It seems everywhere you turn it is all politics….you just need a break and these cocktails may help!

The nation is in the final throes of the election and it has been brutal. You can’t turn around without donation requests, outrage or just news news news. According to a study, it is the most stressful election to date. It could be a good idea to tune out and breathe for a bit.  Here are the best cocktails to forget politics and have some fun.

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Gin Ricky

The Gin Rickey originated in Washington, D.C. in the 1880s. Bartender George A. Williamson created the drink at Shoomaker’s Bar after witnessing Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joseph Kyle Rickey add a lime to his bourbon highball. The drink was named after  the Colonel Rickey, who was known for drinking bourbon with soda and lime. The Gin Rickey became more popular than the original bourbon version, and was especially popular during Prohibition. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• Club soda, to top
• Lime slice for garnish

Create

1. Fill a highball glass with ice and add the gin and lime juice
2. Top with club soda
3. Garnish with lime slice

El Presidente

This classic Cuban cocktail is likely named after President Mario García Menocal, who served from 1913 to 1921. The El Presidente became popular in Havana during the 1920s and 1930s, when many Americans visited Cuba to escape Prohibition. After Prohibition was lifted, Americans brought the cocktail back to the United States. It bring a little tropical sun and fun to any day or moment.

• 1 1/2 ounces white rum
• 3/4 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/4 ounce orange curaçao
• 2 dashes grenadine

Create

1. Add the white rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao and grenadine to a mixing glass with ice
2. tir until well-chilled
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Vesper

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A Shandy Maker

The shandy originated in England in the 1850s as a mixture of beer and ginger ale or ginger beer, and was originally called a shandygaff (what a name!). By the late 19th century, the ginger ale was replaced by lemonade or lemon soda, and the “gaff” was dropped to shorten the word to “shandy”.  By adding a brown liquor, this ups the alcohol and richness of flavor.  Perfect to take you mind off politics.

Ingredients

• 2 to 4 leaves fresh marjoram
• 1 3/4 ounces 100-proof bourbon
• 3/4 ounce grapefruit juice
• 1/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 3 ounces chilled IPA or another beer
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Create

1. In a mixing glass, dry-muddle the marjoram.
2. Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and simple syrup into the mixing glass. Fill with ice and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a pint glass over fresh ice.
4. Top with the beer and stir briefly and gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.