Presidential Martinis at the Algonquin Hotel

With election season in full swing, we’ve found ourselves caught up in a fundamental question of democratic choice: what to drink. Luckily, a classy New York haunt is currently pouring cocktails that will suit anyone’s partisan persuasion. The Algonquin Hotel has added an Obama and a McCain Martini to their list. These will be served straight up until Election Day.

We’ve always been a firm believer in one of the bedrocks of the American system: lock two parties in a room with a bottle and they can reach an agreement on almost anything. We suggest you stop by before Nov. 4th to hash out your political differences. Home of the infamous Algonquin Round Table, the hotel has seen its fair share of political discussions. You’re taking part in a grand tradition. Go ahead, knock back a few potent spirits as you spiritedly debate the issues of the day. Dorthy Parker would be proud (if she wasn’t busy drinking you under the table).

The Obama-tini is a mix of Absolute citron, peach schnapps, blue Curacao and lemon juice while the McCain-tini includes Tanqueray, PAMA liqueur, Graham Six Grapes, lemon juice and grenadine. The cocktails are priced at $18 each. Always the undecided voter, Barfly gave both an equal shake (i.e. drank three of each). The blue Obama-tini was sweet and sprightly – it left a subtle blue stain to the lips (perhaps that is what hope looks like). The red McCain was tarter: the grape and pomegranate combined into a cocktail more palatable to the seasoned drinker.

What did both beverages have in common? Well, it was nice to have a real choice to make. The novelty was inspiring - but we found a desire to move onto something less gimmicky after our second sip. The cocktails are just like the current presidential race – engaging – but in a way that makes us glad they are only available once every four years.

We slyly asked the bartender for a glimpse of the exits. Which cocktail is ahead before the polls have had a chance to close? He laughed heartily: “At this point, there is a clear frontrunner – the blue one’s ahead by about 11 points." He put down his martini shaker, serious for a moment. “But – keep in mind – there’s a lot of time left, and this is America. Anything can happen before election day.”

Presidential Martinis (adapted from the Blue Bar at the Algonquin Hotel):

The Obama-Tini

3 oz. Absolute Citron

.5 oz Peach Schnapps

.5 oz Blue Curacao

Healthy squeeze of fresh lemon juice

The McCain-Tini

2.5 oz Tanquery Gin

1.5 oz Pomegranate juice

.5 oz Port (if available)

Dash Lemon Juice

Dash Grenadine

Directions for both: Combine all ingredients in a martini shaker. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Sip and say “Yep – now that’s Democracy.”

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