Any American enjoying a cocktail this weekend should raise a glass to our polite neighbors to the north. After all, Canadian producers kept our country awash in hooch during the Prohibition era, with distillers such as Canadian Club inspiring entrepreneurs to deliver the unique and illicit whisky to drinkers in Chicago, New York, and beyond. Yes, the practice gave rise to a mafia we still have today, but at least nobody who really wanted a satisfying drink after a long day's work was deprived of that pleasure during those 13 dark years. In honor of its leading role in the HBO show Boardwalk Empire (thugs fight over the stuff), which begins its second season Sunday night, Canadian Club is releasing a special package that pairs a bottle of its classic six-year-old whisky with a nifty metal Boardwalk Empire hip flask. The whisky-and-flask combo will run you about $14. But what to do with it?

You can fill the flask with whisky and discreetly sip from it in public places, which might make you feel like a small time gangster. (Can't say I've never done it.) Or you can relax at home and mix a few Boardwalk Empire-inspired cocktails that Canadian Club mixologists came up with for the occasion (recipes below) and have a little Sunday night screening party with friends. Yeah, that's probably a better idea. While you're passing out the cocktails, share these interesting bits of Canadian Club/Prohibition trivia, which might make you sound smart.

● Located just over the Detroit, Michigan border in Windsor, Canada, Canadian Club was legally able to continue producing whisky between 1920 and 1933, when the manufacture and sale of beverage alcohol was prohibited in the United States. ● It is rumored that Canadian Club was a favorite of Al Capone, who operated a lucrative business smuggling the spirit into the U.S. ● 20,000 cases of Canadian Club were smuggled into the U.S. each month during Prohibition

If the trailer is any indication, the second season of Boardwalk Empire is going to be amazing. Awesome writing, inspired set design, and a cast of gifted actors - including legends like Steve Buscemi and talented newcomers like Aleksa Palladino - are sure to make it required viewing for any fan of high-quality cable dramas along the lines of The Sopranos, Mad Men, and Deadwood. You've got a good show to watch, and a good drink to drink. Enjoy your evening.

The Real McCoy 1.50 parts Canadian Club 6 Year Old 4 parts Club Soda Directions: Add ingredients over ice in a rocks glass. Stir.

Belle Femme 1.50 parts Canadian Club 6 Year Old 1.50 parts Dubonnet Rouge Orange peel for garnish Directions: In a mixing glass, stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sliver of orange peel.

The Boss 1 part Harvey’s Bristol Cream 2 parts Canadian Club 6 Year Old 2 dashes Orange Bitters Maraschino cherry for garnish Directions: Shake Harvey’s Bristol Cream, Canadian Club and bitters with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a lowball glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.