The era of Prohibition, which spanned 13 years in the United States before its repeal on December 5, 1933, left a lasting legacy that went far beyond dry laws. It catalyzed the rise of organized crime, laid the blueprint for Las Vegas (inspired by Tijuana’s bustling strip of businesses where Americans could drink and gamble freely), introduced the Caesar Salad, and, perhaps most notably, birthed the modern cocktail movement.
While cocktails predated Prohibition, it was during this era that their purpose shifted. The decline in alcohol quality due to rampant bootlegging forced bartenders to mask the harsh flavors of bathtub gin and moonshine. From this period, innovation boomed, resulting in timeless classics like the Bee’s Knees, French 75 and Sidecar.
