Cocktail of the Month: A Toast to Our 39th President
By • January 9, 2025 0 45
The world lost a shining star in late December. Former President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was dedicated to human rights, democracy promotion and conflict resolution, died at the impressive age of 100. However, his legacy through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity will continue to inspire and assist others for decades to come.
Let’s make a toast to the man who redefined life after the White House.
Although raising a glass in tribute to Carter, who was known as a teetotaler, may be a bit of an oxymoron, considering he had the White House emptied of spirits during his time in office. His decision to stop serving hard liquor reportedly saved taxpayers $1 million.
When he did drink , he enjoyed wine. At state dinners, he would serve American wines from California and New York.
In fact, the Carter family used to make wine. In a 2005 interview with Wine Spectator, Carter said that his grandfather produced wine on a very large scale and had about 15 acres of grapes. Even with a winery in his family, Carter said he never drank growing up until he joined the Navy.
Carter also made wine himself on a small scale. He would give bottles to family or friends and donate some to the Carter Center for auction.
Throughout his years as a diplomat, Carter considered wine an easy way to find common ground. “It’s always a matter of harmonious conversation between me and a president or king or prime minister or whomever I happen to be dining with to talk about the origin of wines. They’re always intrigued that I, as a former president, actually make my own wine. It makes a good conversation piece,” Carter said in the Wine Spectator interview.
Meanwhile, his brother Billy was the inspiration behind “Billy Beer, ” a brand of beer brewed in America. Written on each can were endorsements such as “Brewed expressly for and with the personal approval of one of America’s all-time Great Beer Drinkers” which were followed by Billy’s signature.
Perhaps one of President Carter’s least-known legacies is sparking the craft brew revolution in the USA. In 1978, Carter signed a bill that ended the ban on home brewing. As states gradually followed suit, home brewing grew in popularity and helped create new generations of beer entrepreneurs.
With a stroke of Carter’s pen on H.R. 1337, an activity that had been illegal since Prohibition led to the creation of microbreweries across the country. Some of today’s big name brands like Boston Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada began as home brew operations.
So the next time you enjoy a locally-brewed double IPA, Saison or porter or visit one of the more than 9,000 craft breweries in the States, give thanks to the 39th president.
Carter was also famous for being a peanut farmer, although he put his family-owned business into a blind trust in 1976 before he took office to avoid potential conflicts of interest and other ethical concerns.
Peanuts were the inspiration for a cocktail invented and named after Carter. Soon after the election of 1976, Vic Capelle of a restaurant in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, concocted a drink named after Jimmy Carter.
The recipe was published in “Miss Lillian and Friends: The Plains, Georgia, Family Philosophy and Recipe Book.” The drink consists of crème de cacao, bourbon and creamy peanut butter served with a peanut garnish.
According to the website Speakeasywhisky.com, the peanut flavor isn’t overpowering. It’s described as, “As you drink, you randomly you get a swirl of smooth peanut butter. Not with every sip—just some. It’s like peanut butter roulette.”
This sweet chocolatey whisky concoction sounds like it would stick to your ribs on a bitterly cold winter day or make an interesting candy-like Valentine’s day tipple.
The Jimmy Carter Cocktail
· 1 ounce white creme de cacao
· 1 ounce brandy
· 1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
· 1 cup crushed ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender and pour into a martini glass. Serve with a peanut garnish.
