“It’s five o’clock somewhere!” “It’s cocktail time!” These and other famous cocktail quotes wouldn’t be part of our lingo today if 80 years ago the 18th Amendment hadn’t been repealed.
Think of it – no martinis for Dean Martin to sip while crooning the crowds. No Cosmopolitans for the girls of “Sex and the City” to guzzle after each wretched heartbreak. Actually, there wouldn’t be beer for the ball park, champagne for the New Year or wine for dinner.
The 18th Amendment was ratified in 1919 and put into effect in 1920 ushering in the era also known as Prohibition. Originally it was thought that Prohibition would cut down on crime, drunkenness and general misbehavior by those in society who imbibed too much. But soon it became evident that the effect was quite the opposite. Instead, illegal speakeasies opened up and bootlegging ushered in gangs and organized crime.
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On February 20, 1933 Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to repeal Prohibition; it was adopted on December 5 that same year and became effective 10 days later. Fast work!
Today we raise our glasses in honor of the 21st Amendment and let out a toast and a cheer for our favorite fermented, distilled, fortified, brewed and mixed drink.
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Don’t know what to celebrate with? Pop open a bottle of cava, which is Spanish sparkling wine from the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. Segura Viudas makes a tasty cava that has lots of bubbles rising to the top bursting in yeasty, fruity flavors.
Prefer still wine? Get going with a bottle of Conundrum Red Blend. The conundrum is that they don’t tell you exactly what’s in the bottle but you can taste dark cherry and chocolate in a silky liquid that envelopes your palate.
Need a brewski? Don’t know about you but I prefer wheat ales. They are approachable and smooth and, most important, refreshing. Try the St. Pete Orange Wheat from St. Pete Brew. Can’t make it to downtown St. Pete? Then try either the Franziskaner or Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier.
I see. You’re a REAL cocktail person. Well, the sky’s the limit! But have you tried a classic Sidecar lately? Pour 3/4 ounce Cointreau®, 3/4 ounce lemon juice and 1 1/2 ounces cognac into a cocktail shaker filled with shaved ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass that is rimmed with sugar. Rimming is done by rubbing the rim with a lemon wedge and then dipping in a shallow plate of sugar. No cognac? No problem. Use brandy instead. Remember there’s nothing prohibiting how you make your cocktail!
