Yesterday marked 102 years since Prohibition went into effect, which banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. So it was a time for getting creative, and so the Speakeasy was born. They got the name from police officers who struggled to find where these bars were because the bartenders asked customers to “speak easy” while inside the bar.

One of the most popular drinks they were whispering to order was the Gin Martini because of its simplicity. With the focus on getting booze quickly and quietly, the gin martini was a solid choice. And it still is! It also makes for a great foundation for throwing a Speakeasy or Roaring ’20s Party. With Dry January almost over, it’s time to start planning your next gathering.

Attire: Make sure your guests know that you are serious by encouraging them to get into the theme, which can be Gangsters, Flappers and/or the Great Gatsby. Everyone is invited to the Speakeasy … except the authorities!

Entrance: Block off the main entrance as if the cops have shut your place down. A secret entrance with a password is a must for a Speakeasy Party. A fun touch is a sign for a fake storefront or a community meeting.

Decorations: Make sure they step by in time with period pieces, which you can find at thrift stores, esty, eBay and Amazon. Print out some Wanted signs featuring pictures of your guests. If you want to bring in the mobster vibe, include some casino games.

Music: Jazz. Hire a little jazz band to entertain guests.

Drinks: Gin martinis, of course. All martinis really. Create some signature cocktails. Serve the drinks in teacups and the beer in brown bags. Print menus that are hidden inside books. Or if you don’t want to worry about the drinks, call us! It’s what we do.

Food: Finger foods. Small bites, like deviled eggs and cheese balls. We can help you with this too!

If you don’t have the right space or this sounds like a lot of work, Nashville has some fun Speakeasies to meet up with friends for some Gin Martinis. Some of our favorites are Red Phone Booth, Fox Bar, Dirty Little Secret, Attaboy and Hidden Bar. If you’re looking for a fun night of Jazz with a Speakeasy vibe, stop by Rudy’s Jazz Room.

If you need help planning your party, drinks for the night or a night out in Nashville, we are here to help. We bring food and drinks for any size event, and even provide music for select rBAR customers. More info about that coming soon! Plus, follow us on social media and sign up for our email newsletter to get tips on making drinks, planning parties, visiting Nashville and more. Trust us. We’ve been to a lot of parties. We’ve made a lot of drinks.