Most of us know little about the prohibition era except that it took place in the twenties, bootleggers made gin in bathtubs and people went to a speakeasy to drink and party. Now that that’s all very far behind us, why the fascination with it? Well, for one thing, 2013 marks the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the dreaded eighteenth amendment (with the 21st in 1933) and what better way to celebrate that than to hop onboard a Prohibition Era Cocktail cruise, one of Classic Harbor Line’s offerings and ready to sail throughout the summer from New York City’s Pier 62 in Chelsea. You can relax in luxe surroundings after work and sample fabulous cocktails for an hour and a half on the Hudson River. If you want to get in the mood, why not catch an early showing of The Great Gatsby, recently re-released starring Leonardo Di Caprio?
A cool spring breeze and a gorgeous sunset met us the evening we boarded the luxury yacht Manhattan, inspired by the infamous commuter yachts of the Roaring Twenties. David, our captain, announced that we would order our drinks in the enclosed lounge area as we set sail. Tables set with stemware were an encouraging sight along with a well-stocked bar and the large glass windows provided spectacular views of Manhattan. Four cocktails were at the ready to quench our thirsts:
· A classic dry Manhattan with a modern spin
· A gin-based cocktail, inspired by one of the famous 1920’s literary figures from the Round Table of the Algonquin Hotel.
· A whiskey-based Swizzle made with an infused artisan syrup inspired by Bostonian politics
· The Vesper, made with Vodka, Gin & Lillet
The French 75, the Speakeasy Classic of the evening rounded out the list and our hostess, wearing full flapper regalia, expounded on its history as well as the recipe. The concoction was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris and its recipe recorded a full 15 years later in 1930 in The Savoy Cocktail Book when its very existence was outlawed in the U.S. Let me add that I’m glad the recipe was never lost!
Here it is in case you’re thinking of doing a bit of celebrating yourself:
The French 75
· 1 oz. gin (or Cognac)
· ½ oz. simple syrup
· ½ oz. lemon juice
· Brut Champagne
Combine gin, sugar, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into an iced champagne glass. Fill with Champagne. Garnish with a twist of lemon and sip (slowly, of course).
We ordered Manhattans afterward to honor the yacht’s namesake and these were very smooth, much like the waters, and as we slowed our speed we were greeted by a familiar face at the bottom of the Hudson, Lady Liberty. She was in perfect view from the side of the yacht so we snapped away. What a moment and a great way to end the cruise.
Docking back in Chelsea, we tumbled into the New York night lightheaded and carefree, thinking of Jordan Baker’s words from The Great Gatsby: “It’s a great advantage not to drink among hard-drinking people”. Our Happy Hour on the Manhattan introduced us to a whole new social set.
For full schedule and booking info:
*If you’re crazy about sushi and would prefer to have some food along with the incredible views of the New York City skyline, Ellis Island and Lady Liberty, then the 2 ½ hour cruise on the elegant Schooner America 2.0 is your ticket. The light dinner sail features the freshest sushi from Iron Chef Morimoto served on deck along with refreshing assorted sake. The menu includes a sampling of nine sushi pieces and one roll served in two platings and paired with 4 cold sake flights, including an organic Junmai Ginjo and a sparkling sake as well as champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks.
**Note from the TS Editors
The sushi is prepared just minutes before boarding, stored in special coolers and served within the first hour of the sail.