Honest Abe…Apple Cider?
“Round Robin bartender, Jim Hewes, is a dean of the Washington cocktail scene, and also something of a cocktail historian. Every inauguration season, he brings out a special menu of drinks based around what our 44 presidents drank, or might have drunk.”
Here is that list (HT: The Washington Post)
44. Barack Obama: Blue Hawaiian
Combines the president’s penchant for aged Tequila and the cool blue waters of the Pacific. Features aged Tequila, Curacao and fresh lime juice.
43. George W. Bush: Diet cola with a slice of lemon
Light and crisp, able to keep even the busiest Chief Executive, active, alert, and awake.
42. William J. Clinton: Tanquerary Gin and Tonic
A standard on the Washington cocktail circuit.
41. George H. Bush: Absolut Vodka Martini
Always politically correct, with or without garnish.
40. Ronald Reagan: California Sparkling Wine
Introduced to Washingtonians at Reagan’s first Inaugural.
39. Jimmy Carter: Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine
Served, much to the dismay of the fourth estate, throughout his four years in the White House.
38. Gerald R. Ford: Glenfiddich Whiskey over ice
Served in the spirit of bipartisanship. Gerry also favored Budweiser “longnecks” in the bottle.
37. Richard M. Nixon: Bacardi and Coke.
Dick would relish mixing and stirring for his guests aboard the presidential yacht Sequoia.
36. Lyndon B. Johnson: Cutty Sark and Branch Water
A post-war favorite of “Cactus Jack” Garner and Sam Rayburns’ most famous protege.
35. John F. Kennedy: Beefeater Martini, served up with olives
Served regally in the White House to those in the good graces of America’s “Camelot.”
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Johnny Walker Black Label on the rocks.
An acquired taste from his time spent at Allied headquarters in London during WWII
33. Harry S. Truman: Maker’s Mark and soda
An aficionado of Kentucky’s finest, both he and Bess enjoyed this long-drink while playing poker at the White House.
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt: Plymouth Gin Martini
”Oh… so cool, so clean, so awfully civilized!” Often scolded by Eleanor for his penchant for the highball, this elegant elixir was served at the most important political party in DC; the Cocktail Party.
31. Herbert Hoover: Long Island Iced Tea
Prohibition-conscious imbibers relished this enticing tall drink, which contained everything on the bar except “the kitchen sink”.
30. Calvin Coolidge: Cranberry juice and soda
A gentle New England tonic to fortify one’s Puritan constitution.