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The 1920s might have been the decade of Prohibition, but that didn’t stop people from drinking. Behind hidden doors and secret passwords, speakeasies flourished, and bartenders got creative with the limited and sometimes questionable liquor they had on hand. That era gave us cocktails that were simple, fast to make, and strong enough to keep the party going. Today, they’re just as fun to serve at a themed party as they were nearly a century ago. If you want to add an authentic touch to your 1920s murder mystery party, these 5 easy Prohibition cocktails are the perfect place to start.
1. Bee’s Knees
- Ingredients: Gin, honey syrup, lemon juice, lemon twist
- Instructions:
Start by preparing the honey syrup by dissolving equal parts honey and water with gentle heat, either in a saucepan or microwave, until well mixed. Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Shake it briskly until everything is chilled. Strain into a coupe or martini glass, then twist a lemon peel over the top before dropping it in for garnish.
2. Sidecar
- Ingredients: Cognac, Grand Marnier or orange liqueur, lemon juice, sugar (for rim), marinated cherries (optional for garnish)
- Instructions:
Begin by rimming the edge of a glass with lemon juice and dipping it into sugar. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in Cognac, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake for about 30 seconds to thoroughly chill. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. For an optional flourish, garnish with a skewer of marinated cherries or a slice of orange.
3. French 75
- Ingredients: Gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, Champagne, lemon twist
- Instructions:
In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, cooled simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake well until icy cold. Strain the blend into a flute and top up with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine. Add a twist of lemon peel as garnish for a zesty finish.
4. Gin Rickey
- Ingredients: Gin, club soda, fresh lime juice, optional simple syrup, lime for garnish
- Instructions:
Begin by pouring club soda into a tall highball glass. In a shaker with ice, mix gin and freshly squeezed lime juice (add a splash of simple syrup if desired). Shake briefly to combine, then pour the contents into the glass with the soda. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel for a refreshing look.
5. The Last Word
- Ingredients: Gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, optional cherry
- Instructions:
Add equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the mix is well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, and for an elegant touch, garnish with a maraschino or brandied cherry.
Top 5 Easy Prohibition Cocktails
Hosting a 1920s party isn’t just about the clothes and the music – it’s about the full experience. Serving cocktails that would have been sipped in speakeasies makes the night feel real, and luckily, they don’t take much effort to put together. Try one or all of these classic drinks, and you’ll see why they’ve lasted far beyond the Prohibition era. Raise a glass, keep it flowing, and let your guests feel like they’ve stepped straight into the Roaring Twenties.
