Unless you’re a firm teetotaler — or a NASCAR fan — it’s fair to say that Prohibition, as a whole, wasn’t great for most Americans.
Example: It’s an old-fashioned mindset, but at one time, enjoying a spirit required a prescription from your doctor — creating arguably the weirdest insurance copay situation, ever. Thankfully for those of us who enjoy our booze, Prohibition was officially repealed 84 years ago this month.
Speaking of old-fashioned, a pretty ingenious take on the beloved Bourbon beverage was on hand at the recent Repeal Prohibition Party, at Beaver’s. Dapper folks braved the chill (and were warmed by a very cool fire pit) to chill at the jazzy, 1920s-themed party — hosted by Old Forester — to celebrate the end of Prohibition.
Flappers and gents sipped body-warming cocktails such as the standout Repeal Day Old Fashioned, featuring homemade masala chai brewed by CultureMap Cocktail Chronicles star Carla Espinoza, and steeped with orange and orange bitters. Bourbon cocktails mixed with St. Georges Spirits Spiced Pear Liqueur offered a wassail vibe. And bartender Cesar Marroquin served up whiskey flights for those really wanting to celebrate. Plump pretzels and bourbon wings from chef Arash Karat kept folks filled as they warmed themselves to the tunes of Tianna Hall & The Houston Jazz Band.
“I tell my people to take this day very seriously,” says Espinoza of the historic ruling. “Every one of us is employed today, thanks to the repeal of Prohibition.”
We’ll drink to that.
The stylish crowd included Pedro Berrueco, Coco Jennings, Isabel Velez, Liz Perez and Hannah Rojas, Christine Voutsinas, Donna Inners, Michael Mikula, Kate Grover, Lloyd Lewis, Chastity Smith, Kendra Mills, Dominique McGhee, Arden Ward, Laura Beavers, Jess Prescott, and Brooke Dowdy.
Donna Inners, Michael Mikula, and Kate Grover.
