How far would you travel for a classic, handcrafted cocktail?
Your answer today might be different than on the evening of January 17, 1920. Because when Prohibition started, the lengths New Orleanians were willing to go to find a good drink changed as well. But while Prohibition was designed to put an end to cocktails, it sparked a newfound appreciation for good drinks and good times. Enter: the 12 Mile Limit.
Booze Cruises
Everyone knows that Prohibition was intended to ban the import, export and imbibing of alcohol. But did you know that the ban only extended for a few miles offshore? Once New Orleanians discovered this loophole, they used it to their benefit — and even more so, their enjoyment.
Soon enough, cruises became all the rage. Locals would gather on ships to play shuffleboard, deck tennis, swim and, of course, drink cocktails. While it was certainly a different experience than the bars of New Orleans, the three-mile and 12-mile limit perimeters were the perfect legal playground for cocktail enthusiasts.
Mixing Up New Recipes
Prohibition was anything but usual. And people weren’t ordering their usual drinks either. For better or worse, this inspired some all-new cocktail creations. The most famous of which is the Twelve Mile Limit. The name itself was a direct nod to the way people skirted the law to get their fill of alcohol. You can call the name arrogant or just call it straightforward — either way, it would last much longer than the rules that confined it at the time.
Here’s how we like to make our Twelve Mile Limit:
1 oz Cane Run Rum or white rum
.5 oz Sazerac Rye
.5 oz ounce brandy
.5 oz grenadine
.5 oz lemon juice
Shake well with ice and strain into glass and garnish with lemon
The mix of spirits was the perfect way for alcohol-deprived to indulge on all their favorite flavors in one glass. Even better, it was easy to make and easier to enjoy.
The Legacy Lives On
American ingenuity was on full display during Prohibition. The story of the Twelve Mile Limit is just another unique way for people to enjoy their favorite — and new favorite — cocktails of the time. While some of the Prohibition-era traditions fell by the wayside soon after National Repeal Day, cruises and the Twelve Mile Limit lived on. And for that, we’re grateful.
Events
Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages
Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.
Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages
Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.
Sip & Shop
Holiday Sip & Shop Thursday, December 14th, 2023 5:00pm – 8:00pm Join us for a Holiday Sip & Shop to prepare for the gift-giving season in style! This event promises to bring the spirit to light with beautifully packaged spirited gift sets, cocktail accoutrements, clothing, barware and even fun gifts for our four-legged friends! DJ87 will keep the season bright with holiday favorites spinning all night. Enjoy a complimentary spiked Apple Cider while you shop. If that didn’t get you feeling merry and bright, Santa will be on site from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for a holiday photo keepsake from LazyEye Photography! Opt-in to a mini cocktail class offered every half hour where you can experience a classic holiday cocktail and leave with the recipe to recreate at your own celebration! Just $12.25! (See what we did there??) When you register to join us for this complimentary event, you will have the opportunity to pre-purchase homerun gifts!
