Today is the 78th anniversary of the end of Prohibition, that dark era from January 1919 to December 5, 1933 when teetotalers banned the sale of booze via the Eighteenth Amendment. The law was created in an effort to end drunkenness, mental illness, crime, and poverty, lobbied for by folks who sympathized with the likes of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Naturally, there was more decadence during the era rather than less.
What to drink on Repeal Day?
What: Brooklyn Lager
Why: Because the Moeller family, commissioned to create Brooklyn Lager for the company, had been one of several families along Brewers' Row that created German style lagers at the turn of the century.
Where to get it: Everywhere
What: The Old Fashioned
Why: Celebrate the days of Don Draper and drinking at the office in the decades following the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment with a concoction of bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters, orange slice, lemon zest and brandied cherries. The drink from the 1880's is so classic it has a glass named after it.
Where to get it: The Office
What: The Mint Julep
Why: Celebrate all things southern with this bourbon cocktail from the 18th century, created with bourbon, mint, and simple syrup. It wasn't until 1938 that the cocktail was linked to The Kentucky Derby.
Where to get it: Tap 42
What: The Aviation
Why: The cocktail created just before Prohibition in 1918 is a stunner that embodies the flavors of the era.
Where to get it: Make a variation yourself, using maraschino liqueur or said liqueur or with the transcendent creme de violette.
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