Presenting the potations of presidents past

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd President of the USA

The Man: One of our great leaders, Roosevelt put Americans back to work and proved a steady hand during the trials of WWII. And even if he had never allowed a single droplet of liquor to pass his lips, FDR would still be worthy of huzzahs as the president who put an end to the thirteen-year smooch with stupidity called Prohibition. But, he did allow liquor to pass his lips—several million droplets at least. And it’s obvious what he preferred to drink. That cigarette filter says it all. FDR grooved on Martinis.

The Vice: The history of the Martini is complicated and fraught with half-truths and utter B.S. We can say one thing with certainty, however. The original, classic martini was made with gin, not vodka, coupled with vermouth and an olive. Only much later in life did the gin get booted and the vermouth become optional. Also, they should be stirred, not shaken, and served cold as glacier ice.

Thanks in large part to the advent of flavored vodkas, the Martini is still in the throes of a resurgence, which means pretty decent ones can be had all over town. The Robusto Room down by Park Meadows assembles a terrific Martini, likewise, though you wouldn’t think so, Fadó in LoDo by Coors Field. One of the best, however, is available right in the heart of town, at the Mozart Lounge, on Krameria between 14th & Colfax. They make ‘em with gin, they make ‘em cold, and they keep ‘em coming.