Books: New title catalogs cocktails from the Prohibition era

By Natalie Reina

In a time when Prohibition took hold of the country, it’s only fitting that New Orleans resisted and compiled enough cocktail recipes to fill a book.

Shaking Up Prohibition in New Orleans: Authentic Vintage Cocktails from A to Z is one of LSU Press’ latest titles. Written by Hilda Phelps Hammond and complete with illustrations by Olive Leonhardt, the book was originally published in 1929 with a satirical poem to go along with each recipe, poking fun at the idea of a “dry” New Orleans.

“Sometimes many stars you see/ Sometimes only 1, 2, 3/ Backed by Mr. Hennessy” is an example of the highbrow literature one might expect with the poetry.

With a bit of sharp humor, historical context and a fresh reprint, the book now features a new foreword by historian John Magill and an introduction by editor Gay Leonhardt, the illustrator’s granddaughter. 

While New Orleans laughed at the idea of Prohibition, the introduction speculates that Leonhardt and Hammond did not intend to publish the book during the Prohibition era. Even so, it offers an ample selection of vintage cocktails—like Kalsomine Punch, named after inexpensive paint and featuring two quarts of Champagne and one glass of brandy—and a glimpse at New Orleans during the Roaring ’20s. 

For more information on Shaking Up Prohibition, visit lsupress.org.