Prohibition was an interesting time in American history, and it’s still kind of hard to believe that it actually happened. However, it was an interesting experiment that taught us a lot about the lengths people will go to for their favorite booze! In this blog, we’re going to chat a bit about the history of the repeal of Prohibition, including the answer to a common question: when did Prohibition end. 

Plus, a post-Prohibition blog wouldn’t be complete without some Prohibition cocktails and Prohibition era cocktails, right? So, let’s jump right in and learn a little bit more about National Repeal Day!

What Was Prohibition, Anyway?

Prohibition in the United States was a period of law enforcement from 1920 to 1933, when the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were prohibited by the Eighteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The movement for Prohibition began with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League in the 19th century. These groups believed that alcohol was a major cause of poverty, crime, and domestic violence. However, we also know that Prohibition was also motivated by wartime grain shortages.

The Eighteenth Amendment was ratified on January 16, 1919, and went into effect on January 17, 1920. The Volstead Act, passed by Congress in 1919, defined intoxicating liquor as any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol by volume. The law also made it illegal to manufacture, transport, or sell intoxicating liquors.

When Did Prohibition End?

In 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution repealed the Eighteenth Amendment, and Prohibition came to an end. The first states to ratify the 21st Amendment were Michigan, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Wyoming, and New Jersey from April to June of 1933. By December 5th, 1933, 36 states had ratified the 21st Amendment, giving it the support needed to amend the Constitution.

Fun Fact: The 21st Amendment was the only amendment to the Constitution to be ratified by state conventions rather than state legislatures.

Were There Any States That Opposed the 21st Amendment?

In fact, there was one state who voted to reject the amendment – South Carolina was a unanimous “no.” 70% of voters in North Carolina rejected even holding a convention to consider the 21st Amendment. And, there were eight states that decided to take no action and not consider the 21st Amendment: Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

Why Did Prohibition Fail?

By most standards, Prohibition was a failure. It did not reduce alcohol consumption, and it led to the rise of organized crime. However, why did this happen, and why didn’t it work out? It’s hard to pinpoint one exact reason because there were so many factors at play in the time around 1933. Some factors that led to the failure of Prohibition were:

• The law was difficult to enforce. There were simply too many people making, selling, and transporting alcohol.
• Prohibition created a black market for alcohol. This black market was controlled by organized crime, which became very powerful during Prohibition.
• Prohibition led to an increase in crime. Alcohol-related crimes, such as murder, robbery, and assault, increased during Prohibition.
• Prohibition led to a decrease in tax revenue. The government lost billions of dollars in tax revenue from the sale of alcohol. Furthermore, the Great Depression hit in 1929, and it eventually became clear that the government needed those taxes from alcohol sales.
• Prohibition was unpopular with many people. Many people did not believe that the government should be telling them what they could and could not drink.

Fun Fact: The repeal of Prohibition was celebrated with a ticker-tape parade in New York City. The parade featured floats, marching bands, and celebrities, and it drew an estimated 7 million people.

When Is National Repeal Day?

Now, we celebrate National Repeal Day on December 5th, every year – this is the day that the 21st Amendment got enough states to ratify it so that it could officially amend the Constitution.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Repeal Day

National Repeal Day is a day to celebrate your right to drink alcoholic beverages – responsibly, of course. Here are several ways you can celebrate National Repeal Day!

#1: Throw a Party!

Want to throw a super-fun post-Prohibition party that will knock your guests’ socks off? Have them come in 1920s attire, play some fun jazz music, and mix up some Prohibition Era cocktails to sip on all night! 

#2: Visit a Speakeasy

A speakeasy, also called a blind pig or blind tiger, was an illicit establishment that sold alcoholic beverages, or a modern-day retro style bar that replicates aspects of historical speakeasies. Speakeasy bars came into prominence in the United States during the Prohibition era.

The term “speakeasy” comes from the need for secrecy; customers were asked to speak quietly while inside to avoid detection. Speakeasies were often hidden in basements, back rooms, and attics, and they were often only known to a select few. They were popular with both the wealthy and the working class, and they became a symbol of the Roaring Twenties.

Speakeasies were often raided by the police, but they were difficult to shut down completely. The owners of speakeasies often bribed the police, and they were also protected by organized crime. Speakeasies continued to operate until Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

Since Prohibition was repealed, speakeasies have continued to exist, but they are no longer illegal. They became popular again in the 1950s and 1960s, and they have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Today, speakeasies are often themed, and they offer a unique and sophisticated drinking experience.

#3: Learn Something New About Prohibition

You’re already off to a great start with this way to celebrate! History is an important reminder of what works and doesn’t work in life, and those lessons are still applicable today. By remembering the past, we can avoid repeats in the future! So, spreading knowledge about National Repeal Day is a great way to celebrate, too.

#4: Make Contributions to Charities

Prohibition may be over, but alcoholism (as we all know) is still a major problem. You can make a difference by donating to a charity in your area that is working to fight alcoholism. These charities help rehabilitate alcoholics and support their efforts to quit drinking. 

#5: Raise a Glass of Your Favorite Booze

Our final, most delicious idea for you: Just enjoy a drink. After all, that’s what Prohibition was all about.

Fun Fact: The first legal drink after Prohibition was a beer from Anheuser-Busch. The beer was delivered to the White House, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt toasted the repeal of Prohibition.

Prohibition Cocktails and Prohibition Era Cocktails to Try on National Repeal Day

If you’re looking for some fun, new cocktails to try out, we’ve got you covered. We say Prohibition cocktails and Prohibition Era cocktails because, let’s be honest, they weren’t working with very much during Prohibition. The cocktails you might have seen during the alcohol ban were a very “take what you can get” approach to mixing. This considered, here are several good drinks you could try in celebration of National Repeal Day!

Fun Fact: The repeal of Prohibition led to a boom in the beer and wine industries. The number of breweries in the United States doubled in the years after Prohibition, and the wine industry also experienced rapid growth.

The “Sidecar” Cocktail

If you’re looking for a bright, citrusy, boozy cocktail that will light up your tastebuds, this one is certainly for you. The sidecar cocktail has been around since the end of World War I. Regardless of its origins, the Sidecar quickly became a popular cocktail in both Paris and London. It was also introduced to the United States in the early 1920s, and it quickly became a favorite among flappers and other members of the Jazz Age.

Ingredients & Recipe

To make this cocktail, rim a chilled cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and sugar. Into a shaker with ice, add 2 oz cognac, 1 oz Cointreau, and 1 oz lemon juice. Shake until well-chilled, then strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

The “Old Fashioned” Cocktail

This cocktail is called “old fashioned” for a very good reason. It’s a great standby cocktail that has been around for a long time! Try yours with different bourbons for varying experiences each time.

Ingredients & Recipe

Muddle a sugar cube, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in an old fashioned glass, then add 2 oz bourbon and ice. Stir, garnish with an orange twist, and serve.

The “French 75” Cocktail

This gin and champagne cocktail is light and refreshing with a pop of citrus – it’s perfectly balanced and slightly bubbly for a great effect.

Ingredients & Recipe

To make the French 75, you’ll need to combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup in a cocktail mixer. Shake with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a flute glass. Top with fresh champagne and garnish with a lemon twist

The “Hanky Panky” Cocktail

If the name wasn’t fun enough, this cocktail is certain to bring some life to your Prohibition-themed party. The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail that was created in the early 1900s by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London. It is a variation on the sweet martini, or Martinez, made distinctive by the Fernet-Branca, a bitter Italian digestivo.

Ingredients & Recipe

To make this cocktail for yourself or friends, simply shake 2 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 oz Fernet-Branca in a shaker with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish with an orange twist, and enjoy!

Fun Fact: The repeal of Prohibition also led to a decline in organized crime. The Mafia had made a fortune during Prohibition by smuggling and selling illegal alcohol, but the end of Prohibition put them out of business.

Distillery Nearby: Find Local Spirits for Your National Repeal Day Celebration With Ease

The repeal of Prohibition was a major turning point in American history. It marked the end of a 13-year experiment in prohibition, and it ushered in a new era of freedom and prosperity. Here at Distillery Nearby, we’re fans of the fact that Prohibition didn’t stick around to stay. 

Since the 1930s, distilling has boomed around the country, and we’ve gotten so many delicious, varied spirits out of the deal. However, finding local distilleries used to be pretty tricky.

Now, with the modern marvel we know as the internet, finding local distilleries couldn’t be easier! Our local listings page allows you to view distilleries near you – easily. Check it out today and find a new gin, vodka, or brandy to try your hand at those cocktails above.

Happy National Repeal Day from all of us at Distillery Nearby!