Today is Presidents Day! So let’s raise our glass to the great 44 who have led this country and celebrate with the favorite drinks of some of our Commanders in Chief.
George Washington: One of Washington’s favorites was Madeira wine, which he drank regularly while in office and during the Revolutionary War. Try the Haak Blanc Du Bois Madeira and toast to our first president.
Lincoln: Records show that Lincoln was a big fan of Laird’s Apple Brandy. Distilling since 1780, it is still readily available and a great way to pay tribute to the great debater. Laird’s Applejack is a tasty alternative.
Theodore Roosevelt: Teddy was known to be a big fan of the Ward 8. Here is the classic recipe.
Ward 8
2 oz rye whiskey
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz orange juice
1 tsp grenadine
Cherry for garnish
Add ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into glass. Garnish with a cherry.
FDR: FDR was partial to Plymouth Gin, and the original martini was one of his favorite ways to enjoy it.
Plymouth Gin Martini
2 ½ oz Plymouth Gin
¼ oz dry vermouth
2 dash orange bitters
Stir ingredients in an ice-filled glass and strain mixture into a martini glass.
Ronald Reagan: While in office, Reagan greatly transformed the wine cellar in the White House. It was well known that one of his favorite wines was Beaulieu’s George de la Tour Private Reserve Cabernet. While it is certainly fit for a president, Spec’s also carries Beaulieu’s Cabernet Napa.
Barack Obama: Obama was the first president ever to have beer brewed on White House grounds. The White House Honey Ale, made with honey from the White House’s own apiary, was an instant hit. For a similar brew, try Dundee Honey Brown Ale.
