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I’m not a Prohibition expert. I’ve read about bathtub gin and subterranean speakeasies and I love Prohibition-era cocktails, but when the topic of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act comes up in conversation, things get fuzzier. Fortunately, this week marks the launch of prohibitionrepeal.com, a thoughtful website started by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States in honor of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the re-legalization of alcohol. Easily navigated and chock-full of edifying details, this veritable encyclopedia of Prohibition-era info delves deep into the history and legacy of 1920s clandestine alcohol culture. You’re bound to learn something—like about the loopy law in Louisiana that allows any type of business to acquire a permit to sell alcohol except a doughnut shop, or which bars across the country surreptitiously served spirits almost 75 years ago and are still pouring drinks today. Also, be sure to check out the page of Prohibition-era cocktails, masterfully compiled by David Wondrich, for a taste of what moonshiners and mobsters were drinking back then. —Tracy Howard

Colony Cocktail
(From prohibitionrepeal.com)

New York’s Colony was no ordinary speakeasy. It was where Vanderbilts and Windsors went to dine in a civilized manner, and if that included a drink or two, then bartender Marco Hattem would provide one, no questions asked.

1 1/2 oz. gin
3/4 oz. grapefruit juice
2 tsp. Maraschino liqueur
Cracked ice
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: cocktail

Combine ingredients in shaker. Shake well and strain into chilled glass.