From the Oval Office to Your Home Bar: Iconic Presidential Cocktails
With the inauguration of the 45th president upon us, it’s easy to focus on what divides us. Across the political aisle, passions run high, opinions clash, and emotions are raw.
But the inauguration of a president is more than a political event. It’s a reminder of what unites us as a nation.
At our core, we share a common dream: the promise of freedom, opportunity, and a better future for generations to come.
No matter where you stand on the issues, there’s something uniquely American about coming together to honor the traditions that have shaped our democracy.
And what better way to celebrate this enduring spirit than by raising a glass to the history, resilience, and shared ideals that make our country strong?
These presidential cocktails are more than just drinks. They are stories that remind us of the leaders who have come before, the challenges they faced, and the unshakable belief in the American experiment.
Whether you’re toasting with friends, family, or simply reflecting on the moment, these iconic cocktails invite us to pause, connect, and appreciate the freedoms we all hold dear.
So let’s sip to the ideals we all share: liberty, democracy, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Manhattan
The Presidential Cocktail of Ulysses S. Grant
The Manhattan isn’t just a cocktail. It's an institution.
Its rise during Grant’s presidency coincided with a time when New York was solidifying its reputation as a cultural and social epicenter. The Manhattan Club, which claims to have invented the drink, was known for hosting lavish gatherings that often drew in the political elite, including Grant’s contemporaries.
Grant himself, known for his whiskey preferences, would have appreciated the Manhattan’s smooth complexity, a drink that required no frills but delivered immense satisfaction.
The Manhattan also became a symbol of American ingenuity in mixology, setting a standard for whiskey-based cocktails that remains unparalleled to this day.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently and strain into a coupe glass.
- Add a cherry for that perfect finishing touch.
Craftsmanship Note: A Manhattan deserves top-shelf ingredients. Opt for a high-quality rye whiskey to highlight its spicy notes and pair it with a rich, aromatic vermouth.
Old Fashioned
The Presidential Cocktail of Harry S. Truman
The Old Fashioned is the quintessential American cocktail, and for Truman, it was more than just a drink.
It was a ritual.
Truman’s commitment to bourbon reflected his Missouri roots, where whiskey was a symbol of resilience and hard work. His evenings with Bess, often spent enjoying an Old Fashioned, painted a picture of a man deeply connected to his family and his traditions.
This cocktail’s history goes even deeper, as it predates Prohibition and was first documented in the early 19th century. By the time Truman embraced it, the Old Fashioned had already become a favorite of bartenders across the country, revered for its simplicity and elegance.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a rocks glass until smooth.
- Add bourbon and a large ice cube.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.
Timeless Note: To make an Old Fashioned truly presidential, use a clear, single ice cube. It keeps the drink cold without watering it down, ensuring every sip is as bold as the first.
Martini
The Presidential Cocktail of Franklin D. Roosevelt
The martini’s legacy is as dynamic as FDR himself. During Prohibition, the drink took on a rebellious edge, becoming a favorite among those who sought to flout the restrictions of the Volstead Act.
By the time Roosevelt was in office, the martini had evolved into a sophisticated symbol of leisure, embraced by politicians, socialites, and artists alike.
Roosevelt’s personal martini-making became almost as famous as the man himself.
Guests at the White House and aboard his presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, often recounted the care with which he prepared each drink, experimenting with ratios and ingredients until he achieved his signature style.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz gin or vodka
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine gin or vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until chilled and strain into a martini glass.
3. Add a lemon twist or olive, depending on your mood.
Elevated Tip: FDR’s approach to the martini reminds us that balance is key. Experiment with different gin-to-vermouth ratios to find the perfect blend for your palate.
Rum Punch
The Presidential Cocktail of George Washington
Rum punch wasn’t just a personal favorite for George Washington, it was a centerpiece of colonial American celebrations. The drink traces its roots to the Caribbean, where rum and citrus were abundant.
Its popularity in the colonies spoke to the era’s global connections, as ingredients like sugar and nutmeg made their way into American homes via international trade.
For Washington, who often hosted large gatherings at Mount Vernon, rum punch was the perfect way to entertain.
Its communal nature, often served in large bowls, reflected his ability to bring people together. Even today, the drink serves as a reminder of simpler times, where quality ingredients and good company made all the difference.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- A dash of nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
1. Shake all ingredients with ice until well combined.
2. Strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Sprinkle nutmeg on top for an authentic colonial touch.
Colonial Detail: For a truly authentic touch, use a hand-cranked nutmeg grater to garnish your punch, as Washington himself might have done.
Daiquiri
The Presidential Cocktail of John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy wasn’t just a leader; he was a cultural icon, bringing a sense of youth, vitality, and elegance to the White House. His preference for the daiquiri wasn’t just about taste. It was about the story.
Originating in Cuba, the daiquiri is the quintessential tropical cocktail, making it a fitting choice for a president who often vacationed in the sun-drenched retreats of Palm Beach and Cape Cod.
Its Cuban origins also subtly reflected the tensions and allure of a region that played a pivotal role during his presidency, particularly during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Beyond its connections to Kennedy, the daiquiri was a favorite of another historical figure, Ernest Hemingway.
While Hemingway’s version leaned on grapefruit and maraschino liqueur, JFK’s taste remained classic: lime, rum, and just the right amount of sugar for balance.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
Instructions:
- Shake the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup vigorously with ice.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass to keep the drink crisp.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Presidential Tip: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for an unmatched burst of brightness. Pair it with crushed ice if you prefer a frozen version to beat the summer heat.
Mint Julep
The Presidential Cocktail of Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy is often tied to his "big stick" diplomacy and his rugged, adventurous persona. However, Roosevelt was also known for his ability to charm and connect with people from all walks of life, a skill that extended to his ability to entertain.
The Mint Julep was more than a drink for Roosevelt; it was a tool for hospitality and diplomacy.
Though the Mint Julep is often associated with the Kentucky Derby, its roots are even older, dating back to the early 1800s as a medicinal tonic.
Roosevelt’s connection to this iconic cocktail lay in its refreshing simplicity and the way it could bring people together.
Served icy cold in a silver cup, it became a symbol of southern hospitality and refinement, a side of Roosevelt that balanced his otherwise rugged demeanor.
The Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 8-10 mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a julep cup or sturdy glass, muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup, releasing the mint’s oils.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice until it’s just about overflowing.
- Pour bourbon over the ice and stir gently until the outside of the glass frosts.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For an authentic Mint Julep experience, gently slap the mint leaves between your palms before muddling. This releases their essential oils without over-crushing, which can add bitterness. Use crushed ice for the perfect frosty texture and layer it in small amounts to chill the bourbon evenly.
Orange Blossom
The Presidential Cocktail of Herbert Hoover
Prohibition-era cocktails weren’t about luxury. They were about ingenuity. The Orange Blossom is a perfect example of this.
Its simplicity made it a popular choice, blending the sweet, bright flavor of orange juice with gin to mask the harsher flavors of low-quality spirits often available at the time.
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, presided over a nation caught in the throes of economic struggle and cultural upheaval. Yet, even in the face of such challenges, the Orange Blossom offered a glimmer of joy and normalcy. It wasn’t fussy or pretentious, just two simple ingredients that came together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
The Recipe:
- 1½ oz gin
- 1½ oz orange juice
Instructions:
- Shake the gin and orange juice with ice until well-mixed and chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass for a smooth and refreshing sip.
Effortless Elegance: To elevate this simple cocktail, use freshly squeezed orange juice, it makes all the difference in creating a vibrant, refreshing drink. For an added layer of sophistication, rim your glass with a light coating of sugar mixed with orange zest before pouring in the cocktail. It’s a small touch that delivers a big flavor boost.
Cocktails, like tools, are more than their parts. They’re vehicles for stories, shared experiences, and cherished traditions.
Each of these presidential drinks offers a glimpse into the personalities and eras of America’s leaders. They remind us that even in the weightiest of roles, there’s room for moments of connection and celebration.
So, as we watch history unfold with this year’s inauguration, raise a glass not just to the incoming administration, but to the enduring art of craftsmanship, tradition, and the stories that connect us all.
Here’s to the presidents who shaped our nation, to the resilience and ingenuity of its people, and to the history we carry forward with every toast and story behind every glass.
But most of all, cheers to history to you, creating moments that matter with every sip.