Locally owned and operated, Volstead Bar takes patrons back to the fascinating days of the speakeasy by artfully crafting classic cocktails. Housed in what was the old Dorn Winery and later the Green Door brothel, the Green Door Building is shrouded in Sandusky lore and has seen an array of tenants throughout the years.
Combining these intriguing historical remnants with the speakeasy practices of the aforementioned years, Volstead Bar harkens back to the days of Old Sandusky amidst the New Sandusky renaissance.
Here are a few choice selections of some of our signature drinks
View All Classic Cocktails
Plymouth Gin, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup
Contrary to popular belief, Prohibition-era cocktails weren’t exactly glamorous, but rather grimy and tasteless. However, out of underground bartender’s quests to liven up less-than-savory bathtub gin, came a fantastic honey and citrus infused concoction coined as the “Bee’s Knees.”
Rye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, Sugar Cube
While documented as far back as 1806, the title of this original concoction was first printed in the Chicago Daily Tribune in 1880. Although this muddled libation fell out of favor after the 1960’s, Don Draper from AMC’s Mad Men must be considered partially responsible for it’s resurgence.
Gordon’s Gin, Tito’s Vodka, Lillet Blanc
Created by Ian Fleming’s timeless character James Bond, this cocktail first appeared in the book Casino Royale and later appears in the 2006 movie. Vesper Lynd, 007’s love interest, cheekily inquires about the moniker “because of the bitter aftertaste?” To which James replies “because once you’ve tasted it, you won’t drink anything else.”
Light Rum, Lime Juice, Granulated Sugar
Ernest Hemingway loved to write, loved cats, and really loved his drink. Preferably a specific type of rum daiquiri. Known for his curious disdain of the human race in general, he’s quoted for saying “I drink to make other people interesting.