Presidents in NYC: Historic Nights, Secret Drinks, and Legendary Toasts
New York City has always been a place where history is made—not just in boardrooms and political halls, but in private hotel suites, legendary bars, and hidden speakeasies. Over the years, U.S. presidents have left their mark on the city, indulging in late-night celebrations, secret meetings, and a few well-crafted cocktails along the way.
From Kennedy’s clandestine stays at The Carlyle to George Washington’s inaugural toast, here’s a look at how America’s leaders have wined, dined, and toasted their victories in the city that never sleeps.
JFK’s Hidden Nights at The Carlyle Hotel
John F. Kennedy may have been the most glamorous president to ever step foot in New York, and his ties to The Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side only added to his mystique.
Known as the “New York White House” during his administration, The Carlyle was where JFK entertained guests, conducted private meetings, and—according to legend—hosted discreet visits from Marilyn Monroe.
What made it the perfect hideaway? The hotel reportedly had underground tunnels, allowing VIP guests to slip in and out without attracting attention.
What JFK Would Drink Today: A Vesper Martini—a mix of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc—elegant, refined, and effortlessly cool, just like the man himself.
Where to drink like JFK: Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, where the dim lighting, live jazz, and historic murals set the mood for a presidential night out.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Campaign Kickoff at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
Before New York was filled with towering skyscrapers, the Fifth Avenue Hotel was one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. This is where Ulysses S. Grant launched his 1868 presidential campaign, gathering his closest allies for a lavish dinner and drinks to celebrate his bid for the presidency.
Not just a campaign stop, the hotel became a hotspot for political strategy sessions and post-election revelry, cementing its place in presidential history.
What Grant Would Drink Today: A Whiskey Smash, an old-school bourbon cocktail with fresh mint and lemon—perfect for a Civil War general turned president.
Where to drink like Grant: The Flatiron Room, where the whiskey list is as long as Grant’s military record, and the ambiance is as classic as a 19th-century campaign trail.
The 21 Club: A Presidential Speakeasy
The 21 Club was once one of the most famous speakeasies during Prohibition, hiding its liquor stash behind secret doors and false walls. By the time Prohibition ended, it had become a favorite of nearly every U.S. president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.
Ronald Reagan was known to gift bottles of 21 Club’s private label whiskey, while Richard Nixon and Barack Obama both dined and toasted at this legendary establishment.
What Presidents Would Drink Here:
FDR: A Gin Martini, stirred—not shaken, following his preference for a perfectly clear cocktail.
Reagan: A California Cabernet, as he was known for his love of wine from his home state.
Obama: A Craft Beer, as he was the first president to brew his own beer in the White House.
Where to drink like a president: Sadly, the 21 Club closed in 2021, but its legacy as a presidential watering hole remains. For a similar experience, try Keens Steakhouse, another historic spot that has hosted everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to Albert Einstein.
The Waldorf Astoria: Home to Presidential Legends
Few hotels in New York have housed as many U.S. presidents as the Waldorf Astoria.
Herbert Hoover lived there for more than 20 years after leaving office.
General Douglas MacArthur made it his residence upon returning from World War II.
John F. Kennedy’s presidential suite became the site of historic meetings with world leaders.
The Waldorf’s Presidential Suite has hosted almost every president since Hoover, making it the unofficial home away from home for the country’s most powerful men.
What These Presidents Would Drink Today:
Hoover: A Dry Martini, the drink of choice for a man who loved the finer things in life.
JFK: A Daiquiri, made famous by another Kennedy-favorite spot—El Floridita in Havana.
Where to drink like a president: The Peacock Alley Bar at the Waldorf, where world leaders have raised their glasses for decades.
George Washington’s Inaugural Toast in NYC
New York City wasn’t just the first capital of the United States—it was the place where George Washington took his oath as the first president in 1789.
After the swearing-in at Federal Hall on Wall Street, Washington and his closest allies celebrated with a massive inaugural banquet, raising glasses filled with his favorite drink—Madeira wine.
Washington was known for his love of fortified wines, and his personal ledgers recorded hundreds of bottles of Madeira and port being imported to Mount Vernon throughout his lifetime.
What Washington Would Drink Today:
A Madeira Flip—a mix of Madeira wine, egg, nutmeg, and a splash of brandy, giving a colonial twist to a modern cocktail.
Where to drink like Washington: Fraunces Tavern, where the Founding Fathers gathered to drink, debate, and shape the future of the nation.
Raise a Glass to Presidential Drinking Traditions
Presidents, like the rest of us, have their favorite bars, favorite drinks, and unforgettable nights out. Whether it was JFK slipping into The Carlyle, Grant launching his campaign with a whiskey toast, or Washington celebrating his inauguration with Madeira wine, NYC has always been a playground for America’s leaders.
Want to bring a presidential-level cocktail experience to your next event?
At Art of the Cocktail, we offer:
✔ Private mixology classes where guests can learn to make historic presidential cocktails
✔ Curated whiskey and wine tastings, just like the ones favored by America’s elite
✔ Custom cocktail menus inspired by the great drinking traditions of U.S. presidents
From speakeasy-inspired soirées to refined black-tie gatherings, let our expert mixologists craft an unforgettable experience worthy of a head of state.
Because every great leader—and every great event—deserves a drink fit for history.
