On Election Night, Drink Like the Founding Fathers—but Watch Yourself

A tight presidential race. That’s especially true on election night, during the hours upon hours you’ll spend waiting for results that will either be a huge relief, or a huge downer—if they even come in at all. Cocktails have long been part of America’s political discourse: As far back as the 1800s, cocktail bartenders gave drinks politically charged names, like the Moral Suasion, a response to the era’s temperance advocates, and the Fiscal Agent, a jab at America’s early tax collectors. If you’re craving something like a Manhattan but with a little less kick, just reverse the proportions—so two ounces of sweet vermouth and a single ounce of whiskey. And while you can call it whatever you want, this one doesn’t need a name change: It’s the Americano, a long drink for what promises to be a very long night.