Once a Presidential favorite, the Bronx Martini cocktail is a sweet and sassy drink you can enjoy any time of day... without a drop of political scandal.
It's the final day of a three-day weekend here in the US. In addition to work and meeting up with some friends, my husband, kids and I celebrated a low-key Valentine's Day here at home. We cooked up a big brunch (see a photo of some of our heart-shaped brunch treats on Instagram) and lots of family snuggles. The next few weekends are super crazy, so I was determined to have this be a stress-free, family-focused weekend. I'm grateful we were able to make it happen!
And so we move on from one holiday immediately into another...
Cocktails and Politics
I like to transition from Valentine's Day to President's Day the way any good food, wine, and travel writer would: from bubbles and chocolate cake, to cocktails that tell tales of Presidential scandals with every sip, like this Bronx Martini.
Cocktails and politics have a long history. According to the Smithsonian, the first written use of the word cocktail was in an 1806 editorial criticizing a politician's excessive alcohol spending during his campaign. Since then, US Presidents have not only brought their agendas and policies to the White House, but also their preferred cocktails.
Presidential Cocktails
Here's a look at just a few of the reported favorite cocktails of past US Presidents:
President Harry Truman: the Old Fashioned (try this Rosemary Citrus Old Fashioned)
President John F. Kennedy: Daquiris and Bloody Marys
President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Martinis
President John Adams: Hard Cider (try the Marionberry Cider Crush)
Even President Warren Harding, who served during Prohibition, was known to hide a bottle of whiskey in his golf bag and take a few sips before teeing off. He would undoubtedly approve of my Apple Whiskey Ginger Sour cocktail recipe.
Finally, President Taft: an orange concoction that he liked to have served at breakfast meetings, which became known as the Bronx Martini Cocktail.
The Bronx Martini Cocktail
So of course, for this President's Day, I had to make the Bronx Cocktail. I spent my 20s enjoying cocktail lunch meetings and essentially what Taft did was serve his version of brunch mimosas at his morning meetings. They say if you can dream it, do it, so goon on ya' President Taft!
Here's a big Mixology Monday cheers to the Presidents who have served our country. I raise my glass to anyone who is brave and strong enough to even attempt to win that position, and I don't blame them one iota for enjoying a few cocktails at the end of their crazy days (which, I imagine, never really have a true end or beginning...).
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- 2-3 drops orange or grapefruit bitters
Instructions
- Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange or lemon twist.
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Have you ever tried the Bronx Cocktail or something similar? Which President do you align with in terms of cocktail policy preference?
Nutmeg Nanny says
I'm a total gin girl! Love that this drink includes a few dashes of bitter - they make a cocktail so great!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
The bitters are always a good addition, and I do love grapefruit bitters in this one, but standard aromatic bitters work too! :-)
Danielle Greco says
This sounds delicious. I would love the hint of grapefruit in it! Haha ya Valentine's Day and drinks seem to go hand in hand , we had too many last night ☺️. Great post
Danielle Greco | AccordingtoD.com
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Danielle!
lisa says
That looks DELICIOUS, and you know this Mommy Needs a Vodka break...and a gin break...and a rum break! I'll be trying this out next girls night in! That color is beautiful. Your pictures are lovely and really make the drink look divine. And it seems so easy!
We just posted a new cocktail too - the Red Headed Step Child?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
This would be great for a girls' night in! Thank you so much, Lisa!
Chrissa - Physical KItchness says
Oooooo I SO wish I wasn't pregnant seeing this!!! Now I want and I can't have. So not fair!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ahh I'll have to have one for you, then, Chrissa! Until you can imbibe again ;) Congratulations, by the way!!
Ashley says
I absolutely love how colorful this is! Totally not what I would think of for a presidential cocktail. Looks so delicious!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Right? I keep trying to picture Taft serving this at breakfast meetings and it seems so off, but it's delicious, so I also get it ;) Thanks, Ashley!
Andrea says
OK, not a Gin girl but I am guessing you can sub in Vodka:) I think JFK might be my favorite drinker nothing better than a Bloody Mary on a Saturday morning!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yes, vodka is definitely a more than suitable substitute ;) Thanks, Andrea!
Laurie says
What a pretty drink! I love this color. What a great idea for a post on President's day!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Laurie!
Lara says
It sounds like JFK and I have a similar drink style ;-)
This sounds delicious and I can't wait to try it ou this weekend, and it's so pretty too!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Great minds think (and drink?) alike! ;) Thank you, Lara!
Sayantini says
I am not much into alcohol but this one looks so bright and tasty. Loved that color!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It is a bright and happy colorful cocktail! Thanks for stopping by, Sayantini!
Nicole says
Love the look of the bronx cocktail, once I can enjoy the spring weather in my backyard this will definitely be a drink I have in my hand!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ahh yes, I am longing for sunnier spring days when I can sit outside with one of these too!
Michele Francisco says
I loved learning how the term cocktail came about! And this one looks fun, regardless of the time of day ;)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It's so much fun to learn about the history of drinks! Thanks, Michele! :)
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I've never heard of this, but I'm definitely going to try it out! It sounds fabulous (but for breakfast? That's hardcore)! Great transition from Valentine's Day! Enjoy the day off if you can :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Haha - gin is a bit hardcore for breakfast for me as well, but I suppose it's like a slightly more boozy mimosa, right? ;) Thanks, Patricia!
Melissa says
What a beauty! Happy President's Day.
--Melissa
http://www.melissamchee.com
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thank you, Melissa!
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
I have never made a cocktail before, but I would love to try sometime.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
They're pretty simple and easy to make at home -- and delicious! :) Thanks for stopping by, Cathleen!
Marye says
I am loving the color! This sounds delicious!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Marye! It's definitely bright and happy! :)