As if we need another excuse to indulge in these depressing times, it’s time to toast the 75th anniversary of Prohibition repeal. Repeal Day joins St. Pat’s and Cinco de Mayo as a time-honored drinking holiday in our United States. Utah, Pennsylvania, and Ohio finally gave into depressed college students on this day in history when they became the 34th, 35th, and 36th states to ratify the 21st amendment. Section 1 of this blessed legalese, “hereby repeals,” the 18th Amendment that banned the sale of alcohol. Prohibition began in 1920 and lasted until 1933, after religious organizations banned together to spread the ‘temperance movement.’

Most speakeasies around Manhattan have drink specials tonight to celebrate. Whiskey drinkers should head over to Death & Co to try a 23 year old Rittenhouse rye for $23. Newly opened southern-themed Char No. 4 is offering ½ off selected whiskeys. They have over 300 whiskeys in house so there’s practically no way you can go wrong. Be sure to honor tradition and make your first drink non-alcoholic to remember the dry days of Prohibition. Also, be sure to join in the toast at 9 o’clock to celebrate the 21st Amendment at the 21st hour. Visit Dewar’s site honoring the Day at http://www.dewarsrepealday.com for more celebration tips and some fun trivia to entertain fellow revelers.