When we look back at Prohibition, we might be tempted to glorify the era from 1920 to 1933 as one of glitz, excess, and freewheeling fun in the face of an unnecessary law. But the origins behind the 18th amendment and the repercussions of its enforcement touch issues as far-ranging as racism, the war on drugs, prison reform, and anti-immigration sentiments, all of which we’re still dealing with as a nation to this day. To tell the whole story (and clear up some of the misconceptions) of the temperance movement’s successful campaign to illegalize the sale and manufacture of intoxicating beverages, the Smithsonian Channel will air a two-part documentary Drinks, Crime and Prohibition starting this Monday, June 11.
You’ll notice “drinks” is the first word in that title, which is no accident. The documentary shares recipes and origin stories behind some of the era’s original (and well-named) cocktails, from the French 75 to the Mary Pickford to the Scofflaw. Interviewed throughout the two hour-long episodes is mixology expert and president of the Drink Company Derek Brown, who serves up the history of these classic drinks.