Dust off your cocktail shaker and practice your dance steps, it won’t be long now. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, is about to have an important birthday. On April 10th, 2025, it will be 100 years since the release of the beloved novel. The Great Gatsby captures the “anything goes” culture of the 1920s and is recognized as one of the most defining books of the twentieth century.
Following WW I and prior to the stock market crash of 1929 the “Roaring Twenties” were filled with optimism for the future. The decade saw women gain the right to vote empowering “flappers” to live it up! Gals embraced previously unheard of styles including short, bobbed hair and slim, fringed frocks rising daringly above the knee. Free-wheeling Jazz music hit the scene, and the fun-seeking crowd danced frantically into the night. In fact, the term “Jazz Age,” has been credited to Fitzgerald and the author uniquely depicts aspects of the era through the characters in his plot.
The Volstead Act of 1920 ushered in Prohibition making it illegal to sell, produce, or transport liquor, but citizens could still drink legally in their home. That is if you were wise enough to stockpile booze before the ban or savvy enough to know a good bootlegger. As a result, home cocktail parties flourished. Fitzgerald describes the delightful details of the era’s sumptuous soirées in The Great Gatsby.
An absolutely fabulous book honoring the milestone 100th year of The Great Gatsby is Veronica Hinke’s The Great Gatsby Cooking and Entertaining Guide. Whether you are a Jazz Age fan, Fitzgerald aficionado, or delight in preparing vintage recipes updated for modern tastes you will enjoy this book. The fun-filled fact-based culinary treats presented here are sure to spark your interest and please your palate.
Veronica leaves nothing to chance. Each recipe is sourced from chapters in The Great Gatsby or found in vintage periodicals that provide authentic food trends from Gatsby’s time. Imagine sinking your teeth into Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce. The author explains the mouthwatering recipe was typical in St. Paul, Minnesota, the town where Fitzgerald was born. Did you know restaurants repurposed cocktail glasses to serve shrimp cocktail during Prohibition? Veronica provides recipes that are not only intriguing but are highlighted with tidbits about culinary history.
To complete the Gatsby-era entertaining experience Veronica delves into characteristics of the plates, vases, and flower arrangements that would adorn a table for an elegant dinner or party. Dramatic images of peacocks and parrots decorate serve ware that is accented with luxurious gold trim. Ostrich feathers were strewn in vases with lilies, orchids, and wisteria for exotic effect. Chrome coffee sets with matching creamer and sugar bowl dazzled guests and shiny silver cocktail shakers were ready to provide visitors with the beverage of their choice.
Everything that is needed to guide a Gatsby era celebration or plan a 1920s style dinner for two can be found in Veronica’s insightful tome. The book is filled with gorgeous color photographs that showcase the themed recipes portrayed in a style reflecting the Jazz Age esthetic.
Plus, there are cocktails. Daisy’s Peppermint Julep, Hotsy Totsy French 75, and Double Honey Bee’s Knee’s are some of the libations included to complement your Jazz Age experience.
One cocktail featured in the book is the Blood Orange Ward 8, a delightful interpretation of the classic Ward 8 cocktail. The Ward 8 was invented in 1898 at an establishment once located in Boston’s eighth ward.
RECIPE:
2 oz. whiskey (rye was used here)
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. fresh blood orange juice or Navel orange juice
½ oz. blood orange liqueur
¼ -1/2 oz. grenadine (depending on desired sweetness)
Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with one or two cherries.
Cheers!
Cheers, Wendy! The book inspired me to celebrate in April 2025. If you are in Connecticut I'd like you to come. Period attire suggested.
I'm always intrigued by your cocktails. I believe rye whiskey was the most popular spirit prior to Prohibition. It's nice to see it making a comeback in recent years.