1. Richard Nixon
Nixon may not be the first person you think of when it comes to a presidential party animal, but he had his share of drinking moments. His love for whiskey was well-known, and his fondness for vodka was even more so, especially when making toasts during his foreign trips. Nixon wasn’t shy about enjoying a drink or two.
2. Ulysses S. Grant
Known for his robust character, Grant had a strong affinity for alcohol, particularly bourbon. His drinking habits were well-documented during his time as a Union general in the Civil War, and it didn’t slow down when he became president. Many thought his drinking was a sign of stress, especially during tough times in office.
3. Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson’s love for whiskey earned him the nickname “Old Hickory,” but it wasn’t just whiskey—he was known to enjoy a good tipple of bourbon and rye, often indulging during political meetings. He even owned a distillery in Tennessee. His love for spirits was as fiery as his personality!
4. George Washington
George Washington was more than just the first president—he was a big fan of whiskey, too! He actually owned a distillery that was one of the largest in the country at the time. Washington loved his rye whiskey so much that he helped kick off the tradition of strong drinks in the White House.
5. Franklin Pierce
Pierce had a pretty rough presidency, marked by personal tragedy and the strain of leading the country on the brink of civil war. As a result, he turned to alcohol for comfort, and his drinking was often noted in the press. It wasn’t uncommon for him to indulge in whiskey or brandy to get through the tough days.
6. Theodore Roosevelt
While Roosevelt was known for his vibrant energy and toughness, he also knew how to enjoy a good drink. His favorite? A hefty glass of scotch. Roosevelt’s fondness for alcohol didn’t stop him from being an active and influential president, but he certainly enjoyed a few strong ones, particularly at social gatherings.
7. Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR wasn’t just a fan of politics; he was also a fan of a good cocktail. The president, who oversaw the end of Prohibition, helped legalize alcohol again in 1933. He loved his gin and would often enjoy a cocktail during important events and dinners. A man of both taste and diplomacy!
8. Lyndon B. Johnson
LBJ was known for his larger-than-life personality and a penchant for whiskey. A regular at political events, Johnson would sometimes surprise guests by pouring them shots of bourbon or scotch. He even once poured drinks for reporters, earning him a reputation for mixing business with pleasure.
9. Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson had a sophisticated taste when it came to alcohol, often enjoying French wine and champagne. As a connoisseur, he even imported barrels of wine to the White House. When he was in Paris, he became particularly fond of the fine wine culture, and that love carried over into his presidency.
10. John F. Kennedy
JFK was known for his charming demeanor and taste for the finer things in life, including alcohol. He had a fondness for scotch and loved to enjoy a cocktail or two, especially at family gatherings or diplomatic dinners. His go-to drink was often a daiquiri, and he frequently enjoyed a good glass of wine, too.
11. Bill Clinton
Clinton’s relationship with alcohol became a point of discussion during his presidency. Though he famously claimed to have never inhaled while smoking marijuana, his love for beer was well-known. During his younger years, he was often seen with a cold beer in hand, and as president, he was frequently spotted enjoying a casual drink at public events.
12. George W. Bush
George W. Bush made headlines when he openly spoke about his past struggles with alcohol. He revealed that he drank heavily in his younger years but chose to quit at the age of 40. While his drinking days were behind him, his youthful indulgences earned him a place on this list. His comeback story continues to inspire many.
13. Barack Obama
Barack Obama was quite the connoisseur of beer, having brewed his own at the White House. He had a personal love for microbrews and would often enjoy a cold one after a long day of work. Obama’s public appreciation for beer was a part of his down-to-earth image, making him one of the more relatable presidents when it comes to alcohol.
