Prohibition Cocktail Recipe

The Prohibition cocktail was created during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933) when alcohol was banned. Bartenders had to get creative with their recipes to mask the taste of poor-quality homemade spirits. This cocktail was a favorite among speakeasy patrons and was often enjoyed by those who wanted a taste of the forbidden fruit.

The Prohibition cocktail has a complex flavor profile, with a mix of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The sweetness of the honey syrup is balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice, while the herbal notes of gin and orange liqueur add depth and sophistication.

• The Prohibition cocktail was created during the Prohibition era in the United States, when alcohol was banned.
• This cocktail was a favorite among speakeasy patrons who wanted a taste of the forbidden fruit.
• The complex flavor profile of the Prohibition cocktail is a result of bartenders having to get creative with their recipes to mask the taste of poor-quality homemade spirits.

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
   • 2oz gin
   • 1oz orange liqueur
   • 0.75oz lemon juice
   • 0.5oz honey syrup
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

• Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a better taste.
• Chill the coupe glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer.

Food Pairings

• Seafood: The citrus notes in the cocktail complement the natural flavors of seafood, such as shrimp cocktail or grilled salmon.
• Cheese Platters: A selection of mild cheeses can balance the cocktail's sweetness and acidity. Opt for brie, goat cheese, or a mild cheddar.
• Light Salads: A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a fruit salad would pair nicely and echo the cocktail's fresh, fruity notes.
• Canapé with Citrus or Herb Accents: Small bites that incorporate lemon or orange zest, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme, would enhance the botanicals in the gin.

Drink Pairings

• Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.
• Pale Ale: For those who'd like to alternate with beer, a crisp pale ale can complement the citrusy profile of the cocktail.

• You can substitute gin with vodka if you prefer a less herbal taste.
• Honey syrup can be replaced with simple syrup or agave nectar.
• If you don't have orange liqueur, you can use Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Smoky Prohibition

• Replace gin with mezcal (2oz) for a smoky touch
• Add a dash of angostura bitters

The smokiness of mezcal adds a deep, rustic layer that dances with the citrus and honey, drawing you into a speakeasy with every sip. The cocktail's character shifts from a flapper's vibrant party to a noir scene bathed in mystery.

Herbal Prohibition

• Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in the shaker before adding other ingredients
• Replace orange liqueur with elderflower liqueur (1oz)

Inviting an herb garden to the party, this twist offers a botanical boost alongside floral elderflower notes. Imagine sipping your drink in a sunlit conservatory among blooming flowers and greenery.

Berry Prohibition

• Add a handful of fresh mixed berries to the shaker
• Use raspberry liqueur (0.5oz) instead of orange liqueur

Berries bring a tart and sweet bounty, interrupted by the occasional rogue raspberry's mischief. The berry-infused version travels from the urban concrete to a summer berry patch, reveling in a fruitier, richer storyline.