You’ve got to love a state that celebrates the end of Prohibition! Even though it’s not widely celebrated throughout the country, the anniversary of the death of the Volstead Act on Dec. 5, 1933 has been known to make many a proud Kentuckian raise his or her glass in grateful acknowledgment when the holidays roll around.

Leave it up to a restaurant and bar located on Louisville’s old Whiskey Row to capitalize on the austere occasion – an establishment named for the term that measures the relative strength of alcoholic liquor no less.

“With the bourbon trade, the repeal of Prohibition was cause for special celebration in Kentucky,” says Brooks Reitz, the general manager of Louisville’s Proof on Main. “It marked a time in history when the Bluegrass State could again be free to embrace its most enjoyable commodity.” Today, the tradition lives on.

This year, to mark the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, Proof on Main will celebrate Repeal Day on Friday, Dec. 5 with a one-day-only classic cocktail list that hearkens to the speakeasy era – a time when the cocktail ruled and bartenders were like scientists, engineering innovative and imaginative libations for their patrons. Elixirs offered at Proof this year will feature classic ingredients reminiscent of the 1920s such as house-made grenadine, rye whiskey, and cherry heering.

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Recently recognized as Spirits Hospitality Restaurant of the Year by the 2008 Santé Restaurant Awards, Proof on Main will offer the following cocktails to thirsty pilgrims looking to hammer another nail in the coffin of the Volstead Act:

Blood + Sand
Scotch, Cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, orange ($8)

Vieux Carré
Rye whiskey, brandy, sweet vermouth, Benedictine ($10)

Bee’s Knees
Gin, honey, lemon ($8)

Death in the Afternoon
Absinthe and champagne ($8)

Milk Punch
Bourbon, milk, dark rum, simple syrup, nutmeg ($10)

Yacht Club
Gin, sweet vermouth, orange, Campari, simple syrup ($9)

Monkey Gland
Gin, orange, house made grenadine, Pernod ($9)

Fancy-Free Cocktail
Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino, Angostura Bitters ($10)

Proof on Main is an official restaurant on the Urban Bourbon Trail, a downtown route that encompasses seven local bars and restaurants that make bourbon history and enjoyment a priority in their cuisine or cocktail programs. Proof’s large spirits collection is highlighted by an impressive selection of 50 of Kentucky’s finest bourbons. For more information or to make reservations for dinner, call Proof on Main at (502) 217-6360. Proof on Main is located at 702 West Main Street.

Here’s a link to information on Repeal Day.