- The period from 1919-1933 during which the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol was made illegal in the United States. Prohibition began with the ratification of the 18th Amendment on January 16, 1919, and was subsequently enforced by order of the Volstead Act. It ended with the ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5th, 1933. The Prohibition era gave rise to the speakeasy, a type of illegal bar (often protected by a password) where determined drinkers would gather in defiance of the law. Speakeasies have since become a major part of American cocktail culture, with many modern bars emulating their aesthetics.
Sometimes referred to as “The Noble Experiment”
Related Links:
- Article detailing the history of National Repeal Day, the holiday celebrating passage of the 21st Amendment
- Collection of Prohibition-era cocktails