Prohibition Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Prohibition Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0.1g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:28%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

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.

How Prohibition Tastes?

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.

Interesting facts about Prohibition

  • 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.

Ingredients

A few good options for Prohibition are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

GIN

Using 2oz of gin serves as the robust foundation of this cocktail. Gin's botanicals sing in harmony with the sharpness of the citrus and the sweetness of the honey. Less gin might leave the drink feeling flat, more could turn it into a juniper juggernaut. If you swap the gin for vodka, you'll have a smoother ride, but say farewell to those fragrant botanical notes.

Mary Mitkina

ORANGE LIQUEUR

Why 1oz? Balance, my friends. Any less, orange takes a back seat; any more, and it's no longer whispering sweet nothings — it's shouting. Orange liqueur brings sweetness and a depth of flavor that you'd miss like summer in a snowstorm. Swap it for triple sec if you like, but the cocktail will dress down in complexity.

Alex Green

LEMON JUICE

At 0.75oz, lemon juice is the spark plug of this mix, providing zesty zing and much-needed acidity to cut through the sweetness. This isn't a car without gas — it's a car without a battery if you skip it. Substitute with lime juice to turn the tangy dial up to eleven, though the cocktail might then skew too sharp.

Emma Rose

HONEY SYRUP

Sweet, but not too sweet, the 0.5oz of honey syrup rounds the edges, making this drink velvety smooth. With less, the drink is a tart tongue-twister; more, and it's like a bear got into the honey pot. Simple syrup could step in, but expect a less sophisticated sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

ORANGE PEEL

The garnish, an unsung hero. The orange peel isn't just for looks; it adds aroma and a whisper of bitter to balance every sip. Leave it out, and it's like turning off the HD — everything's still there, but you're missing the detail. There's no perfect substitute, but a lemon twist can pinch-hit, offering a brighter citrus note.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Prohibition Drink

  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.

Pro Tips

  • 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.

Perfect Pairings

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.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Prohibition

  • 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.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

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.

In case you forgot basics how to make Prohibition

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Prohibition

What is the origin of the term 'speakeasy'?

The term 'speakeasy' originally referred to the establishments that illegally sold alcohol during the Prohibition era. The term arises from the practice of patrons speaking quietly or 'easily' to avoid drawing attention to these illegal clubs.

Can I make the Prohibition cocktail if I don't have a cocktail shaker?

Yes, you can also mix the ingredients in a large glass and then strain it using a sieve. However, using a cocktail shaker is recommended to blend the flavors more effectively.

Why is the coupe glass the recommended choice for the Prohibition cocktail?

The coupe glass was a popular choice during the Prohibition era due to its wide, shallow bowl that allows for better appreciation of the cocktail's aroma. This makes it a historical and sensory choice for the Prohibition cocktail.

What gives the Prohibition cocktail its signature golden-yellow color?

The golden-yellow color comes from the blend of the gin, orange liqueur, and honey syrup. The lemon juice adds a slight cloudiness to it. Always remember that the color may vary slightly based on the brands of ingredients used.

More similar recipes to Prohibition!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe