With the holidays and 2024 now firmly behind us, perhaps you’re feeling energized for all the new possibilities the new year may hold. Or, maybe you’re still feeling sluggish from indulging in rich foods, late nights, and beverages like spiked nogs, seasonal spritzes, and extra champagne toasts. If you fall into the latter category, then this post is for you!
Fun fact: Friday, January 17, marks the 105th anniversary of the beginning of Prohibition, and playing into that, we’re focusing on some Petoskey history and how going “dry” can be fun.
First, a quick recap: Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933, a thirteen-year nationwide dry spell in which the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcohol was—you guessed it—prohibited. Additionally, Michigan was ahead of the times, starting a statewide prohibition a little earlier…see the Damon Act of 1917.
Now, thanks to films like The Untouchables and Lawless, many are aware that Prohibition wasn’t strictly adhered to by many Americans, and Petoskey residents were no exception. Our beloved Hemingway haunt—City Park Grill—originally known as McCarty Hall, continued to illegally serve its “intoxicating beverages” post-Damon Act, and its owner at the time went so far as to build secret underground tunnels to export alcohol and accept alcohol that was smuggled up the Lake Michigan coast by Al Capone’s gang.
Exciting law-breaking aside, these tunnels no longer exist due to city infrastructure—sewers and such—but their doors and openings remain a reminder of the lengths Michiganders went to defy the Man. In the spirit of further defiance, in 1933, Michigan was the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, thus inciting the end of Prohibition by repealing the 18th Amendment, ushering back the acceptance of ales, spirits, and the like.
Jumping ahead roughly 80 years, many began engaging in self-imposed Prohibitions, a tradition that has carried on into 2025. “Dry January,” a month-long challenge of giving up alcohol after the boisterous holiday season, harkens to the days of Prohibition and is a popular means of starting the new year off with sobriety.
Being a full-time teetotaler or a temporary one is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather a worthwhile endeavor if only to give your body a break, leading to potential health improvements and better sleep, and downtown establishments, like Malted Vinyl, are all about the mocktail way of life.
“Mocktails have been around for a long time and traditionally have been juice and soda-based,” said Missy Hundey-Leverett, co-owner of Malted Vinyl. “We are seeing a big trend toward zero-proof cocktails in the last few years, and this increased demand appears to be driven by the overarching health and wellness trend, individuals becoming ‘sober-curious,’ and the recent trend toward mindful drinking.”
For those seeking healthy alternatives that are also calorie-conscious and flavor-rich, spiritless spirits are checking all the boxes for elegantly crafted and nuanced zero-proof cocktails. Malted Vinyl’s recent ChestNOT’ini was a top pick for patrons, featuring a Ritual NA Tequila mixed with coffee concentrate and house-made Chestnut Orgeat Syrup, making for a great alternative to an Espresso Martini.
“At Malted Vinyl, we offer a menu of traditional cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, and traditional mocktails to provide an inclusive social setting, allowing everyone to have an enjoyable experience and not feel left out if they choose not to drink alcohol,” shared Hundey-Leverett.
As we are roughly halfway through Dry January, many may already be well into their zero-proof and mocktail journey. And if you haven’t yet, consider exploring Malted Vinyl’s updated drink menu, which focuses on cozy seasonal flavors. The establishment’s welcoming, music-forward atmosphere warms the spirit this cold season if you’re teetotaling or enjoying an adult beverage. Cheers to January, whether it be dry or wet!
