Prohibition Era Cocktail Party: 4 Roaring Cocktails

Step back in time with us as we delve into the glitz and glamour of the roaring 1920s with a prohibition era cocktail party. This was an era of exuberant jazz, elegant flapper dresses, and clandestine gatherings. It’s the perfect theme for a cocktail party that’s as fun to plan as it is to attend.

Music

The heart and soul of the 1920s was Jazz. Jazz was revolutionary, fresh, and the perfect companion to the wild spirit of the times. Consider a playlist featuring jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith to set the mood.

Here’s a Spotify Playlist that might do the trick.

Outfits and Decor

For a 1920s party, the dress code should be as dazzling as the era itself. Encourage your guests to dress up in classic flapper outfits, complete with fringe and feathers for the women, and pinstriped suits and trilby hats for the men.

As for the decor, think opulent and stylish. Decorate your space with feathers, pearls, and gold accents. Twinkling lights can give your space that speakeasy allure, and vintage posters can transport your guests to a different era.

Password

To add to the speakeasy feel, why not implement a party password? Send it out with your invitations and have someone play the part of the door guard, letting guests in only when they know the secret phrase. Just remember the our password policy. What should your password be? I can’t tell you that, but make sure it’s unique.

Cocktails

The cocktail lineup is a star-studded cast of Prohibition-era classics, each unique in flavor and hue, served straight up in a cocktail or coupe glass.

The Last Word

Initially forgotten, The Last Word has seen a resurgence, reclaiming its place as a Prohibition-era icon. An equal blend of gin, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, and green Chartreuse, it’s an unlikely combination that is enchantingly complex. It’s herbal, tart, and sweet with an intriguing color – the kind of drink that causes you to contemplate each sip.

The Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees is a true Prohibition classic, born out of necessity to mask the harsh taste of bootlegged spirits. A delightful blend of gin, lemon juice, and honey, this cocktail gets a fiery twist in our version with the addition of spicy Mike’s Hot Honey. The added smokey flavor from a smoke-infused glass turns this classic into an instant conversation starter at any party.

Aviation

A drink that captures the spirit of adventure of the Prohibition era, The Aviation is known for its captivatingly ethereal, pale sky-blue color. This cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and a touch of crème de violette to create a floral and sour mix that tastes as fascinating as it looks. It’s a taste of vintage glamour that’s sure to wow your guests.

Sidecar

Rich and elegant, The Sidecar is a cocktail that knows how to impress. Combining the warmth of cognac with the tang of lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of Dry Curaçao, it’s a well-balanced cocktail that never goes out of style. The Sidecar is a sophisticated choice that adds a touch of class to any occasion.

Each of these cocktails brings a unique story and flavor profile to your party, creating an atmosphere that transports your guests straight back to the 1920s. The different hues of the drinks will not only please the palate but also delight the eye, making your Prohibition Era cocktail party a feast for the senses.

Prohibition Era Cocktail Party Shopping List

There is a lot of ingredient reuse between these drinks so here is your shopping list.

Liquor Bottles:

• Gin
• Green Chartreuse (or Genepy Des Alpes as a substitute)
• Maraschino liqueur
• Cognac (Hennessy Privilege is recommended)
• Dry Curaçao
• Crème de Violette (or Crème Yvette)

Other Ingredients:

• Fresh limes
• Fresh lemons
• Mike’s Hot Honey
• Luxardo Cherries for garnish

Note: For the Mike’s Hot Honey syrup, you would need to prepare this in advance by combining equal parts of Mike’s Hot Honey and water in a small saucepan, heating until it simmers, then cooling and storing in a clean glass container.

Remember, all these cocktails require ice for shaking and chilling the glasses. Ensure you have a cocktail shaker, a strainer, and appropriate glassware. For garnishes, you would need a cherry for the Last Word and Aviation, and optionally, lemon twists for the Sidecar and The Last Word, and a lemon wheel for The Bee’s Knees.

Hors d’oeuvres:

Hors d’oeuvres play an essential role in any cocktail party, acting as delightful accompaniments to your chosen libations. For our Prohibition-era theme, the choice of appetizers should reflect the time’s culinary style while balancing the cocktails’ rich and complex flavors.

Deviled eggs, a popular dish during the 1920s, are a must-have for your cocktail party. Our gourmet take on this classic involves smoked salmon and capers. The silky texture of the eggs, combined with the smoky salmon and briny capers, creates an irresistible appetizer that pairs exceptionally well with the herbal and citrus notes in our cocktails.

Our second choice for hors d’oeuvres is a decadent and timeless classic – oysters Rockefeller. A baked oyster dish topped with a rich buttery sauce, spinach, and breadcrumbs, this delicacy was very much in vogue during the Prohibition era. The oysters’ salty sweetness complements the fruity and sour notes of the cocktails, providing a refined contrast that your guests will relish.

For our vegetarian option, we suggest a sophisticated take on the classic cheese and fruit platter. A selection of cheeses, including creamy brie, tangy blue, and sharp cheddar, served alongside fresh and dried fruits like grapes, figs, and dates. The cheese’s creamy richness and the fruits’ natural sweetness create a divine pairing with the cocktails’ bold and spirited flavors.

These hors d’oeuvres not only reflect the Prohibition era’s culinary sophistication but also pair harmoniously with your chosen cocktails. They will undoubtedly add a touch of 1920s glamour to your event and make your Prohibition era cocktail party a truly unforgettable experience.

Conclusion:

With these suggestions, you’re ready to host a cocktail party that will be the talk of the town. Remember, the secret’s in the details, so immerse yourself in the spirit of the 1920s and let the good times roll.

What’s your favorite Prohibition-era cocktail or party trick? Share in the comments below!