Repeal Day: Where to Celebrate in Washington, D.C.
On this day in 1933, Prohibition officially ended in the United States, and the sales of alcohol became legal again. Worth celebrating? We certainly think so. Here’s a roundup of specials taking place around town.
Firefly Repeal Day Menu
Wednesday, December 5
Firefly
Lead bartender Jon Harris has crafted a special list of $10 cocktails for the evening, all historically significant. See for example, the Scofflaw with Old Overholt rye, or the 12 Mile Limit, made with white rum, rye and brandy. If you’re feeling frisky, go with the Charlie Chaplin, a fruity, peppy combo of apricot liqueur, sloe gin and lime juice.
Jack Rose Repeal Day Parties
10 PM–1 AM, Wednesday, December 5; $20
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Your ticket scores you access to one of two parties, per your preference. Go upstairs to the Roosevelt Room balcony for bottomless bubbles, specials on classic cocktails and cigars. Or, head downstairs to the never-before-seen Basement Punch Bar for 50-cent glasses of punch, specialty whiskeys and burlesque performances.
Batch 19 Repeal Day Party
7–10 PM, Wednesday, December 5
Jake’s American Bar and Grill
Join the Grayscalers, a group of models and actors painted in shades of gray from head to toe, at the Chevy Chase bar and enjoy $1 pints of Batch 19, a pre-Prohibition-style lager. Get your photos taken as the single splash of color in an otherwise 1933-style scene.
Fifth Annual Repeal Day Ball
8–11 PM, Saturday, December 8; $100 ($150 VIP)
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital
The DC Craft Bartenders Guild is throwing a gala, black tie affair for the fifth year running. Enjoy cocktails from D.C.’s best bartenders and live Prohibition era music with over 300 others. Tickets are still available online here.
