Whether you are a Republican or Democrat we have conservative concoctions and liberal libations for you to toast this election season. Two new books by Mark Will-Weber Drinking With Republicans and Drinking With Democrats bring to light the presidential history of conservative concoctions and liberal libations. Here are some of our favorites:
Thomas Jefferson’s Strawberry Spritzer
Thomas Jefferson was a wine snob and of course the fore father credited with authoring the Declaration of Independence. So in the spirit of the 4th of July and summer here’s a wine concoction honor of Jefferson.
- 5 oz chilled white wine
- 4-5 fresh strawberries, room temperature
- 3-4 strawberries (to garnish)
- Soda water
Directions:
Muddle fresh strawberries in the bottom of a Collins glass until pulpy. Fill glass halfway with wine, float with strawberries, and top with a splash of soda water.
Lincoln’s Cooper Union (aka Black and Tan)
It is said that after delivering the Cooper Union address he celebrated his speech with a dark and light ale at McSorley’s Old Ale House, an East Village Tavern still open today.
- 1 pale ale
- 1 Guinness
Directions:
Pour the pale ale into a pint glass about halfway. Float the Guinness on top to fill the glass by pouring it over an upside down spoon over the pale ale. The glass should look evenly divided.
Teddy Roosevelt’s Hat In The Ring
Teddy Roosevelt’s famous battle cry, “My hat is in the ring, the fight is on, and I am stripped to the buff,” was immortalized by a Chicago Hotel/Bar entrepreneur who crafted the drink ‘Teddy Hat’.
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz raspberry syrup
- 1/2 oz dubonnet
- several dashes of orange bitters
Directions:
Fill a bar glass with crushed ice. Add all ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into cocktail glass.
FDR’s Rum Swizzles
In an effort to ease the effects of his crippling polio, Franklin Delano Roosevelt would embark on sailing adventures to Bermuda with rum being a standard part of these excursions.
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 generous dash of Falernum (sweet syrup)
Directions:
Shake with ice. Strain into a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Jackie’s Daiquiris
Jackie Kennedy’s favorite drink was champagne and not just any champagne but Veuve Clicquot, but the First Lady would occasionally kick it up with a daiquiri. Here is a recipe she posted for her kitchen staff to follow:
- 2 parts rum
- 2 parts frozen limeade
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- dash of Falernum (sweet syrup)
Directions:
Blend all together and enjoy!
Reagan’s Orange Blossom
Though the President was not a big drinker he did occasionally indulge in an Orange Blossom made with vodka instead of gin because he reportedly did not react well to gin.
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz grenadine or sweet vermouth
- 1 oz orange juice
Directions:
Bring all ingredients together in a cocktail glass filled with ice.
For more recipes see Mark Will-Weber’s books here.