President's preferences - Currents

Cheers, April, 2003

The current occupant of the White House, we all know is a tea-totaler, but previous Presidents have been well-known for their spirituous preferences. Ulysses S. Grant was a bourbon drinker whose Civil War leadership inspired Abraham Lincoln to inquire, "What brand of whiskey Grant preferred," as he "would like to send some to his other generals." Kennedy sewed Daiquiris aboard the Presidential Yacht Sequoia and Scotch was the regular tipple of Eisenhower Johnson and Nixon (although Nixon was known to enjoy fine wine, so much so that at certain dinners, only he would be poured from the best Bordeaux sewed.) And Washington became one of the nation's largest and most successful distillers. At the peak of his distillery's production in 1799,. his still produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey.

To celebrate President's Day this year, the Distilled Spirits Council got Jim Hewes of the historic Willard Inter-Continental Hotel's Round Robin Bar in DC to offer several cocktail recipes befitting a president.

POTOMAC FEVER


1 1/4 oz. bourbon
1/4 oz. anisette
dash of Angostura bitters
fresh fruit (slice of
 orange/cherries)
teaspoon of honey

Place honey, fresh fruit, and anisette in a rocks glass. Soak with bitters and gently muddle with a spoon. Add ice and bourbon. Stir and serve.

TEXAS LANDSLIDE (LBJ)

1/4 oz. Kahlua
1/4 oz. bourbon
1/4 oz. Irish cream
1/4 oz. white creme de menthe
1/4 oz. Sambuca
Pour each over ice in the order listed to
layer contents.

THE FIRESIDE (FDR)

1 1/4 oz. dry gin
1/4 oz. of sweet and dry vermouth
1/2 oz. each of orange, lemon, lime and
pineapple juice

Combine ingredients over ice. Shake vigorously and serve straight up in chilled cocktail glasses.