The DC Traveler

On December 5, 1933, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlawed the manufacturing, sale and transport of alcoholic beverages was repealed.
The "Volstead Act", which defined the rules of alcohol production and sales, also established what an “intoxicating” beverage actually was – any beverage with 0.5% of alcohol. The act did not however prohibit the purchase or use of liquor.
The law lasted 13 years and had numerous unintended consequences, including fueling the rise of organized crime.  During prohibition, alcohol consumption actually increased per capita, the exact opposite intent of the legislation.  Illegal speakeasies flourished across the country, with a …read more

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World Cocktail Week is a project sponsored by The Museum of the American Cocktail to acknowledge the American cocktail culture and recognize your friendly bartenders.
According to the museum, the first recorded use of the printed word “cocktail” was on May 13, 1806, in The Balance, an Albany, NY paper.
And to help us celebrate, (as if we need an excuse), events are planned in 11 cities, including a cocktail-themed dinner at Proof, here in Washington, DC (775 G Street, NW) at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2008.  Tickets are $135 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres with five …read more

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