Prohibition Era

The Volstead Act of 1920 prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. This drove drinking underground into speakeasies, where bartenders had to mask the harsh taste of bootleg spirits with creative combinations of mixers, bitters, and fruit juices. Ironically, Prohibition led to the golden age of American cocktail culture.

Prohibition transformed drinking from a casual activity into a rebellious social statement. Speakeasies became centers of cultural exchange where jazz music, dancing, and cocktails created a new American social scene. Women began drinking publicly for the first time, changing social norms forever.

The cocktails and techniques developed during Prohibition remain the foundation of modern mixology. The era established the cocktail as an art form and created many of today's most beloved classic recipes.