Presidential Election 2024: U.S. Presidents Who Enjoyed Their Drinks - A Spirited History of Presidential Beverages
The United States has seen many Presidents come and go, each leaving their mark on history in profound ways. But beyond the political decisions and speeches, a few Presidents made headlines for their refined—and sometimes not-so-refined—taste in adult beverages. From George Washington’s booming whiskey business to Barack Obama’s love for craft beer, these leaders each had a favorite drink that reflected their times and personalities. Join us as we raise a glass to seven U.S. Presidents known for enjoying their drinks, often with history in the making.
1. George Washington (1789–1797) – Whiskey
George Washington, the father of our country, wasn’t just content with leading a revolution and founding a nation. No, Washington was also quite the whiskey entrepreneur. At his Mount Vernon estate, Washington built a thriving whiskey distillery, which by 1799 was one of the largest in America. Producing over 11,000 gallons annually, Washington’s whiskey was a hit. The distillery, still operational today, is a testament to his business acumen. Washington’s love for whiskey wasn’t just about the spirit itself—it was a way to support American agriculture and innovation. Today, you can still taste a bit of history at Mount Vernon.
Link to Mount Vernon Distillery
2. Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809) – Wine
Thomas Jefferson, America’s third President, was a man of refined tastes. After spending years in France as U.S. Minister, Jefferson developed a lifelong passion for wine—particularly French wine. During his presidency, he spent lavish amounts importing the finest vintages. Jefferson didn’t just drink wine; he envisioned an American wine revolution, planting vineyards at his Monticello estate. Unfortunately, his dream of homegrown success didn’t take off in his lifetime, but today, Jefferson Vineyards stand as a tribute to his efforts. His fondness for wine reflected his admiration for European sophistication and his desire to bring those cultural refinements home.
3. Martin Van Buren (1837–1841) – Whiskey
Martin Van Buren, our eighth President, had a youthful reputation that earned him the nickname "Blue Whiskey Van." Known for his fondness of whiskey in his younger days, Van Buren’s drinking habits mellowed as he aged, but the tales of his earlier enthusiasm for the bottle stuck with him. At a time when whiskey was a staple of daily life—especially in the rural areas—Van Buren was just like many Americans who enjoyed the hard stuff. Even as President, his youthful reputation for whiskey followed him, offering a glimpse into the rough-and-tumble nature of the early American political landscape.
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945) – Martini
Franklin D. Roosevelt didn’t just navigate the nation through the Great Depression and World War II—he also guided it through the end of Prohibition. FDR’s love for cocktails, especially martinis, made him a figurehead in the return to legal drinking after 13 dry years. Roosevelt was known for mixing drinks for his guests, though his personal martini recipes were sometimes… experimental, let’s say. FDR’s penchant for cocktails, combined with his pivotal role in repealing the 18th Amendment, made him a true champion of the nation’s right to a drink.
5. John F. Kennedy (1961–1963) – Daiquiris and Bloody Marys
John F. Kennedy was the embodiment of cool in the early 1960s, and so were his drinks of choice. JFK was fond of daiquiris and Bloody Marys, and these cocktails frequently made an appearance at his famous White House parties. Kennedy's White House was known for its social sophistication, where drinks flowed and the world’s elite mingled. His love for these classic cocktails reflected the stylish, glamorous image of his presidency, as well as the cultural shifts of a new, modern era.
6. Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969) – Scotch
Lyndon B. Johnson was a Texan who wasn’t afraid to make bold moves, and that extended to his drinking habits. LBJ was rarely seen without his favorite drink: Scotch, specifically Cutty Sark. He was even rumored to have a special car equipped to serve him Scotch and soda while traveling. The anecdote, whether fact or legend, paints a picture of Johnson as a larger-than-life figure who lived by his own rules. His affinity for Scotch perfectly suited his image—a man who wasn’t afraid to enjoy life on his own terms, no matter the setting.
7. Barack Obama (2009–2017) – Craft Beer
Barack Obama brought a fresh, modern touch to the White House, and that extended to his love for craft beer. In fact, Obama made history as the first President to brew beer at the White House. Using a homebrewing kit, he and his team produced varieties such as the "White House Honey Ale," which was made using honey from the White House’s own beehives. The creation of this beer became a symbol of the booming craft beer movement in America. Obama’s approachable and relatable choice of beer, combined with his DIY brewing spirit, made him a hit with a new generation of beer enthusiasts.
White House Honey Ale Wikipedia Entry
You can go behind the scenes in the white house kitchen and see the brewing of President Obama's homemade beer in this video.
From Washington’s whiskey distillery to Obama’s craft beer experiments, America’s Presidents have had a storied history with alcohol. Their preferred drinks often mirrored the times they lived in—whether it was Jefferson’s refined French wine, FDR’s celebratory martinis after Prohibition, or LBJ’s ever-present Scotch. Through their drinking habits, these Presidents have given us a glimpse into their personal lives, their leadership styles, and the cultural shifts that defined their eras. So, next time you pour yourself a drink, remember: you’re in good company with some of history’s most notable leaders.