When a person thinks of the president of the United States, they generally think of a well-educated, classy man. It is hard to think of our past presidents drinking alcohol, especially knowing in detail how they liked their drinks. However, the idea of being president sounds like a headache, and they probably deserve a drink from time to time after a stressful day in office.
Just in time for President’s Day this year, a report has been done looking into our past presidents’ favorite drinks.
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George Washington
George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, 1797.source
President Washington liked to drink and craft his own beer. He preferred a dark porter with hints of molasses for a sugary, caramel-y finish. Washington’s beer eventually inspired GW Porter, which is a signature collection at Yards Brewery in Philadelphia.
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Martin Van Buren
Imperial print of Martin Van Buren Salted paper print from glass negative.source
Van Buren liked to drink a beverage that matched his Dutch roots – Schiedam. This type of liquor is an aggressive one, and clear like gin. He drank this beverage so often that he earned the nickname Blue Whiskey Van.
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Abraham Lincoln
An iconic black and white photograph of a bearded Abraham Lincoln showing his head and shoulders.source
Everyone knows Lincoln as Honest Abe and a man that had a calm, patient temperament. However, his calm attitude did not prevent him from selling the booze. He co-owned Berry and Lincoln, which was general store that proffered liquor. The store actually remains open today as a historical landmark in New Salem, Illinois.
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Teddy Roosevelt
President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front.source
The only drink Roosevelt preferred drinking was a mint julep, especially after a tennis match or some manual labor. The drink is still offered in New York’s Gramercy Tavern, which is only a few blocks from Roosevelt’s birthplace.
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Warren G. Harding
Warren G. Harding, by Harris & Ewing.source
Harding just so happened to work in the White House during prohibition, however, that did not stop him from imbibing. He managed to smuggle alcohol in with his golf bag; his preference was Seagram’s while playing the sport. The drink is offered at the Harding Golf Course in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park.
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Harry S. Truman
Truman was in the office at a difficult time, having to deal with atomic bombs and the war. While appearing brave and strong, he managed to get through the tough decisions he faced with bourbon. He enjoyed stiff old-fashioneds. He had such a taste for the alcohol that if the staff did not make the drinks strong enough, they would face major criticism from him.
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John F. Kennedy
Photo portrait of John F. Kennedy, President of the United States.source
Since Kennedy was known as a New England blue-blood, he would be seen with leaders and socialites around the world during his career as president. Kennedy was often seen cradling a Heineken before imported beer became a major demand.
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Ronald Reagan
Official Portrait of President Ronald Reagan.source
Before becoming the Leader of the Free World, Reagan was a member of the Hollywood elite. Reagan’s favorite drink that many saw him with was Beaulieu’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The liquor has a smoky flavor that would remind anyone of the glamor of the 1950s Tinseltown.
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Bill Clinton
Official White House photo of President Bill Clinton, President of the United States.source
Clinton’s choice in booze is far from what people might imagine. His favorite is Arnold Palmer-like Snakebites. A Snakebite consists of lager and hard cider.
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Barack Obama
U.S. President Barack Obama during a presidential portrait sitting for an official photograph in the Oval Office on 6 December 2012..source
Yes, even the current president enjoys a drink or two from time to time. Obama is more of a beer fan than a booze fan, choosing Chicago’s Goose Island Clybourn. The beer is most famous for being a brewery original among a list of malts and hops, including two pilsners which are also produced on the spot. The brewery does not carry the president’s own creation, which is a White House Honey Ale, but someone might run into him or his buddies next time they are at this brewery in Chicago.