By michael vivar
American elections and alcohol have always gone hand-in-hand. When George Washington ran for the House of Burgesses in 1758, he spent his campaign budget on, "…a barrel of punch, 35 gallons of wine, 43 gallons of strong beer, cider."
Until 1948 when a statute was passed prohibiting vote buying, it was commonplace for candidates to sway voters' minds with bribes of alcohol and food.
Now, presidential election night is one of America's booziest with constituents either celebrating a stunning victory or drowning their sorrows after crushing defeat. Here are four election night cocktails to mix up this week.
2 oz bourbon 1 tbsp apricot preserves 1/2 oz lemon juice 6 fresh mint leaves Club soda
Muddle mint leaves in a cocktail mixer. Add ice, preserves and lemon juice. Shake vigorously. Strain into rocks glass with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with mint.
1 1/2 oz vodka 3/4 oz blueberry infused syrup 4 oz ginger beer 1/4 oz lime juice
Combine vodka, blueberry syrup and lime juice in an ice-filled cocktail mixer. Shake vigorously. Strain into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lime wedges.
2 oz vodka 1 oz lemon juice 1 oz orange juice 1 1/2 oz grenadine 4 fresh blackberries
Muddle blackberries in a punch glass. Add ice. Add vodka, lemon juice and grenadine. Stir gently. Garnish with blackberries.
1 oz rye whiskey 1 oz bourbon 1/2 oz coffee syrup Orange and lemon twists
Combine rye whiskey, bourbon, syrup and bitters in a rocks glass with ice. Stir seven times so as to not over-dilute the alcohol with ice water. Garnish with orange and lemon twists.