Repeal Day Parties (and Passwords)!

On January 16, 1919, The Women’s Christian Temperance Union succeeded in getting alcohol outlawed across the United States. Believed to be the root of all social and cultural problems, these “good time gals” decided had worked tirelessly for years to ban it. The law wasn’t actually enforced until 1920, but the 13 long years which followed were ones marked by the emergence of organized crime; the trafficking of illegal hooch; many deaths from homemade moonshine; the emergence of password-only, secret “speakeasy” bars; and a general thirst for the good old days.On December 5, 1933, that silly ban was finally lifted, and slowly, state by state, legalized and regulated alcohol was once-again available to American adults. It’s hard to believe that there are still “dry” counties in modern-day America, however, no state has had a liquor ban since 1966.Therefore, those of us who work in the hospitality, culinary and beverage industries raise a glass to what’s now known as Repeal Day, and clink glasses to the civil and social liberties of imbibing what, where and when we like. There are many parties marking this ‘holiday,’ so look around your town for one – or throw your own! Meanwhile, I want to provide a general guide highlighting a few fantastic celebrations in various corners this wonderful nation. Hip, hip, hooray for freedom!

Los Angeles

  • The Edison is going to town in appreciation of your patronage throughout the year. The fun starts at 6 pm at Pershing Square ice skating rink (532 S. Olive Street, downtown LA) where guests will be treated to fun on the ice, hot chocolate, treats and a gift from Santa. The celebration continues back at The Edison from 8-9 pm, where the crew is cracking open their very own Christmas Blend of Woodford Reserve (which arrives this week directly from Kentucky). Best of all, its only $25 pp for a whole evening of holiday delights! Tickets available online.
  • West Hollywood’s Comme Ça and its OC sister restaurant Pizzeria Ortica are celebrating the 76th anniversary of Repeal Day with specialty themed cocktails at prices honoring the time period. The first round will cost $11 per drink but the second one’s only 76 cents when you use the password (“Roosevelt”). In addition to classic favorites like the Whiskey Old-Fashioned, Sidecar and French 75, other featured cocktails include Mary Pickford (an early 1900’s actress); the Colony Cocktail (ode to a New York’s speakeasy) and the Barbary Coast (a surprisingly delicious mix of scotch, gin, crème de cacao, heavy cream). Comme Ca ‘s promo runs the whole weekend (Dec. 4 – 6) while Pizzeria Ortica is celebrating its new liquor license with these specials all week (Dec. 4 – 11).
  • Dress up in 1930’s fashion (prize for best outfit) and head downtown to Casey’s for dinner (seating starts at 7 pm) followed by live performances and dj’s from 9 pm – 2 am. They’re even giving out free fedoras until they run out

Santa Fe, New Mexico

I’m proud to say that my hometown has Chris Milligan heading up Repeal Day activities in the Land of Enchantment. The newly remodeled, beautiful Secreto Lounge inside the historic Hotel St. Francis features festivities on Dec. 5 from 5 pm – midnight. Enjoy vintage cocktails and a fun-filled evening filled with stories of bootlegging, moonshining and the speakeasies of Santa Fe, while grooving to jazz tunes from the 20-30’s

Kansas City, Missouri

From 5 - 8 pm, Manifesto is offering Punch Bowls for $40 (serves 4-6 people) and classic, prohibition-era cocktails for $8. The drink specials will go all night, but the Punch will be limited to availability.  Dress in your best 1930's suit or flapper dress, and party like it's 1933! RSVP by emailing Ryan@roundtablekc.com as there is limited space, and you will be sent a password for this once a year event! More info on their facebook page.

Seattle, Washington

Vessel, one of Seattle's forerunners in classic and modern mixology, invites men to grab a fedora and women to don a flapper dress, and enjoy their special drink menu from 4pm til close. They're also opening a rare bottle of bourbon made during prohibition and bottled in 1933

Las Vegas, Nevada

According to Tobin Ellis of Bar Magic, most of Sin City's "cocktailians" are in the industry and work on Saturday.  Hence, his speakeasy-style events are happening on Sunday, Dec. 6.  From 10pm - midnight, First (The Palazzo) is offering $5 vintage Plymouth gin cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Evny (Renaissance Hotel) is hosting a private, invitation-only spirited dinner, and in true Vegas form, the cost is "one black chip."

Portland, Oregon

Tear Drop Lounge is opening its doors at 1:33pm on Dec. 5th for Repeal Day, that was the time the 21st Amendment was announced. The party is password only (“Volstead”). The bar is featuring a selection of cocktails invented during Prohibition, so many of them are of international origin. Speakeasy-era apparel is strongly encouraged ($6 drinks all night for those who dress up, $8 for everyone else). Also, they're opening a bottle of pre-Prohibition whiskey – try a sip for $20 per ounce.

Washington DC

Its rather appropriate that the biggest and baddest celebration in the United States takes place in our Nation’s Capitol. The DC Craft Bartender’s Guild is once again putting on their top hats and fancy gowns for its annual Repeal Day Ball. General admission tickets are $100, and VIP tickets are $150, which include hors d’oeuvres, invites to the city’s top bars’ after parties and a copy of saloon artist Jill DeGroff’s new book Lush Life: Portraits from the Bar. In addition to hob-nobbing with DC’s top bartenders and mixologists, cocktail legend Dale DeGroff will be the special guest, and Jeffrey Morgenthaler (founder of RepealDay.Org) is the Toastmaster. This event also benefits the Museum of the American Cocktail, based in New Orleans.

Chicago, Illinois

Thanks to Sonja Kassenbaum of Thinking of Drinking blog and North Shore Distillery in Chicago who sent us the Windy City's line up:

  • Custom House, 500 S. Dearborn - This great restaurant and bar is celebrating the occasion all day (11a-11p) with $5 cocktails honoring the occasion. The cocktails are made with small-batch Midwest spirits, and include choices like the Rock 'n Rye and the "Bathtub" Gin Rickey.
  • In Fine Spirits Lounge, 5420 N. Clark - This great cocktail lounge in Andersonville is hosting the folks from Templeton Rye (reputedly Al Capone's favorite) in a period-themed celebration of classic cocktails.