Chains & Champagne

December 5th, 1933 is an important date in United States history for non-teetotalers. It was the day that the 18th Amendment was repealed by Congress and prohibition ended. Quickly ended the need for covert speak-easies and moonshine as bars and alcohol manufacturers were allowed to open their doors again. The ban on alcohol began January 16, 1920, which in fact only made the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol illegal. The ownership and consumption of alcohol was still legal under the law. Temperance organizations became increasingly popular during the 1800s as alcohol consumption was at an all-time high (statistics show that in 1830 the average American consumed 1.7 bottles of hard liquor a week, 3 times that of today).

Yet the act was highly unpopular throughout its 13 year span, as many saw it as biased toward the upper classes. Also, many circumvented the laws by consuming alcohol in secret and the amendment was seen as ineffectual. Organizations began to form during the 1920s opposing prohibition as general unrest grew. Finally, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt the 21st Amendment was ratified by state constitutions repealing the legislation from 1920.

This holiday season many of us will be hosting or attending parties to celebrate with friends and family. I love creating and using new cocktail recipes for these types of gatherings, so here are a few I’ve collected that would be perfect for this time of year!

image via damselindior

Raspberry Ice Cream Champagne
In a champagne flute, create a layer of raspberries. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and top with another layer of raspberries. Top with one more scoop of ice cream and fill the remaining space with champagne.
Adult Christmas Eggnog
Fill a glass halfway with eggnog, add one shot of Kahlua and one shot vanilla vodka then stir. Top with a sprinkling of nutmeg.

Ginger Caramel Apple Pie
Fill a glass halfway with ginger ale, add one shot of caramel vodka and one shot of green apple vodka, stir, garnish with a cinnamon stick.

image via hipster travel guide

Turtle Doves
In a shaker add 2 shots vanilla vodka, 2 shots hazelnut liqueur, 1 shot amaretto, and 1.5oz of milk along with several cubes of ice. Strain into a martini glass.