If there's one thing a lot of people need to get through America's extended, intense election cycles, it's a drink. That's especially true this year, in what poll averages forecast will be the closest election in U.S. history.
It's almost certainly going to be a long night — it could very well be a long week.
To the rescue: Bartenders, sommeliers and drinks experts, who for years have helped voters celebrate and despair as the results come in.
In Downtown Miami, at the party-friendly ViceVersa bar, co-owner Valentino Longo will be pushing a low-ish-alcohol drink. "We like to say that there is no wrong time for an aperitivo, whether early in the evening or as a nightcap," he says. "Which is beneficial on what will probably be a long night."
Bobby Stuckey, co-founder of Frasca Hospitality Group in Boulder, Colorado, is closing his five restaurants on Nov. 5. "We want teams to be able to take the time to vote."
But having served voters on many prior election nights, he will be monitoring the results with his beverage of choice, an Italian white from Friuli. "My wife, Danette, and I will enjoy a great bottle of Murva Malvasia with some sushi. And, for the record, the bottle is a Magnum, in case it is a late-night watching results," Stuckey said.
One thing the pros who are working confidently predict is that they'll be busy. "We expect to see an uptick in sales at the distillery and at our bar, especially this coming Monday and Tuesday," says Ann Marshall, co-founder of High Wire Distilling in Charleston.
South Carolina only recently passed a law allowing for liquor stores to be open on Election Day, she notes. "We're hearing from our friends at liquor stores that they expect an increase in traffic, too, with an emphasis on higher-end spirits," Marshall said.
At mixers company El Guapo Bitters in New Orleans, there's already been a notable spike in sales, with people stocking up. "We've seen a 56% increase in online sales this October compared to October 2023, as people ready themselves for a long election season," reports founder Christa Cotton.
Well, let's get to it. Here's what some top beverage experts will be drinking on Nov. 5 — whether their team is triumphant or the evening, for them, ends in tragedy.
Valentino Longo; co-owner, ViceVersa, Miami
If it's a win: "I'm really drawn to the Inventine (inventive) category from the cocktail menus created in the 1930s by Italian painter and writer Fortunato Depero and other Futurist artists. This category was designed to inspire new ideas and clear minds. I'll be making a variation on the Inventina with Moscato d'Asti, blood orange liqueur and pineapple-infused Campari."
If it's a loss: "It's still important to remain optimistic and hopeful for the future. There's another Futurist cocktail that I think would be perfect for this scenario. I'll be drinking a riff on the Decisione with Rum, Barolo Chinato and fluffy tangerine juice."
Caroline Styne; co-founder and sommelier Lucques Group, Los Angeles
If it's a win: "Election night is going to be a roller coaster of emotions, so I'll be drinking a wine that will bring a sense of calm and ease. For me, this takes the form of a full-bodied, dark, concentrated wine, like 2022 Holus Bolus, Presqu'ile Vineyard Syrah from the Santa Maria Valley.
"This wine shows beautiful black-fruit notes with a core of intense minerality that gives it lift and length. This wine is also aptly named, as Holus Bolus literally means 'everything all at once,' which is basically how I will be feeling on that night." If it's a loss: "The same, just more of it!"
Mary Allison Wright; co-owner, the Yacht Club Bar, Denver
Win or lose: "The Champagne bottle will be Jacques Selosse Substance, regardless of the outcome. In victory, these bubbles will be consumed cheerfully and in reference to the parallels found between wine and circumstance — those of significance, tension and weight. But in defeat, its seduction will fortify our spirits for the fight to come."
Paola Salinas; food and beverage director at Vera DC, Washington
If it's a win: "My answer is simple: A riff on a classic Mai Tai utilizing Coconut Cartel dark rum and pistachio orgeat. It's a bold, playful twist that's got all the right vibes needed to celebrate!"
If it's a loss: "A bottle of Mezcal Amaras Logia Ceniza, neat. Or possibly straight from the bottle. As the famous saying goes, Para todo mal, mezcal. Para todo bien, también [For everything bad, mezcal. For everything good, also]."
Samantha Casunga; head bartender, Temple Bar, New York
If it's a win: "It's Champagne, all day, every day. I try to have a bottle of bubbles ready to go in my fridge at all times, because you never really know when there will be a call for celebration.
If it's a loss: "Oof. Most likely a whiskey, neat. Something dark, heavy and full of flavor. Served with an extra strong cup of sleepy tea. Goodnight, y'all."
