White House Happy Hours: What Do Our Presidents Drink?

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Feb 21st 2011 @ 12:00PM

President Barack Obama wine choices Photo: Charles Dharapak / AP Photo

On Presidents Day this year, we fully expect a little bit of imbibing to take place at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Every U.S. president has had his vice -- James Buchanan would reportedly trek to a distillery each Sunday to purchase a gallon-sized jug of whiskey. It's also been reported that JFK did not serve lemonade, water, or even beer, aboard the presidential yacht -- instead, he turned to daiquiris.

And Barack Obama is no exception. On the heels of his "beer summit" in July 2009 where he chugged mugs of beer with two others on the Rose Garden patio, and following White House tradition, he and Michelle ensure that flutes of Domaine Chandon's sparkling wine (Blanc de Noirs, $22) are poured at all state dinners and other White House receptions.

A bit about this wine: Made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, it's a festive, salmon color. Just like the pretty, wallet-friendly dresses that Michelle is famous for -- recently she wore a $35 H&M dress to an appearance on "The Today Show" -- it's an affordable pick that does not compromise on quality.

This wine has actually been poured inside the White House since the Yountville, California, winery -- established by French Champange house Moet & Chandon -- debuted in 1973. They are the largest landowner of vineyards in the esteemed Carneros appellation. There have been a few twists, including Michelle Obama serving emerald-green sparkling Chandon to all White House guests in honor of the Prime Minister of Ireland's visit on St. Patrick's Day 2009. (No word on how she got it to go green...)

Even before that, wine was a crucial part of entertaining inside the President's home. When George Washington hosted the first state dinner in May of 1789, wine was poured. Lyndon Johnson expressed patriotism in a new way when he declared during his presidency that only American wines would be served at official White House functions. And first Lady Julia Tyler -- married to John Tyler IV, the 10th U.S. President -- adored her sparkling-wine punch.

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Filed Under: Celebrities, Drinks
Tags: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Moet Chandon, President Obama, presidents day, PresidentsDay, White House

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-22-2011 @7:34PM Melinda Bates said... Interesting article, but with a few things wrong: George Washington is the only President never to have lived in the White House, so he never hosted a dinner there. John and Abigail Adams were the first occupants. They weren't there very long, and Jefferson, who followed, despised protocol, so he certainly never hosted such an event. Dolley Madison is usually credited with hosting the first "state dinner." She is also known for her "Wednesday Night Socials" that brought together Members of Congress from both parties, as well as social Washington and even tradesmen (shocking at the time.) How did she get them all to come? Dolley's special punch! Secret ingredient? Whiskey, and lots of it. She was the most effective First Lady for more than 100 years.

I speak about the White House in the US and abroad, and it's wonderful to have these back stage stories of our shared history that we all can celebrate!

Melinda Bates
http://www.WhiteHouseBook.com
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