Prohibition Magic Mug
Step back into the 1920s with our Prohibition Magic Mug – a true speakeasy mug and hidden image mug that keeps history concealed until you heat things up! At first glance, it looks like a simple vintage-style cup… but once you pour in hot coffee, tea, or cocoa, a dramatic 1920s heat-reveal effect uncovers a secret image of a mystery historical figure from the Prohibition era. Perfect as a prohibition gift idea, this bootlegger-inspired mug brings the intrigue of underground speakeasies, gangster lore, and art-deco design right to your morning routine.
Will your mug unveil a “Dry” crusader like hatchet-wielding Carrie Nation…
or a “Wet” rebel like bootlegger Nucky Johnson?
You won’t know until you fill it!
What’s Wet vs. Dry?
In the 1920s, Americans weren’t just divided by politics – they were divided by beverages!
Your mug will decide which side you’re on… the moment the drink warms it up.
Why it’s fun
Will your mug expose a speakeasy-loving lawbreaker or a temperance warrior on a mission?
Only one way to find out… Just add heat.
I don’t always pay taxes… actually, I never did
Al Capone (1899–1947), often known as “Scarface,” was one of the most powerful and infamous American gangsters of the Prohibition era. Rising to prominence in Chicago during the 1920s, he led the Chicago Outfit, a criminal organization involved in bootlegging, gambling, and other illicit enterprises. Despite his violent reputation, Capone cultivated an image as a charismatic, sharply dressed figure who moved effortlessly between the world of organized crime and high-society nightlife.
Capone became a national symbol of Prohibition-era lawlessness, especially following the widely publicized St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929—an event that intensified public pressure to dismantle organized crime in Chicago. His criminal empire eventually collapsed when the federal government prosecuted him for tax evasion in 1931. He served time in federal prison, including at Alcatraz, before declining health cut his influence short.
Today, Capone remains one of the most recognizable figures of the Roaring Twenties—an emblem of power, excess, rebellion, and the darker side of America’s Prohibition history.
Capone became a national symbol of Prohibition-era lawlessness, especially following the widely publicized St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929—an event that intensified public pressure to dismantle organized crime in Chicago. His criminal empire eventually collapsed when the federal government prosecuted him for tax evasion in 1931. He served time in federal prison, including at Alcatraz, before declining health cut his influence short.
Today, Capone remains one of the most recognizable figures of the Roaring Twenties—an emblem of power, excess, rebellion, and the darker side of America’s Prohibition history.
Ruining parties since 1919
Andrew J. Volstead (1860–1947) was an American lawyer and congressman best known as the chief architect of Prohibition. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, he sponsored the legislation that enforced the 18th Amendment—the National Prohibition Act of 1919, forever linked to his name as the Volstead Act.
Although he wasn’t a fiery moral crusader himself, Volstead became the public face of America’s attempt to ban alcohol. His law defined what “intoxicating liquor” meant, outlined penalties for brewing and selling it, and gave federal agents the authority to crack down on bootlegging and speakeasies. Whether admired as a champion of reform or blamed for the chaos of the 1920s, Volstead played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most turbulent eras in American history.
Today, Andrew J. Volstead stands as a symbol of the legal—and controversial—framework behind Prohibition, a figure whose name became synonymous with a nationwide experiment in law, morality, and resistance.
Although he wasn’t a fiery moral crusader himself, Volstead became the public face of America’s attempt to ban alcohol. His law defined what “intoxicating liquor” meant, outlined penalties for brewing and selling it, and gave federal agents the authority to crack down on bootlegging and speakeasies. Whether admired as a champion of reform or blamed for the chaos of the 1920s, Volstead played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most turbulent eras in American history.
Today, Andrew J. Volstead stands as a symbol of the legal—and controversial—framework behind Prohibition, a figure whose name became synonymous with a nationwide experiment in law, morality, and resistance.
Stealing hearts and everything else since the 1890s
Anna “Chicago May” Quinn (1870–1929) was a notorious Wild West–meets–Prohibition-era outlaw known for her charm, daring crimes, and unpredictable, glamorous lifestyle. Born in Ireland and later making her way to the United States, she earned her nickname on the streets of Chicago, where she became involved in theft, con games, and high-stakes robberies. Fearless, quick-witted, and often described as dangerously alluring, Chicago May moved seamlessly through saloons, dance halls, and underworld circles where few women dared to tread.
Her life was a whirlwind of bold heists, dramatic escapes, and legendary romances with criminals who matched (but rarely exceeded) her appetite for risk. Though she operated before and during the Prohibition era, her rebellious spirit and underworld fame made her a natural icon of the decade—an unapologetic woman who lived outside the rules long before speakeasies and bootleggers filled the headlines.
Today, Anna “Chicago May” Quinn is remembered as one of the era’s most colorful female outlaws: reckless, resourceful, and impossible to ignore. Part femme fatale, part fearless criminal, she remains a symbol of grit, glamour, and untamable independence.
Her life was a whirlwind of bold heists, dramatic escapes, and legendary romances with criminals who matched (but rarely exceeded) her appetite for risk. Though she operated before and during the Prohibition era, her rebellious spirit and underworld fame made her a natural icon of the decade—an unapologetic woman who lived outside the rules long before speakeasies and bootleggers filled the headlines.
Today, Anna “Chicago May” Quinn is remembered as one of the era’s most colorful female outlaws: reckless, resourceful, and impossible to ignore. Part femme fatale, part fearless criminal, she remains a symbol of grit, glamour, and untamable independence.
If the Feds heard her sing, they’d raid twice
Bessie Smith (1894–1937), known as the “Empress of the Blues,” was one of the most powerful and influential voices of the early 20th century. Rising to national stardom during the 1920s, she became the highest-paid African American performer of the era, captivating audiences with her thunderous vocals, emotional intensity, and fearless stage presence..
Her music became the soundtrack of the Prohibition era, echoing through countless speakeasies, hidden nightclubs, and back-room bars where bootleg liquor flowed and jazz ruled the night. While she wasn’t involved in bootlegging or crime, Bessie Smith was a central figure in the nightlife culture that thrived despite (and often because of) Prohibition. Her performances brought crowds to the very venues federal agents were trying to shut down, making her a cultural force in the era’s ongoing battle between law, rebellion, and entertainment.
Songs like “Downhearted Blues,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “T’ain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do” captured the mood of the time—raw, defiant, emotional, and deeply human. Bold, unapologetic, and immensely influential, Bessie Smith helped shape the identity of the Jazz Age and remains one of the most iconic musical figures in American history.
Her music became the soundtrack of the Prohibition era, echoing through countless speakeasies, hidden nightclubs, and back-room bars where bootleg liquor flowed and jazz ruled the night. While she wasn’t involved in bootlegging or crime, Bessie Smith was a central figure in the nightlife culture that thrived despite (and often because of) Prohibition. Her performances brought crowds to the very venues federal agents were trying to shut down, making her a cultural force in the era’s ongoing battle between law, rebellion, and entertainment.
Songs like “Downhearted Blues,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “T’ain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do” captured the mood of the time—raw, defiant, emotional, and deeply human. Bold, unapologetic, and immensely influential, Bessie Smith helped shape the identity of the Jazz Age and remains one of the most iconic musical figures in American history.
The woman who literally smashed her way into history
Carrie A. Nation (1846–1911) was America’s most unforgettable, axe-wielding crusader against alcohol. A fierce temperance activist long before national Prohibition took hold, she became famous for storming into saloons, smashing bottles, wrecking bars, and declaring she was doing the work of God—all while standing barely five feet tall. Her dramatic “hatchetations,” as she called them, turned her into both a national hero and a lightning rod for controversy.
Driven by personal tragedy—her first husband died from alcoholism—Nation dedicated her life to shutting down the liquor trade she believed was destroying families and communities. Armed with a Bible, a hatchet, and an unstoppable sense of purpose, she traveled the country giving fiery speeches, selling miniature souvenir hatchets, and rallying crowds to the temperance cause.
Though she never lived to see the 18th Amendment, Carrie A. Nation’s bold, unrelenting activism helped lay the foundation for the Prohibition movement. Today, she’s remembered as a larger-than-life figure: fearless, unconventional, and absolutely unforgettable.
Driven by personal tragedy—her first husband died from alcoholism—Nation dedicated her life to shutting down the liquor trade she believed was destroying families and communities. Armed with a Bible, a hatchet, and an unstoppable sense of purpose, she traveled the country giving fiery speeches, selling miniature souvenir hatchets, and rallying crowds to the temperance cause.
Though she never lived to see the 18th Amendment, Carrie A. Nation’s bold, unrelenting activism helped lay the foundation for the Prohibition movement. Today, she’s remembered as a larger-than-life figure: fearless, unconventional, and absolutely unforgettable.
Keeping Chicago sober… one raid at a time.
Eliot Ness (1903–1957) was an American Prohibition agent best known for leading the legendary law-enforcement team known as “The Untouchables.” Tasked with dismantling Al Capone’s criminal empire in Chicago, Ness became famous for his team’s integrity—they refused bribes, intimidation, and corruption at a time when organized crime dominated the city. Their relentless raids on breweries, distilleries, and distribution networks dealt major blows to Capone’s operations and helped pave the way for federal charges.
Although Capone was ultimately convicted of tax evasion, Ness’s fearless pursuit of the Chicago Outfit made him a national symbol of honesty, justice, and incorruptible law enforcement during the turbulent 1920s. After Prohibition, Ness continued a career in public service, later becoming a cultural icon through books, films, and television adaptations of his life.
Today, Eliot Ness represents the clean-cut, determined face of the fight against Prohibition-era crime—standing in sharp contrast to the era’s gangsters, bootleggers, and speakeasy glamour.
Although Capone was ultimately convicted of tax evasion, Ness’s fearless pursuit of the Chicago Outfit made him a national symbol of honesty, justice, and incorruptible law enforcement during the turbulent 1920s. After Prohibition, Ness continued a career in public service, later becoming a cultural icon through books, films, and television adaptations of his life.
Today, Eliot Ness represents the clean-cut, determined face of the fight against Prohibition-era crime—standing in sharp contrast to the era’s gangsters, bootleggers, and speakeasy glamour.
Rivaling Capone before it was cool
George “Bugs” Moran (1893–1957) was a Prohibition-era gangster best known as the fierce rival of Al Capone during Chicago’s bloody bootlegging wars. As leader of the North Side Gang, Moran fought for control of the city’s lucrative illegal liquor trade, earning a reputation for being bold, unpredictable, and dangerously stubborn—hence the nickname “Bugs.”
Moran’s long-running feud with Capone reached its infamous peak in 1929 with the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, when seven of his men were gunned down in a garage in an attack widely attributed to the Chicago Outfit. Though Moran himself narrowly escaped the ambush, the event shattered his power and marked the beginning of his decline.
Unlike some gangsters who mingled with politicians and society elites, Moran kept a scrappier, street-level presence—and his relentless determination made him one of Capone’s most persistent enemies. Today, George “Bugs” Moran is remembered as a central figure in the violent turf wars that defined the dark, chaotic side of the Prohibition era.
Moran’s long-running feud with Capone reached its infamous peak in 1929 with the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, when seven of his men were gunned down in a garage in an attack widely attributed to the Chicago Outfit. Though Moran himself narrowly escaped the ambush, the event shattered his power and marked the beginning of his decline.
Unlike some gangsters who mingled with politicians and society elites, Moran kept a scrappier, street-level presence—and his relentless determination made him one of Capone’s most persistent enemies. Today, George “Bugs” Moran is remembered as a central figure in the violent turf wars that defined the dark, chaotic side of the Prohibition era.
Too classy to be a gangster, too profitable to be innocent
Enoch L. “Nucky” Johnson (1883–1968) was the charismatic, sharply dressed political boss of Atlantic City during the height of Prohibition. More than just a local figure, Nucky ran the Boardwalk like his personal kingdom—mixing politics, business, and organized crime with remarkable finesse. As the city’s Republican power broker, he controlled everything from law enforcement appointments to tourism, earning a reputation as the man who could make almost anything happen… for the right price.
During the 1920s, Atlantic City became a playground for bootleggers, gamblers, and party-seekers, and Nucky played host to them all. While he wasn’t a gangster in the traditional sense, he facilitated and profited from the illegal flow of alcohol, making him one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures of the era. Lavish parties, tailored suits, and political clout defined his rule—along with a knack for staying just far enough from the dirty work to keep his hands clean… at least for a while.
Today, Nucky Johnson stands as an iconic symbol of Prohibition-era corruption, luxury, and power—a real-life figure whose larger-than-life persona inspired the character of Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire.
During the 1920s, Atlantic City became a playground for bootleggers, gamblers, and party-seekers, and Nucky played host to them all. While he wasn’t a gangster in the traditional sense, he facilitated and profited from the illegal flow of alcohol, making him one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures of the era. Lavish parties, tailored suits, and political clout defined his rule—along with a knack for staying just far enough from the dirty work to keep his hands clean… at least for a while.
Today, Nucky Johnson stands as an iconic symbol of Prohibition-era corruption, luxury, and power—a real-life figure whose larger-than-life persona inspired the character of Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire.
Brought down Capone with a pencil, not a pistol
Frank J. Wilson (1887–1970) was a U.S. Treasury agent and forensic accountant whose meticulous financial work played a crucial role in bringing down one of America’s most notorious gangsters. While federal agents battled Al Capone’s bootlegging empire on the streets of Chicago, Wilson quietly attacked it from the books—painstakingly tracing hidden income, forged ledgers, and illegal profits.
As the lead investigator for the Treasury Department’s Intelligence Unit, Wilson built the case that finally stuck: tax evasion. His relentless attention to detail, refusal to be intimidated by threats on his life, and groundbreaking financial detective work helped secure Capone’s 1931 conviction. Wilson’s success cemented the idea that numbers—not bullets—could topple even the most powerful criminals of the Prohibition era.
After Prohibition, Wilson continued his service, eventually becoming Chief of the Secret Service. Today, he stands as the unsung hero of the era, proving that sometimes the most dangerous weapon is a well-kept ledger.
As the lead investigator for the Treasury Department’s Intelligence Unit, Wilson built the case that finally stuck: tax evasion. His relentless attention to detail, refusal to be intimidated by threats on his life, and groundbreaking financial detective work helped secure Capone’s 1931 conviction. Wilson’s success cemented the idea that numbers—not bullets—could topple even the most powerful criminals of the Prohibition era.
After Prohibition, Wilson continued his service, eventually becoming Chief of the Secret Service. Today, he stands as the unsung hero of the era, proving that sometimes the most dangerous weapon is a well-kept ledger.
The man who outlawed your weekend plan
Wayne B. Wheeler (1869–1927) was the powerful political strategist behind America’s march into Prohibition. As the chief lobbyist of the Anti-Saloon League, Wheeler mastered the art of pressure politics—using voter blocs, targeted campaigns, and relentless lobbying to push lawmakers toward temperance. Though he rarely appeared in the spotlight, his behind-the-scenes influence was immense.
Wheeler helped engineer both the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, shaping the strict rules that defined the nation’s alcohol ban. Known for his sharp wit and even sharper political instincts, he could make or break politicians depending on where they stood on the liquor issue. Supporters saw him as a moral crusader; critics called him the most feared man on Capitol Hill.
Today, Wayne B. Wheeler is remembered as the man who built the political machine that made Prohibition possible—proof that sometimes the most powerful figures in history never fired a gun or ran a speakeasy… they simply changed the law.
Wheeler helped engineer both the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, shaping the strict rules that defined the nation’s alcohol ban. Known for his sharp wit and even sharper political instincts, he could make or break politicians depending on where they stood on the liquor issue. Supporters saw him as a moral crusader; critics called him the most feared man on Capitol Hill.
Today, Wayne B. Wheeler is remembered as the man who built the political machine that made Prohibition possible—proof that sometimes the most powerful figures in history never fired a gun or ran a speakeasy… they simply changed the law.