The Cotton Club in New York City’s Harlem was one of the most well-known speakeasies at the time. When it first opened in 1923, the city’s aristocracy made it their favorite hangout. Famous African American entertainers including Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Lena Horne performed at the elaborate shows of the Cotton Club, which was well-known for them. The Cotton Club was not immune to the risks of the Prohibition era, despite its prosperity.
Owners frequently chose names for speakeasies that were obscure or unrelated to alcohol. To evade suspicion, some speakeasies employed code words or expressions. A speakeasy might be referred to as a “blind pig” in the Midwest or a “cat’s meow” in the East, for instance.
The popularity of bootlegged alcohol, which was made, shipped, and sold without a license, also increased during the Prohibition era. Alcohol was frequently produced and distributed illegally by bootleggers, who did so by concealing it in false-bottomed vehicles or moving it through tunnels beneath the ground. However, alcohol that was illegally obtained was frequently harmful and could even be fatal.
During the Prohibition era, homemade alcohol was manufactured, but it was frequently of low quality and even deadly. This occurred because people who produced it lacked the tools and expertise necessary to ensure the alcohol’s safety. Furthermore, homemade alcohol frequently contained a high alcohol level, which could cause acute intoxication.
Overall, the Cotton Club was a well-known speakeasy during Prohibition, distinguished by its lavish performances and affluent patrons. However, the perils of the Prohibition era, such as the manufacturing and use of homemade and bootlegged alcohol, persisted.
Desserts including baked Alaska, pineapple upside-down cake, chocolate mousse, and banana splits were popular in the 1920s. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that speakeasies like The Cotton Club focused primarily on supplying booze and offering entertainment, therefore sweets were not often offered there.