Election Day Cocktails

(Source)

November 6, as we all know, is election day, and since it can be stressful, I’ve broken it down into a few simple steps

1) Get out and vote. 2) Rejoice in the fact that TV shows will no longer be flanked by commercials that spew “he said, she said”, one after the other. 3) Take down the tacky yard signs (No judgment, I’ve certainly had my fair share of political gear over the years, but those yard signs do ruin a pretty landscape. Not to mention, what’s it like getting the paper in the morning when your signs are different than your neighbors’?)

Then get ready to watch the poll results live with some friends (extra points if you mix political persuasions) and drinks. Your candidates win? You celebrate. Your candidates lose? You drown your sorrows. Either way, you’re all set. Be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand too (maybe some inspired by this humorous article featuring  past Presidents’ favorite foods).

My number one choice to start and end the night is (obviously) something bubbly. Whether you go for a bottle of Champagne or you stay domestic with Mumm Napa, Gloria Ferrer, Schramsberg, or even something more local (Westport Rivers, for us), bubbles always win, and they are always in style. But in case you feel like mixing up something a little more potent, I’ve rounded up a few ideas for you below.

Bars around the country are gearing up for the night; here are some of the cocktails that will be poured as the night unfolds. We can’t all agree on politics, but I think we can all appreciate a good party.

Obama’s Home Sweet Home (Topaz Bar, Washington, D.C.)

Bulleit Bourbon

lime juice

club soda

a hint of pineapple

(If you prefer to serve something non-alcoholic, Topaz is whipping up a Romney Root Beer float.)

Across the Aisle (Renaissance Mayflower Hotels, Washington, D.C.)

2 oz. Bulleit Bourbon

¼ oz. HUM Spirit

1 Sugar cube soaked with Angostura Bitters

1 Lemon peel

1 Splash club soda

Champagne for float

Orange slice, for garnish

Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, for garnish

‘The Bi-Partisan Martini’ (‘equal parts of everything’) (Poste Modern Brasserie, Washington, D.C.)

1 ½ oz. Plymouth Gin

1 ½ oz. Dolin Blanc Vermouth

1 Dash orange bitters

1 Dash lemon bitters

If you decide to go with a Tea Party theme, check out my Liberty Libations post for inspiration.