Presenting the potations of presidents past

Herbert Hoover (1874-1964), 31st President of the USA

The Man: Known as “Bert” to his pals, Hoover was a true humanitarian (the first president to donate his salary to charity), spoke several languages, and was a trained mining engineer. His presidency was hamstrung from the start by the onset of the Great Depression, and by his own inability to connect with the citizenry. While publicly espousing the necessity of Prohibition, Hoover was a frequent tippler. When he got a thirst on he would pay a visit to the Belgian Embassy, where, because it wasn’t technically American soil, drinking was still legal. He favored popular cocktails of the day, including Old-Fashioneds and Manhattans.

The Vice: A Manhattan is a very simple cocktail. Served ice-cold, it’s two parts rye or bourbon, one part vermouth (sweet or dry according to taste), a splash of bitters and a Maraschino cherry. Any capable bartender should be able to whip one up. The folks at 3 Kings make a good one, as do those at The Red Room, J.L.’s Cheers and the Gorilla Room.