Repeal Day and MxMoX

Sure, we just polished off one holiday (those of us in the U.S., anyway), and just ahead is a bevy of holidays to celebrate. But in between the office parties and fancy Christmas get-togethers, there are a couple of other events to keep in mind:

• Coming up first, chronologically speaking, is the fabulous new drink holiday proposed by Jeffrey Morgenthaler to commemorate the end of the “noble experiment,” the 13-year drought known as Prohibition. On December 5, 1933, the 18th Amendment was repealed and Americans could again legally tipple for the first time since 1919. Not only did Prohibition mark a troubling legal era in the United States, the Volstead Act altered the way people drank, and sent the mixological world in several unexpected directions as talented bartenders headed to Europe or the Caribbean to ply their trade, and drinkers had no choice but to become less picky about what they imbibed. Celebrate Repeal Day this December 5 by drinking — well, whatever you like, if for no other reason (as Morgenthaler says), “just because you can.”

• On December 11 is the celebratory edition of an event near and dear to my heart, Mixology Monday. Hosting this round is Brenda at The Spirit World, and for the December event, Brenda has chosen Drinks for a Festive Occasion as the theme. From your favorite eggnog recipe to an original creation that you think should become a holiday tradition, drinks for this event should be fit for the season — and, as Brenda notes, participants get extra points for submitting drinks suitable for a crowd. Check out The Spirit World for full details on MxMoX.