The Donkey and the Elephant: A Political Drink Recipe

In 1870, staunch Republican Thomas Nast lashed out at certain Democrat-owned newspapers portraying them as a crazed jackass. Later, he drew his own party as a frightened elephant on the edge of a precipice. Both parties came to embrace Nast’s animal familiars. For the Marketplace Election Road Show, I share the history of the cartoon icons and offer up this inspired drink recipe. Cheers.

The Jackass Neck As drawn up by Alex Bookless, bar manager of The Passenger in Washington DC:
– 3/4 oz. Gran Classico apertif
– 1 1/2 oz. Old Weller 107 bourbon (or any high proof – for a donkey kick)
– equal parts ginger ale and soda water
– orange peel

Peel the orange in a long spiral (this is the “neck” – a variant of the lemon peel from the classic “Horse’s Neck” drink). Line the inside of a Tom Collins glass with the peel, and add ice. Pour in the remaining ingredients. Share with friends across the aisle – er, bar – and place liquoring over bickering.