No matter if they were Democrats or Republicans, a two-termer or impeached, a Founding Father or the first Internet President, the majority of United States Presidents have one thing in common--they like to drink.
In honor of President's Day, we read through Mark Will-Weber's Mint Julep's with Teddy Roosevelt, a book that highlights historical moments from the first days at the White House to the days of Prohibition to the present--all while exploring the role that alcohol played in them as well.
And, since we already know that Obama loves Guinness and that George Washington had his own distillery at Mount Vernon (seriously, you can visit it), we decided to pay tribute to some of the lesser known Presidents--the ones you never spent that much time on in history class.
MILLARD FILLMORE: According to Mark Will-Weber, Millard Fillmore "rarely drank wine or served it to others. However, this lightweight once admitted to sampling enough old Madeira that he was 'slightly fuddled.'"
"Millet Fillmore"
KOVAL Millet
3/4 oz Madeira
Orange Bitters
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FRANKLIN PIECRE: Pierce was one of our least socially responsible (re: drunk) presidents. After failing to get support for his reelection bid he (allegedly) said "What can an ex-president of the United States do except get drunk?" He died of cirrhosis some time later.
"Busted Knee"
1 1/2 oz 100% Agave Reposado Tequila
3/4 oz KOVAL Chrysanthemum and Honey
1/2 oz Lime juice
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ZACHARY TAYLOR: When told of his nomination for Presidency, Taylor (also allegedly) replied: "Stop your nonsense and drink your whiskey." So this just seemed fitting.
"Whigged Out"
1 Glass
2 oz of KOVAL Oat Whiskey
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RUTHERFORD B. HAYES: His wife "Lemonade Lucy" was a no-booze kind of woman and so that policy extended to the entirety of the White House. We hope we could compromise with this "shim," or low-alcohol, cocktail.
"Rather B Hazed"
1 oz KOVAL Ginger Liqueur
3 oz Rosemary Lemonade
2 oz seltzer
Served over ice in a highball
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WILLIAM McKINLEY: This president already came with his own cocktail. Used during his campaign, the "McKinley's Delight" was so potent we can't understand how anyone could have gotten to their polling place.
"McKinley's Delight"
3 oz Rye Whiskey
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
2 Dashes Cherry Brandy
1 Dash Absinthe
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ANDREW JOHNSON: Johnson (again, allegedly) showed up farschnikert to his inauguration, having tried to treat a malady with whiskey.
"Cold Remedy"
2 oz Millet
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 tbsp Honey
1 dash cayenne
Hot Black Tea
