If I were to ask what the significance of midnight, January 16, 1920 was, most people would simply stare blankly back at me. Ask your father or grandfather if they have any recollection of that date. Odds are they will remember it as the day the 18th Amendment to the American Constitution was put into effect, an event more commonly known as Prohibition. Basically, it made it illegal to import, export, transport, sell or manufacture any intoxicating liquor. Why am I mentioning this in December you ask? Simple. It was on December 5, 1933 that Congress officially adopted the 21st Amendment to the American Constitution that put an end to prohibition and why I think it is the perfect event to celebrate in this edition of the Drink of the Week!!
With prohibition making liquor no longer legally available, the public turned to gangsters who readily took to the bootlegging industry and supplied them with liquor. It was from this that such gangsters as Johnny Torrio, "Bugs Moran" and the day's most infamous bootlegger, Al Capone made their money, served a thirsty American public and, hey, at least in Capone's case, had a drink named after them!
1 1/2 oz brandy
3/4 oz Marsala
dash Drambuie
With henchmen like "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn, and events such as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Capone managed rise to prominence during the thirteen years of prohibition. As a testament to Capone's power and influence, Frank Loesch, the president of the Chicago Crime Commission had the humiliating task of asking for Capone's help in securing an honest election. With everyone from the mayor, to the governor of Illinois being openly corrupt, Loesh had no choice but to turn to the most powerful man in Chicago.
1 1/2 oz brandy
dash Curacao
dash Angostura bitters
Champagne
lemon wedge
superfine sugar
Eliot Ness' and The Untouchable's late night and early morning raids had a definite effect on Capone's ability to supply Chicago's speak-easies. It was through their vigilance and commitment that Capone's grip on Chicago finally start to slip. However, it wasn't until the IRS stepped in with years of investigation, that Al Capone was finally brought down. . . by twenty-two charges of Tax Evasion of all things!!
1 oz gin
1 1/2 tsp dry vermouth
1 1/2 tsp sweet vermouth
dash bitters
1/2 oz orange juice or the juice of 1/4 orange
I hope you all enjoyed this brief history lesson. I know I enjoyed reading about it while I prepared this week's edition. It really is a fascinating and disgraceful period in American history, but that doesn't mean we can't find reasons to celebrate it! It's a perfect reason to set up your own speak-easy. Send out special invitations, including a secret code word or knock that guests must use to enter. Gotta watch out for them coppers!! Have everyone dig up some old fringed skirts, cloche hats, long pearl necklaces and their favorite Irving Berlin, or Jazz songs. Break out the gin, and brush up on your slang. Doesn't this sound swell!!
As you may have noticed, we now have a Top Ten list of the most accessed drinks on the site. We will also be unveiling our Winter Wonderland site revision later this week, so don't forget to check us out before you head off to your favorite bar for some Christmas Cheer!!
Cheers,
iBoozer
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