December 5, 2013 marks the 80th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition—certainly an occasion worth celebrating with a splash. That’s why we tapped party-planning experts for tips on how to host the ultimate Repeal Day soireé. Set the scene: The speakeasy theme can start even before attendees arrive, says Erica Schnell, director of The Ice House & Crushed Ice Events in Louisville, Kentucky. “Give your guests a password,” to enter the party—and “create a ‘secret’ entryway at the venue, such as a side door or back door.” Cue the music: Play a jazz-age soundtrack at your fete, or turn on a Cab Calloway Pandora station. Keep up the audio ambiance with your phone, too. “Change your ringtone to an old-fashioned car horn or early 20th-century telephone, and encourage guests to do the same,” suggests Jorj Morgan, Florida-based entertaining expert and author. Use booze as décor: Dim the overheads, light lots of candles, and don’t forget about the bathtub, experts say. Filling the tub with ice and using it to chill bottles and brews is a natural reference to Prohibition-era “bathtub gin.” You can also creatively serve cocktails by providing paper bags or using teacups. Finesse the cocktails: Choose gin and rye whiskey for mixing era-appropriate libations at your bash. Here are two must-make tipples. Bee’s Knees Recipe courtesy Lynnette Marrero, cocktail consultant, New York City 2 ounces gin ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice ¾ ounce honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, mixed) Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. The Slope Recipe courtesy of Julie Reiner, as published in Craft Cocktails by Brian Van Flandern (Assouline, 2013) 2 ounces Rittenhouse Rye 1 ounce Punt e Mes sweet vermouth ¼ ounce apricot brandy 2 dashes Angostura bitters Brandy-soaked cherries, to garnish Place all ingredients except garnish in a mixing glass. Add large ice cubes and stir thoroughly. Strain into a martini or coupe glass. Garnish with brandy-soaked cherries and serve.
