A toast to democracy!

Whether your preferred presidential candidate won or lost, last night proved that Americans still cherish their right to vote—as of this morning, news reports have ranked this election’s voter turnout as the largest our nation has ever seen, possibly topping 135 million. Of course, now that the returns are in and the confetti has been swept up, the real work begins for Barack Obama, as he readies himself to take the helm. Still, we hope he takes a moment to savor his victory, and how better to do so than with the appropriately named classic, El Presidente? As for John McCain, we imagine he’ll want some time to decompress, and we think the soothing Desert Healer (found in The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich) might help with that process.

El Presidente
1 ½ oz. white rum
¾ oz. dry vermouth
¾ oz. orange curaçao
1 dash grenadine
Ice
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: cocktail

Shake ingredients and strain into glass.

Desert Healer
1 ½ oz. gin
½ oz. cherry brandy
3 oz. fresh orange juice
3-5 oz. chilled ginger beer
Ice cubes
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: highball
Garnish: orange slice

Shake gin, cherry brandy and orange juice vigorously with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish.