The phrase "Speakeasy" originates from a term that bartenders used where people needed to "speak easy" (quietly) when ordering at the bar in order to not draw attention to the prohibited act of buying alcohol. In order to gain access to these illicit bars, a password, specific handshake or secret knock was required.
Hover over each cocktail to see ingredients
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
Salt for rimming the glass
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 oz triple sec
1/2 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist
Ice
5 dashes of bitters
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
2 oz bourbon
Ice and stir until color change
Garnish with dehydrated orange and cherry
1 oz gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Ice
2 oz white rum
1 oz lime juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
2 1/2 oz gin or vodka
1/2 oz dry vermouth
1/2 oz olive brine
Garnish: 3 olives
2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Egg white (optional)
Ice
2 oz white rum
1 oz lime juice
2 tsp sugar
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water
Ice
2 oz vodka
1/2 oz coffee liqueur(usually Kahlua)
1 oz espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
Garnish: coffee beans
1 1/2 oz white rum
3/4 oz orange curacao
3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeeze
1/2 oz orgeat
1/2 oz dark rum
Garnish: lime wheel
Garnish: mint sprig
2 oz light rum
1 oz coconut cream
3 oz pineapple juice
Crushed ice
During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages was illegal. This led to the rise of underground establishments known as "speakeasies" where people could secretly purchase and consume alcohol.
These hidden bars often required a password or secret knock for entry, and were typically located in basements or behind unmarked doors. The term "speakeasy" comes from the practice of speaking quietly about such places to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Despite their illicit nature, speakeasies played a significant role in social culture during the 1920s, breaking down social barriers and contributing to the Jazz Age culture. Today, they're remembered as symbols of rebellion and innovation in mixology.