20 Speakeasy Cocktails That Will Transport You Back in Time
Discover the art of crafting classic speakeasy cocktails at home with our expert tips and recipes. Elevate your mixology skills and enjoy the sophisticated flavors of the Prohibition era.
The Roaring Twenties were an era marked by glitz, jazz music, and shady bars. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies were the places to be for people who wanted to have a good time and enjoy a drink.
These secret bars were hidden from the public eye, their entrances often disguised as something else entirely. Patrons would need to know a password to enter, which would make it more exclusive.
But what about drinks? Cocktails served at speakeasies were often made with house-made liquor, and bartenders had to get creative with their ingredients.
These cocktails were crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in some of the tastiest drinks ever.
Today, the speakeasy cocktail is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. People are drawn to the glamor and excitement of the Prohibition era, and cocktails are a big part of that allure.
Bartenders are taking inspiration from the past and creating new cocktails that pay homage to the speakeasy era.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best speakeasy cocktail recipes you can try at home. From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Martini to lesser-known drinks like the Bees Nees and the Southside, we'll explore the history and ingredients of each cocktail.
So, put on your best flapper dress or pinstripe suit, and let's travel back in time to the Prohibition era and enjoy some delicious speakeasy cocktails.
1. Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink that every whiskey lover should try. It's a blend of bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice, creating a smooth and balanced taste.
The cocktail's history dates back to the 1870s, where it was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City.
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.It's a perfect cocktail to enjoy with friends or to impress guests at a party.
2. The Mary Pickford Cocktail
The Mary Pickford Cocktail is a classic prohibition-era drink that is sure to impress. Named after the famous actress, this cocktail is both flirty and elegant, making it a perfect signature drink for any speakeasy.
The combination of white rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, and maraschino liquor creates a balanced and refreshing taste that is sure to please any palate.
Garnished with pineapple fronds and/or a cherry, this cocktail is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or just looking for something new to try, the Mary Pickford Cocktail is definitely worth a taste.
3. Pear and Ginger Sparklers
The Pear and Ginger Sparkler is the perfect cocktail to celebrate the New Year. This sweet and sour cocktail combines house-made pear ginger shrub with vodka, lime juice, honey and champagne. Shrub is made from pears, honey, apple cider vinegar and grated ginger. Adding ginger adds a spicy flavor to the cocktail that wakes up your taste buds.
The cocktail is sweetened with honey, slightly sour and spicy with shrub and ginger, brightened with lemon, invigorated with vodka, and crisp and sparkling with champagne. This is a complex and delicious cocktail that tastes like it came from a high-end cocktail bar. Pear and Ginger sparklers are perfect for a classy NYE party or romantic date night.
4. Classic Manhattan Cocktail
The classic Manhattan cocktail is a timeless drink that has been enjoyed for over a century. This cocktail is a perfect blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Grand Marnier, and bitters, creating a complex and well-balanced flavor.
This forgotten formula has a high ratio of sweet vermouth to rye whiskey, with the bitter flavors of curaçao and boker, served straight up with a dash of lemon.
This version's delicate taste fusion pays homage to the drink's earlier preparation method. For those who enjoy traditional cocktails and wish to relive the heyday of speakeasies, this drink is a must-try. So, try the traditional Manhattan cocktail if you wish to transport yourself to the Roaring Twenties.
