s a mix of light rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine. This blend creates a bright and refreshing taste.

It was first made at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in the early 1920s. The cocktail captures the fun spirit of the Jazz Age.

During Prohibition, bartenders had to be creative. The Mary Pickford became a favorite at parties. Its bright colors and sweet taste are perfect for summer.

The original recipe used equal parts rum and pineapple juice. Today, mixologists might change the rum amount or use fresh ingredients for a unique twist.

Making the Mary Pickford cocktail is quick. Just shake together:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Light Rum
• 2 oz (60 ml) Pineapple Juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Maraschino Liqueur
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Grenadine

This mix creates a drink that looks and tastes great. It’s traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass with a maraschino cherry on top. With about 182 calories and 22% ABV, it’s a classic that brings back the glamour of the 1920s.

Speakeasy Cocktails: The Underground Bar Experience

Stepping into an underground bar feels like a trip back in time. Speakeasies, hidden during Prohibition, offered creative and tasty cocktails. These drinks were a way to enjoy good times, despite the bad liquor.

Speakeasy cocktails, like the Bee’s Knees, show the era’s creativity. At The Underground at The Mob Museum, you can try drinks inspired by history. Enjoy live music and a mix of past and present.

The Commonwealth has a rooftop garden and a secret speakeasy. It’s exclusive, with only 28 guests at a time. The Lady Silva is easy to find, inviting everyone to discover its charm.

The Chandelier Room in the Cosmopolitan Hotel is impressive. It has three levels, offering many cocktails. The Vanguard in Downtown Las Vegas serves fresh cocktails and live music, attracting bar lovers.

Prohibition led to thousands of secret bars. Today, each sip brings you back to a time of creativity and fun. Try the Peppermint Moonshine Cocktail at The Underground for a unique taste.

Want to learn about making cocktails? Try the Flaming Dr Pepper shot for a fun twist. Learn more here.

1920 Drinks and Cocktails for Parties

Planning a party? The charm of 1920 drinks can create an enchanting atmosphere! Imagine your guests sipping classic drinks like the Old Fashioned or refreshing gin rickeys. These drinks bring excitement and nostalgia, making them perfect for any gathering.

With an array of classic drink recipes to choose from, you can easily impress your friends. The French 75 is a delightful mix that highlights sparkling wine and gin. It adds a touch of sophistication to your table. The Bee’s Knees combines honey and lemon flavors, beautifully representing the era while masking the lesser quality of bootleg gins.

Here’s a selection of 1920 drinks for gatherings you might want to try:

Cocktail	Main Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Old Fashioned	Bourbon, sugar, bitters	Smooth, classic
Gin Rickey	Gin, lime juice, soda	Tart, refreshing
Bee’s Knees	Gin, honey, lemon	Sweet, citrusy
French 75	Gin, champagne, lemon	Bubbly, zesty
Mary Pickford	Rum, pineapple juice, grenadine	Tropical, fruity

Imagine adding a splash of color and flavor with a Skittle Bomb Cocktail to your menu. The blend of Cointreau and Red Bull not only excites the palate but serves as a fantastic conversation starter! Whether hosting a casual dinner or a lively retro-themed party, these cocktails ensure that everyone revels in the delightful nostalgia of the 1920s.

The Role of Rum in Prohibition Cocktails

During the Prohibition era, rum became a top choice for many cocktails. The illegal trade of Prohibition era rum grew as smugglers found Caribbean routes. This led to the creation of many refreshing rum cocktails.

These drinks were popular because they hid the poor quality of moonshine and other illegal spirits. The Mojito and the Mary Pickford were favorites. They combined rum with mint, citrus, pineapple, grenadine, and Luxardo Maraschino liqueur.

These cocktails were not just tasty. They also kept the spirit of social gatherings alive during tough times. Rum’s versatility allowed mixologists to make many drinks for different tastes. Rum’s popularity in bars and homes grew, making it a key part of today’s cocktail culture.

Highball: The Enduring Favorite

The Highball is a classic in the world of cocktails. It started in the 1920s and is made with a spirit, like whiskey, and soda water. This mix is simple yet enjoyable.

It became popular during Prohibition because it was light and tasty. You could enjoy it without worrying about bad liquor. Highballs are great because you can change the spirit and mixers to try new things.

Cocktail Recipes and Pairings

Trying different recipes can make the Highball special. Here are some tasty variations and what foods go well with them:

Highball Variation	Ingredients	Food Pairing
Japanese Highball	1.5 oz Japanese Whisky 4-5 oz Soda Water	Sushi or Grilled Fish
Whiskey Ginger	1.5 oz Whiskey 4 oz Ginger Ale	Spicy Chicken Wings
Citrus Highball	1.5 oz Gin 4 oz Lemon-Lime Soda	Salmon Salad
Classic Scotch Highball	1.5 oz Scotch 4-5 oz Soda Water	Cured Meats and Cheeses

Highball cocktails are more than just a drink. Each one shows how to mix flavors well. They make any meal better. Highballs are loved by many, from casual drinkers to cocktail lovers.

Legacy of Prohibition Cocktails in Modern Mixology

The Prohibition era had a big impact on today’s mixology. In the 1920s, bartenders made creative drinks to hide the taste of bad spirits. They used bright ingredients like fruit and spices, making drinks that were fun to drink.

Today, we see the same spirit of creativity in cocktails. Modern drinks often have bright colors and flavors, just like the old days. Classic recipes, made to improve cheap liquor, still inspire new cocktails. Simple drinks like gin and rum cocktails are still popular, showing respect for the past.

Now, we have more flavors and ingredients in our drinks. Things like honey, citrus, and herbs are back in style. This makes mixing drinks exciting again, offering a mix of old and new.

Bars today often look like they’re from the Prohibition era. This mix of old and new makes drinking fun and interesting. Mixologists keep the tradition alive while also trying new things, making every drink an adventure.

How the Jazz Age Influenced Cocktail Culture

The Jazz Age brought a new vibe to nightlife, mixing music and mixology. Speakeasies became the heart of the night, filled with jazz’s spirit of freedom and creativity. Prohibition led to over 32,000 speakeasies in New York, changing cocktails forever.

Bars became places for people to come together, and jazz’s impact on drinks was clear. Bartenders created new flavors and looks, making drinks that matched jazz’s improvisational feel. Drinks like the Bee’s Knees and Gin Fizz became symbols of the era’s cocktail culture.

Jazz also changed how cocktails were made. Cocktail shakers were not just useful but stylish, with prices ranging from affordable to very expensive. This mix of style and substance showed the artistic spirit of the time, where jazz and cocktails came together.

Feature	Details
Speakeasies	Over 32,000 illegal bars emerged in New York during Prohibition.
Cocktails Popularized	Bee’s Knees, Gin Fizz, and the Mary Pickford became favorites.
Cocktail Shaker Prices	Prices ranged from $2-3 for silver plate to $600 for sterling silver.
Jazz Influence	Jazz bars showcased creative cocktails that matched musical improvisation.

Conclusion

The world of 1920 drinks and cocktails is full of creativity. This time, with Prohibition, saw the rise of secret speakeasies and new drinks. These drinks are still important in mixology today.

Looking back, these Prohibition cocktails were more than just tasty. They also carry a deep historical meaning and a spirit of rebellion. They tell a story of hidden bars and the drinks’ lasting impact.

Today, bartenders draw inspiration from this era. They make cocktails that bring back the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Enjoying these drinks at home or in a bar is a way to celebrate their history and cultural significance.

FAQ

What are some classic drinks from the 1920s?

Classic 1920 drinks include the Old Fashioned and Gin Rickey. Also, the Sidecar, French 75, Bee’s Knees, and Mary Pickford. These cocktails show the creativity and resilience of bartenders back then.

How did Prohibition affect cocktail culture?

Prohibition made bartenders creative with bad spirits. Speakeasies became places of community and rebellion. Classic drinks were made with what was available.

What is a Gin Rickey, and why is it significant?

The Gin Rickey is a cocktail with gin, lime juice, and club soda. It was loved in the 1920s for hiding bad gin flavors.

Why is the Old Fashioned considered timeless?

The Old Fashioned is timeless because of its long history and adaptability. It mixes whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. Bartenders have changed it since the 1800s.

What other cocktails emerged during Prohibition?

Besides the Old Fashioned and Gin Rickey, there’s the Sidecar, French 75, Bee’s Knees, and Mary Pickford. These drinks show the era’s inventive spirit and how flavors were mixed despite poor spirits.

How did the jazz culture influence 1920s cocktails?

The Jazz Age made cocktail culture vibrant. Speakeasies were social hubs with jazz and cocktails. The lively vibe influenced drink flavors and presentation, making them a celebration of life.

What are some great 1920 drinks for parties?

For parties, serve the Old Fashioned, Bee’s Knees, and Gin Rickey. These drinks capture the 1920s spirit and will impress your guests!

Why were rum cocktails popular during Prohibition?

Rum cocktails were popular because rum was easy to smuggle. Drinks like the Mojito and Mary Pickford used rum’s sweetness to hide bad flavors.

What is the legacy of Prohibition cocktails today?

Prohibition cocktails’ legacy lives on in modern mixology. Today’s bartenders draw inspiration from these classics. They keep the 1920s spirit alive in the craft cocktail scene.