A Toast to America’s Presidents And Their Favorite Drinks
Presidents’ Day is a time to honor the leaders who have shaped America—but let’s be honest, even presidents need a drink after a long day in office. From strong martinis to tropical daiquiris, U.S. presidents have had their share of signature cocktails, White House traditions, and even scandalous drinking stories.
This Presidents’ Day, let’s raise a glass to the favorite drinks of America’s commanders-in-chief and explore where to sip them in NYC—the political and financial heartbeat of the country.
Franklin D. Roosevelt – The Dirty Martini
The President Who Loved a Cocktail Hour
FDR famously loved a good drink and made sure the White House was never dry—even during Prohibition. The Dirty Martini was his go-to, and when he ended Prohibition in 1933, he celebrated by mixing a gin martini himself.
He wasn’t exactly a master mixologist—his drinks were often too strong, too warm, or just plain bad—but no one dared complain to the president.
Where to Order It in NYC:
Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – A timeless NYC institution where a crisp, ice-cold gin martini is served with the kind of elegance FDR would have appreciated.
Make It at Home:
2 oz gin
½ oz dry vermouth
½ oz olive brine
Garnish: 3 olives
Shake over ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass—just don’t mix it like FDR unless you like it warm.
John F. Kennedy – The Daiquiri
The President with Island Vibes
JFK was America’s golden boy, and his drink of choice reflected his effortless charm. The Daiquiri—light, citrusy, and refreshing—was his favorite, often enjoyed at The Stork Club in NYC, a hotspot for politicians and celebrities.
JFK’s love for daiquiris also tied back to his admiration for Ernest Hemingway, who famously drank them in Cuba.
Where to Order It in NYC:
Dante (West Village) – This world-renowned cocktail bar makes an exquisite Hemingway Daiquiri, perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and rum.
Make It at Home:
2 oz white rum
¾ oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz simple syrup
Garnish: Lime wheel
Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Bonus points if you sip it while wearing a tailored suit and effortless charisma.
Theodore Roosevelt – The Mint Julep
The Cowboy President’s Southern Indulgence
Teddy Roosevelt was rugged, adventurous, and unapologetically bold—and while he was known for drinking coffee by the gallon, he also enjoyed a Mint Julep.
His juleps weren’t just a casual refreshment—they were often made with high-proof rye whiskey and served in his private library at the White House.
Where to Order It in NYC:
The Dead Rabbit (FiDi) – This Irish whiskey bar serves one of the best Mint Juleps in the city, using crushed ice and hand-slapped mint for the perfect aroma.
Make It at Home:
2 oz bourbon (or rye)
½ oz simple syrup
8 mint leaves
Crushed ice
Muddle mint with syrup, top with bourbon and crushed ice, and serve in a silver julep cup.
Lyndon B. Johnson – The Scotch & Soda
The President Who Drank in His Car
LBJ’s drink of choice was Scotch & Soda—but his drinking habits were a bit more extreme. He had a button in his presidential limo that refilled his glass with scotch, ensuring he always had a drink on hand while traveling.
His go-to Scotch? Cutty Sark, over ice, with just a splash of soda.
Where to Order It in NYC:
Keens Steakhouse (Midtown) – This historic bar has a deep selection of Scotch, served in an old-school setting fit for a former president.
Make It at Home:
2 oz Scotch (Cutty Sark for authenticity)
3 oz club soda
Ice
Pour over ice and stir gently. Optional: Install a secret button in your car for automatic refills.
Barack Obama – The Beer Drinker
The Coolest President’s Casual Drink of Choice
Obama was all about keeping it real, often spotted enjoying a cold beer over cocktails. His favorite? A simple, well-crafted brew—and even better if it was local.
Fun fact: He was also the first U.S. president to brew beer in the White House, creating a honey ale using honey from the White House beehive.
Where to Drink It in NYC:
The Jeffrey (Upper East Side) – Known for rotating craft beers, this spot would get the Obama seal of approval.
Make It at Home:
Crack open a local IPA or brew your own honey ale if you’re feeling ambitious.
Honorable Mentions: Other Presidential Drinks
✔ George Washington – Rye Whiskey (He even opened his own distillery at Mount Vernon!)
✔ Abraham Lincoln – Apple Brandy (He didn’t drink much, but when he did, it was apple-based.)
✔ Richard Nixon – Rum & Coke (Often enjoyed while watching football in the White House.)
✔ Donald Trump – Diet Coke (Famously a non-drinker, but known for downing multiple Diet Cokes a day.)
Toast to Presidents’ Day with a Presidential Cocktail
Whether you're sipping an FDR Martini, a JFK Daiquiri, or a Teddy Roosevelt Mint Julep, these drinks offer a taste of history and personality.
For those looking to host a presidential cocktail night, Art of the Cocktail offers private mixology events featuring:
✔ Custom presidential cocktail menus
✔ Live cocktail history storytelling
✔ Classic White House drink recreations
Because if there’s one thing that unites Americans, it’s the art of a good drink.
