FOR MY COCKTAIL LOVERS
THAT’S RIGHT! "Cocktails weren't born during Prohibition—they were reborn.
Have you ever noticed that the moment someone tells us we can't have something, we suddenly want it even more?
It's human nature. We crave freedom, choice, and the ability to make our own decisions. That's exactly what happened during one of the most fascinating periods in American history—Prohibition.
From 1920 to 1933, alcohol was banned across the United States. The government believed eliminating alcohol would solve many of society's problems. Instead, it gave birth to secret bars, underground networks, creative cocktails, and a culture that refused to be silenced.
What emerged wasn't just a new way of drinking—it was the beginning of modern mixology, where bartenders transformed rough spirits into works of art and hidden speakeasies became symbols of rebellion, connection, and freedom.
Today, we're taking a journey back in time to explore the world of Prohibition, the birth of cocktail culture, and the lessons this remarkable era still teaches us about human nature. So let’s dive in a little.
The Birth of the Cocktail
The first known written definition of a cocktail appeared on May 13, 1806, in a New York publication called The Balance and Columbian Repository. A cocktail was described as:
"A stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters."
That description is very similar to what we now know as an Old Fashioned.
The Golden Age of Cocktails (1860s-1910s)
Many historians consider the late 1800s the first true golden age of cocktails. Why? Well, because during this time:
Professional bartending emerged.
Ice became more widely available.
Classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Martini, and Sazerac gained popularity.
Jerry Thomas, often called the "Father of American Mixology," published one of the first bartending guides in 1862.
Known as the "Father of American Mixology," Jerry Thomas was one of the most influential bartenders in history. During the mid-1800s, he helped transform bartending from a simple job into a respected craft, bringing creativity, technique, and showmanship behind the bar.
In 1862, Thomas published How to Mix Drinks, or The Bon Vivant's Companion, the first widely recognized cocktail recipe book. The guide introduced bartenders to standardized recipes and helped establish many of the techniques still used today.
Thomas was famous for his theatrical style and signature drink, the Blue Blazer, which involved pouring flaming whiskey between two silver mugs to create a stream of fire. His performances made him a celebrity in an era when bartenders rarely received public recognition.
More than a century later, Jerry Thomas is remembered as a pioneer who helped shape modern cocktail culture. His influence can still be seen in bars around the world, earning him a lasting place in the history of mixology.
Prohibition's Impact (1920–1933)
Prohibition was a nationwide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States. It began: January 17, 1920, through the 18th Amendment and Volstead Act. It ended December 5, 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment. Why though? Well, simply because several groups believed alcohol was causing, domestic violence, poverty, crime, workplace accidents, family instability. Organizations like the Women's Christian Temperance Union and Anti-Saloon League pushed for alcohol prohibition.
Although prohibition did not create cocktails, it transformed cocktail culture. Bootleg alcohol was often terrible. Many spirits were poorly distilled, tasted harsh, contained impurities. So, bartenders began masking flavors with citrus juices, syrups, herbs, liqueurs, bitters This led to the rise and popularity of drinks such as:
Bee's Knees
French 75
Sidecar
Mary Pickford
So, at this point, I'm sure you're asking yourself, "Well dang, how were people supposed to enjoy themselves, socialize, unwind, and do many of the things we do today that revolve around alcohol?"
It's a fair question. Back then, alcohol was simply alcohol. A drink was a drink.
Today, it's so much more. It's culture, craftsmanship, creativity, and for many, an art form. From handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits to carefully curated tasting experiences, what was once just a beverage has evolved into something that brings people together, tells stories, and creates memories.
When Prohibition went into effect in 1920, the government hoped banning alcohol would solve many of society's problems. Instead, it left people feeling restricted and uneasy. After all, alcohol had become part of everyday life, social gatherings, celebrations, and even business dealings. People weren't ready to simply give it up.
That's when a clever solution emerged: the speakeasy.
Hidden behind unmarked doors, tucked away in basements, and accessible only through secret passwords, speakeasies became underground havens where people could gather, enjoy a drink, listen to music, dance, and momentarily escape the pressures of everyday life. What was intended to stop drinking ended up fueling an entire culture of secrecy, creativity, and rebellion.
And believe it or not, these hidden establishments would help shape the cocktail culture and mixology world we know today. Secret bars known as "speakeasies" operated illegally throughout the country. New York City alone had thousands of underground bars.
Women and Cocktails During Prohibition
Before Prohibition, saloons were largely male spaces. Speakeasies changed that for the first time, men and women drank together openly, cocktail culture became fashionable, drinking became tied to jazz, nightlife, and socializing, this shift helped shape the modern bar experience. Then came Ada "Coley" Coleman.
Ada "Coley" Coleman (1875–1966)
A pioneering bartender who made history as the first and only head bartender of the American Bar at London's Savoy Hotel, one of the world's most prestigious cocktail destinations. At a time when bartending was largely a male profession, she became one of the most respected figures in the industry.
After beginning her career in hospitality, Coleman rose through the ranks thanks to her talent, professionalism, and ability to create memorable drinks. Her warm personality and skill behind the bar attracted famous guests from around the world.
She is best known for creating the Hanky Panky cocktail, a blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. The drink was created for actor Sir Charles Hawtrey and remains a classic cocktail more than a century later.
Known as the "Queen of Cocktail Mixers," Coley's influence extended far beyond her time behind the bar. She helped shape modern cocktail culture and opened doors for future generations of women in mixology.
Organized Crime Exploded
Gangsters made fortunes supplying illegal alcohol. Most famous, Al Capone- Controlled much of Chicago's bootlegging operations. Earned millions annually from illegal alcohol sales. Other crime syndicates expanded nationwide due to the enormous demand for liquor.
Famous Prohibition-Era Cocktails
Bee's Knees
Gin, lemon juice, honey syrup
Created to disguise rough bathtub gin.
French 75
Gin, lemon, sugar, champagne
Named after a powerful French artillery gun.
Sidecar
Brandy, orange liqueur, lemon
A sophisticated cocktail that gained popularity during Prohibition.
Mary Pickford
Rum, pineapple juice, grenadine
Named after the silent film star.
Collection of Books I Own & Recommend
Which cocktails? Which bartenders? What happened inside those speakeasies?
As we close this chapter, it's fascinating to think that one of the most restrictive periods in American history gave birth to one of the most creative movements in drinking culture.
What started as a government attempt to eliminate alcohol instead sparked innovation, underground communities, hidden bars, and the evolution of cocktails into something far greater than anyone could have imagined. It reminds us that even when doors close, people find new ways to connect, create, and celebrate life.
The next time you sip a carefully crafted cocktail, remember that you're not just enjoying a drink—you're experiencing a piece of history.
But our journey through cocktail history is far from over.
In our next segment, we'll step inside the dimly lit speakeasies of the 1920s and uncover how bartenders transformed rough bootleg liquor into legendary cocktails. We'll meet the pioneers of mixology, explore the drinks that defined an era, and discover how many of today's most beloved cocktails earned their place in history.
So, set yourself a reminder and meet me back here Thursday as we dive deeper into this fascinating art.
Until then, cheers to history, curiosity, and the timeless craft found in every pour.
All My Love,
-805 Entertainment
