The ROOSEVELT COCKTAIL, aka the Haitian Libation

He served 4 consecutive terms as President, ended the Great Depression with his New Deal, repealed Prohibition and, according to his grandson, Curtis, "made the worst martinis". Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a man who truly appreciated the benefits of a cocktail and indulged daily in happy hour, otherwise known as his “favorite hour of the day".

His infamous martinis were generally heavy on the vermouth, a ratio of 2 parts gin to the very large 1 part vermouth with an added splash of olive brine. His martini mixology could, at times, even include a few creative touches like a bit of absinthe or fruit juice and these mixtures deserved the title of "worst martini". All was not completely lost in the Roosevelt White House however because FDR also enjoyed a good Old Fashioned and even created a really decent (if you keep the ratios right) rum drink he called his "Haitian Libation".
If you want to celebrate our 32nd Commander in Chief, skip his doubtful dirty martini and give this cocktail a try.

The ROOSEVELT COCKTAIL* aka The Haitian Libation
INGREDIENTS 1-3/4 oz Dark rum 1/2 oz Dry vermouth 1 Egg white 1/4 oz Fresh orange juice 1/4 tsp Brown Sugar
Garnish: Orange twist
Glass: Cocktail
DIRECTIONS Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and dry shake for a minute to emulsify the egg white and create a lovely foam. Add ice then shake again to chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the orange twist and serve.
* Some mistakenly refer to the Roosevelt Martini as the Roosevelt Cocktail. Don't let them confuse you, this recipe just above is the Roosevelt Cocktail!

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT January 30th, 1882 - April 12th, 1945

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY