On the cusp of the 20th Century – nearly 130 years ago and before Prohibition – Joseph A. Magnus opened the doors of his distillery in Cincinnati, Ohio. He insisted on nothing short of perfection, a “particular brand for particular people.” And he recognized that excellent whiskey was a means to “promote good conversation, close fellowship, and the interchange of kindly deeds and pleasant thoughts.” Just like these 6 pre-prohibition cocktails. Drink like Magnus and enjoy.
“The man of discriminating taste and mature judgment values Murray Hill Club Whiskey as an old friend – time-tried, tested, and true. To him it means a source of inspiration and a Joy of life.” (Murray Hill Club Whiskey advertisement, circa 1900s)
What cocktails did people drink before Prohibition?
Cocktail historians consider the period between 1860 and 1920, the beginning of Prohibition, the first “Golden Age of Cocktails.” Bartending became a respected profession during this time, with master bartenders crafting increasingly sophisticated and theatrical cocktails. Recipes were closely guarded, with patrons flocking to world-famous bars for an opportunity to sip the cocktail invention of a famous bartender. The publication of Jerry Thomas’ ‘The Bartenders Guide’ in 1862 further highlighted the growing cocktail culture. His book included Golden Age cocktail recipes that remain relatively unchanged in the present day. These are the pre-prohibition cocktails Joseph Magnus likely sipped, made with his own Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club.
Mint Julep, 1850s
The Mint Julep is commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby, but it has been part of the American cocktail scene since the 1700s. It was first introduced to Washington DC society by Senator Henry Clay around 1850.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp water
- 8 mint leaves, muddled
- Crushed ice
Muddle mint and sugar together and place in a julep cup. Add Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey and crushed ice. Stir until smooth. Garnish with mint sprig.
Old Fashioned, 1860s
The Old Fashioned first showed up in a cocktail book in the 1890s, but the cocktail is much older than that. If you asked your bartender for a “whiskey cocktail” in the 1860s, you would have been served what is known today as an Old Fashioned.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp water
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- Lemon peel, garnish
Dissolve sugar into water in mixing glass. Add Angostura bitters and stir to combine. Place an ice cube in a whiskey glass. Pour Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey over ice and garnish with a lemon peel.
Manhattan, 1870s
The Manhattan is a famous cocktail with famous origins. It is a vermouth and whiskey cocktail created at the Manhattan Club for a banquet thrown by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother.
- 1.5 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 tsp simple syrup
- 1 tsp water
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 orange slice
- 1 cherry
- Ice
Pour the simple syrup, water, and bitters into a whiskey glass. Stir to combine, then place the ice cubes in the glass. Pour Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey over the ice and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Martinez, 1880s
The Martinez is a precursor to the martini and a close cousin to the Manhattan.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- .5 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, garnish
Combine Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin, sweet vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass (or any other type of glass). Fill the mixing glass with one handful of ice and stir continuously for 30 seconds. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Use a knife to remove a strip of the orange peel. Squeeze the orange peel into the drink to release the oils. Gently run the peel around the edge of the glass. If desired, twist it, then place it in the glass and serve.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Bourbon Highball, 1890s
The Bourbon Highball has murky origins, but our favorite recipe is from an 1895 bar guide, which simply states: one piece of ice; let customer help himself to whiskey and fill up with Apollinaris water.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Soda water or ginger ale, to top
- Lemon twist, garnish
Pour Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey into ice-filled highball glass. Fill with ginger ale or soda water and stir. Add lemon twist.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Gin Rickey, 1890s
The Gin Rickey is the official cocktail of Washington D.C, the former home of Joseph Magnus spirits from 2015-2020.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- .5 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Club soda, to top
- Lime wheels, garnish
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin and lime juice. Top with club soda. Garnish with two lime wheels.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Today, Joseph Magnus’ desire to create remarkable spirits continues. Enjoy these pre-prohibition cocktails made with bourbon finished and blended using the same techniques Magnus used more than 100 years ago.
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