
Tomorrow one of the most historically significant Presidential Inaugurations will be upon us. Whether you're whooping it up or crying tears of sorrow into your glass, we've got ideas for what to drink at your party (or pity party).
If you're celebrating:
The obvious drink of choice is sparkling wine--American, of course. According to Iron Horse Vineyards, their sparkling wines have been served at the White House for five consecutive Presidential administrations, and Iron Horse hopes Obama will do likewise. Their Wedding Cuvee ($38) is a popular choice and widely available, or try the Russian Cuvee ($33), which is slightly richer and sweeter than the regular Brut.
Roederer Estate sparkling wines have also been featured in White House dinners over the years. The Brut NV ($22) is affordable and widely regarded by critics as one of the top sparkling wines in the U.S.
Korbel has been the official sparkling wine for the past six inaugurations, but apparently Obama won't do sponsorship agreements this year and Korbel has to angle for honors with all the other wineries. At home, try Korbel's Brut Rose ($12) or Extra Dry ($12), which, ironically, is a little sweeter.
With any of these sparkling wines, splash in a bit of pomegranate liqueur or blue carucao (but not at the same time!) for the red, white, and blue look.
Another all-American wine is Zinfandel, a big, bold, fruity wine also ideal for celebrating. Try one from Lodi or Paso Robles for even bigger-than-normal flavor (Seven Deadly Zins ($17) is a good example) or a classic from Sonoma like Seghesio ($36).
What to drink if you're not celebrating--after the jump.
If your guy didn't make it to the Oval Office this time around:
Well, that's still a case for drinking, isn't it? Exercise your free choice by opting for non-American wines that can rub balm on your election wounds. Port is a perfect beverage for melancholy meditation. In fact, I'm sure--though the text doesn't specifically say it--that the speaker in Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" was ruminating over a glass of Port when the crow came a-tapping. A cigar wouldn't hurt, either.
Seriously, what are you planning to drink January 20? Please share in the comments!
P.S. A lot of wine geeks are hoping Barack Obama will be the new Wine President a la Thomas Jefferson. To see what bottles have been served at the Bush White House, go to www.whitehouse.gov and search for "menu."














