Prohibition-Era Cocktails: A Taste of NYC’s Underground Past

The Prohibition era (1920–1933) transformed New York City’s cocktail culture, giving rise to hidden speakeasies and innovative drinks designed to mask the harsh flavors of bootleg liquor. Today, NYC honors this spirited history with bars that recreate the glamour and intrigue of the period, alongside modern takes on Prohibition-era classics. Let’s dive into the stories behind these iconic drinks and discover where to sip them today.

1. The Rise of the Speakeasy

During Prohibition, underground bars known as speakeasies thrived in NYC. These venues were often hidden behind unmarked doors, accessed by secret passwords, and designed to evade law enforcement. To disguise the taste of inferior alcohol, bartenders crafted cocktails with bold flavors, fresh juices, and homemade syrups. Drinks like the Bee’s Knees, Gin Rickey, and Old Fashioned emerged as favorites.

Experience It Today: Bars like PDT (Please Don’t Tell) and The Back Room keep the speakeasy spirit alive with hidden entrances, intimate settings, and vintage-inspired menus.

2. Classic Prohibition Cocktails and Their Stories

The Bee’s Knees
This gin-based cocktail, made with honey and lemon, was designed to mask the rough taste of bathtub gin. Its name, slang for “the best,” reflects the ingenuity of the era’s bartenders.

Modern Take: Add lavender-infused honey and a splash of sparkling wine for a floral, effervescent twist.

The French 75
Named after a powerful French artillery gun, this champagne cocktail combined gin, lemon, and sugar to create a bubbly yet potent drink.

Modern Take: Replace gin with elderflower liqueur for a sweeter, aromatic variation.

The Old Fashioned
This whiskey-based cocktail predates Prohibition but gained renewed popularity during the era for its simplicity and timeless appeal.

Modern Take: Swap the sugar cube for maple syrup and add smoked orange peel for depth.

3. NYC’s Best Speakeasy Bars for Prohibition Cocktails

• Angel’s Share (East Village): Tucked away behind an unmarked door, this speakeasy specializes in refined cocktails with Japanese influences, elevating classic recipes.

• Attaboy (Lower East Side): A no-menu approach allows mixologists to tailor drinks to your preferences, channeling the creativity of Prohibition-era bartenders.

• Bathtub Gin (Chelsea): Hidden behind a coffee shop, this bar serves era-inspired cocktails in a glamorous, vintage setting.

4. Hosting Your Own Prohibition Cocktail Night

Bring the charm of the Prohibition era to your next gathering with a speakeasy-inspired cocktail party.

Tips:

• Décor: Think vintage glassware, dim lighting, and jazz music.

• Menu: Serve classic cocktails like the French 75 and Bee’s Knees, along with modern interpretations for variety.

• Entertainment: Consider hiring expert NYC mixologists from Art of the Cocktail to lead a private class, teaching guests to craft these historic drinks while sharing the fascinating stories behind them.

The Past Meets the Present

Prohibition-era cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re a celebration of NYC’s resilience and creativity. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Old Fashioned at a hidden speakeasy or experimenting with modern twists at home, these cocktails connect us to a time when ingenuity turned adversity into art.

Raise a glass to NYC’s underground past and its enduring influence on cocktail culture.