Craft Cocktails And Secret Recipes: The Art of the Speakeasy Drink
The Sidecar: A Timeless Classic
One of the quintessential cocktails of the speakeasy era, the Sidecar is a delightful mix of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Legend has it that the drink was invented in Paris in the early 1920s, often attributed to a bartender named Harry MacElhone, who worked at the famed Harry’s New York Bar. According to the story, a patron arrived in a motorcycle sidecar, and the drink was created to honor his mode of transportation.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- Sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
Instructions:
- Chill a coupe glass and optionally rim it with sugar.
- In a shaker, combine the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.
The Bee’s Knees: Sweet and Sour with a Twist
Another favorite from the Prohibition era is the Bee’s Knees, a refreshing drink that combines gin, lemon juice, and honey. The cocktail’s name itself was a euphemism for something excellent or the best, reflecting the creativity of bartenders who had to disguise their concoctions during the dry times.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part hot water)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, mix the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of mint.
Modern Interpretations
Today, many modern speakeasies continue to pay homage to these classic cocktails while adding their unique twists. For instance, at a popular speakeasy in New York City, bartenders create a version of the Bee’s Knees using locally sourced honey and artisanal gin, emphasizing the farm-to-table movement in mixology. The drinks are often served in vintage glassware, enhancing the overall experience and transporting patrons back to the Roaring Twenties.