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Happy National Repeal Day, Long Island!
December 5th, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition, and America was once again free to enjoy alcohol. Positioned on the Eastern Coast, Long Island was perfectly located to intercept ships carrying liquor from the Caribbean during this infamous period in U.S. history.
The former rum runner Artemis, operated by the Fire Island Ferry Company, 1955. Courtesy Frank Turano.
Rum Row
Known as “Rum Row,” a flotilla of ships anchored just three miles off Long Island’s coast, operating in international waters to sidestep U.S. law. These bootleggers would toss their cargo overboard, allowing the bottles to float to shore with the incoming tide. Locals would then wait on the beach for their illicit deliveries.
The Rendezvous Cocktail Recipe
One of the busiest coastlines on Long Island was dubbed “The Rendezvous.” Today, you can raise a glass to December 5th with a cocktail. Try the Bacardi cocktail, first created in 1917 but rose to popularity in prohibition: 2 ounces aged rum, ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, ¾ ounce grenadine.
Long Island police pose around a toppled barrel of mash following a raid, 1932. Courtesy George F. Maher Museum.
Prohibition Events to Check Out
Chops Steakhouse Prohibition Club- This premier steakhouse is a prohibition era, speakeasy themed restaurant that will bring you straight back to the days of swing music, bootleggers, and flappers. Chops Steakhouse is hosting The Prohibition Club celebrating the end of prohibition on December 3rd!
“The Merry Twenties” at Old Westbury Gardens- Step back into December 1924, deep into Prohibition at Old Westbury Gardens. A merry band of amateur bootleggers, disguised as a traveling music troupe, is on a mission to outwit the law just in time for Christmas Eve. Join The Sparrows–back after three sold-out performances– as they transport you 100 years into the past during this musical comedy. Event dates are December 20 and 21.
Great Gatsby Broadway- Starring Jeremy Jordan as Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada as Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby is a roaring party! Snag your tickets to celebrate the 1920s and the upcoming 100th anniversary of the classic novel.
Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern’s New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala- Don your best prohibition era attire as the drinks flow at the historic Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern’s Gatsby Gala.
Absinthe Services at Sweet Jane Cocktail Bar- Choose between five different types and enjoy the 1.5 ounce pour of absinthe at Sweet Jane Cocktail Bar in Bay Shore. Use ice cold water drips to dilute your absinthe as a single sugar cube rests upon a vintage stainless steel slotted spoon.
