Transparency Note: Prohibition is over, but the style is forever. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

This Saturday, January 17, we are throwing it back to the Roaring Twenties.

It is National Bootlegger's Day.

Why January 17th? It happens to be the birthday of the most famous bootlegger of all time, Al Capone (and also the birthday of Templeton Rye whiskey).

While we are very grateful that we no longer have to hide in basements to enjoy a drink, there is something undeniably cool about the Speakeasy era. The jazz, the dim lighting, the glassware, and the cocktails that actually taste like something.

Since it’s a Saturday night, this is your excuse to turn the living room lights down low, put the kids to bed early, and channel your inner Gatsby.

Here is how to create a Prohibition vibe without leaving your house.

The Atmosphere: Set the Stage

You cannot drink a prohibition cocktail with the overhead lights on. It’s illegal (in our book).

1. The Lighting: Turn off the big light. Turn on lamps. Light a candle. If you want to get fancy, put a lamp on the floor to create weird shadows.

2. The Sound: Ask Alexa or Spotify to play "Electro Swing" or "Vintage Jazz." It instantly changes the energy of the room.

3. The Secret Password: Text your partner or friends a "password" they have to say to get into the kitchen. (Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it’s fun).

The Tool: The Cocktail Smoker

If you want to impress someone (even if it’s just your spouse), you need theatrics.

The "It" gadget for 2026 is the Cocktail Smoker Kit.

• What it is: A wooden lid that sits on top of your glass. You put wood chips in it, torch them, and the smoke cascades down into the drink.

• The Effect: It looks incredibly cool (very moody/noir), and it actually infuses the whiskey with a campfire flavor.

• The Vibe: It forces you to slow down and make the drink an event.
  Shop the Cocktail Smoker Kit on Amazon 

The Drink: The Smoked Old Fashioned

This was the drink of choice during the 20s because the sugar and bitters helped mask the taste of "bathtub gin" or rough whiskey. Luckily, your whiskey is better, but the recipe remains a classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon.

• 1 Sugar Cube (or 1 tsp simple syrup).

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.

• Orange Peel.

• The Ice: You must use a large ice cube. Small ice melts too fast and waters it down. Grab a Large Sphere Ice Mold if you don't have one.

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar and bitters in the glass.

2. Add the large ice cube.

3. Pour the whiskey over the ice.

4. The Magic: Place your Smoker Kit on top. Torch the chips. Let the smoke fill the glass for 10 seconds.

5. Remove the lid, garnish with an orange peel, and serve immediately.

The Snack: The "Bee's Knees" Board

Bootleggers didn't eat full meals; they ate finger foods.

Serve a "Grazing Board":

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

• Salted Nuts.

• Dark Chocolate.

• Olives.
  Salty, rich foods pair perfectly with strong whiskey.

Cheers to Freedom

This Saturday, raise a glass to the fact that we can buy our bourbon at the grocery store instead of a shady alleyway.

Enjoy the history, enjoy the jazz, and most importantly, enjoy the drink.

Share your photos and tag us on Instagram and TikTok @onmanyoccasions so we can celebrate with you. Don't forget to use #NationalBootleggersDay and #OnManyOccasions—we might feature you on our page! 🥃✨

Happy Bootlegger's Day!

Recovering on Sunday?

If you have too much fun on Saturday, don't worry.

Monday is National Popcorn Day—the perfect low-energy recovery holiday.

Get the details in our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar.