By forming the Cocktail Party, Maker’s Mark is working feverishly to bring Democrats and Republicans together. Because if there is one thing Americans can agree on, it’s the necessity of a strong drink in times like these.
In the political realm, James Carville and Mary Matalin best represent Maker’s Mark dream political scene. He is a prominent strategist for the Democratic Party, and she’s a longtime Republican consultant. How their marriage has lasted two decades is a bit of a mystery, but the Makers Mark ad campaign sheds some light: they both enjoy drinking good bourbon.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQQ5xayMWiQ?version=3]
Or at least they are both are campaigning for one common party: the Cocktail Party. Maker’s Mark jumped on the coattails of the biggest news story of the year with the 2012 presidential election (although Hurricane Sandy may trump this) with their current ad campaign. The Cocktail Party is a faux political organization with a catchy tagline saying, “It’s time to mix things up!”
And no political party is complete, especially the Cocktail Party, without a few clever concoctions like The Incumbent and The Baby Kisser, found on the Maker’s Mark website.
If you are throwing an election day party, here are a few more cocktail recipes compliments of Maker’s Mark.
The Swing State
2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
Club soda
Maraschino cherry and orange slice
In a shaker full of ice, add Maker’s Mark,® fresh lemon juice and sugar. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda and garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Notes: This Maker’s Mark® version of the Tom Collins substitutes the original premium handmade bourbon for traditional gin.
The Hanging Chad
1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons simple syrup muddled with mint
Squeeze juice of two lime wedges
Splash of triple sec
Mix all together and top off with a splash of soda. Serve on the rocks in a tall glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes: This is a twist on the Mojito
“A Bi-Party-san”
The culmination of all this campaigning for the Cocktail Party is November 3rd, 2012 at the Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto, KY. And since I love politics and cocktails, I am headed there to celebrate their playful attempt to build a bridge, lighten the mood and bring Americans together again.
As one of the several videos produced for the Maker’s Mark campaign says, “Instead of another candidate who will drag us apart, we need something that will bring us together.”
Stay tuned for an event recap of the Cocktail Party party in Kentucky. Should be a good time!
Even if you can’t make the Maker’s Mark party in Kentucky, you can still make the Maker’s Mark Cocktail Party via facebook your official party of choice.
For a virtual tour of Maker’s Mark Kentucky distillery, visit makersmark.com/#distillery