During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), products such as cooking wines and extracts of brandy, sherry, and rum with artificial flavors emerged, often with a salty twist to avoid being consumed as beverages. This led to the creation of iconic dishes such as meatballs with sauces, Parmesan veal chops, and shrimp with wine and garlic, where alcoholic flavors, real or simulated, were discarded, giving way to a reliance on sweet and artificial flavors.
Speakeasies, or clandestine bars, began to arise and, although presented as secret places, were generally hidden within other establishments like shops or restaurants. In these spaces, extravagant cocktails became a highlight, with simpler options such as fruit cocktail glasses decorated with marshmallows or sugar, replacing ostentatious dinners with oysters and champagne.
These clandestine bars were frequented not only by Americans but also by Italian immigrants who offered homemade wine alongside adapted versions of their traditional cuisine. This integration of Italian tradition with abundant American ingredients marked the beginning of this cuisine's influence on the culinary culture of the country.
The term 'speakeasy' comes from the need during Prohibition to speak softly to avoid detection by the authorities. In these secret places, creativity played a fundamental role, both in the preparation of dishes and drinks. Cookbooks of the era adapted their recipes, substituting alcohol with grape juice or increasing the use of extracts that contained alcohol in small amounts.
Poor quality spirits and wines led bartenders to experiment with different flavors and techniques to mask the harshness of these liquors, giving rise to innovative drinks that gained worldwide popularity. The wine industry was forced to adapt, producing grape juice instead of wine, although a significant portion was used to make questionable quality homemade wine.
The impact of Prohibition was not limited to the prohibition of alcohol, but transformed the culinary and wine landscape, leaving a mark on the American palate and popularizing Italian food.
