Prohibition Era: Detailed article about the history of speakeasies

Prohibition Era Cocktails Article: The history of speakeasies.

Speakeasies have a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of the American Prohibition era. During the early days of Prohibition, speakeasies were illegal bars that served alcohol. They were often located in secluded areas, such as back alleys, and were frequented by criminals and law enforcement officers alike.

The speakeasy was a very popular Prohibition-era drinking establishment that operated in the United States from 1920 to 1933. 

Speakeasies were typically small, dark, and secret, with hidden entrances and often cleverly disguised ventilation and entry systems. 

They were popular with law enforcement and bootleggers because they were difficult to raid and because the illicit activities that took place in them were generally out of the public eye.

The speakeasy was first popularized in the United States in the early 20th century as a way to evade Prohibition. At the time, the United States had a ban on alcohol production and distribution, and the only way to get alcohol was to purchase it from a licensed retailer. Speakeasies, which were illegal but tolerated, served as a way for lawbreakers to get their hands on alcohol.

Speakeasies quickly became popular with the public. They were often small and dark, and their hidden entrances made them difficult for law enforcement to raid. Speakeasies also served as a place for people to socialize and drink.

Prohibition was repealed in 1933, and speakeasies quickly disappeared from the American landscape. They were replaced by more legal drinking establishments that we all know and love today. 

However, speakeasies also had a reputation for being some of the most popular bars in the country. They were often frequented by celebrities and other high-profile individuals, and were often the scene of wild parties.

Some of the most famous speakeasies include:

The Cotton Club

The Cotton Club in Harlem. The Cotton Club was a legendary nightclub in Harlem that was popular during the 1920s and 1930s. The club was also known for its lavish parties and its famous clientele, which included celebrities, politicians, and wealthy businessmen. The club was originally opened in 1912 as a speakeasy called The Cotton Clubber's Club. The club was renamed The Cotton Club in 1923 and became one of the most popular nightclubs in Harlem. The Cotton Club was known for its lavish decor and its famous performers, including Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Louis Armstrong. The Cotton Club was eventually shut down by the police in 1944 for operating without a liquor license. The club closed in the 1950s and was later demolished. 

Waldorf-Astoria

Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan, The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan was built in 1893 by Frederick W. Vanderbilt and his wife, Gloria. The hotel was designed by architect William Rutherford Mead and was inspired by the architecture of the German spa towns of Baden-Baden and Karlsbad. The hotel was originally called the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel-Astoria. The Waldorf-Astoria quickly became one of the most popular hotels in the city and was a favorite of celebrities and wealthy businessmen. The hotel was also known for its luxurious amenities, including its own private railway station and a private lake. The Waldorf-Astoria was damaged by the Great New York Fire of 1911, but was quickly rebuilt and reopened the following year. The hotel continued to be popular and underwent several expansions over the years. In 1933, the hotel was purchased by the Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Copacabana

Copacabana in Miami. The Copacabana is a legendary beachfront nightclub in Miami Beach, Florida. Opened in 1947, it is one of the most famous nightclubs in the world and has been the site of many famous events and performances. The Copacabana is located on the eastern end of Miami Beach, on Lincoln Road. It is a large, open-air beachfront nightclub, with a capacity of 3,000 people. It is decorated in the Art Deco style, with a neon sign that reads "Copacabana". The Copacabana was originally opened as a beachfront restaurant by Brazilian businessman Oscar Schuchardt. It was known as the "Copacabana Palace". In 1947, it was leased to the Copacabana Corporation, and renamed the Copacabana Beach Club. It became a nightclub in 1951. The Copacabana has been the site of many famous events and performances. In 1952, it was the site of the first televised performance of the Benny Goodman Orchestra. In 1957, the Beatles played a concert there. In 1978, the Bee Gees played a concert there that was recorded and released as a live album. In 1992, the Spice Girls played a concert there that was recorded and released as a live album. In 1998, the Backstreet Boys played a concert there that was recorded and released as a live album. In 2007, the Black Eyed Peas played a concert there that was recorded and released as a live album.

Today, speakeasies are still popular, but they are now legal bars. They are often located in trendy areas, and are frequented by celebrities and other high-profile individuals.