Democrats, Republicans Spar on Bar Behavior

While there is no ballot box at the bar, DC's best bartenders can identify political preference by cocktail selection and bar behavior. According to a survey released today, Democrats are seen as better tippers, have better pick-up lines and give better toasts.

Republicans heavily outweigh Democrats when it comes to ordering their drink straight up. Parties are at a stalemate over drinking hours, with Republicans edging out for the first to arrive at happy hour and Democrats being the last to go home.

The survey was issued today by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO) ], a global leader in premium spirits, in collaboration with Clarus Research Group. Approximately 100 bartenders in the Washington, DC area were surveyed on their opinions of patrons' cocktail preferences.

"According to the survey results, bartenders in Denver should know that they'll hear better toasts while the bartenders in Minneapolis won't need as much ice with their patrons ordering drinks straight up," stated Bobby "G" Gleason, master mixologist for Beam Global Spirits & Wine.

The full survey questions and results include:

— Who is a better tipper? Democrats 60%, Republicans 38%

— Who is more likely to order a drink straight up? Democrats 14%, Republicans 82%

— Who is more likely to order a fruity (pink) drink? Democrats 58%, Republicans 34%

— Who has the better pick-up lines? Democrats 74%, Republicans 14%

— Who is better at giving a toast? Democrats 63%, Republicans 36%

— Who is more likely to arrive first to happy hour? Democrats 48%, Republicans 50%

— Who is more likely to be the last to go home? Democrats 53%, Republicans 46%

Whether consumers find themselves at the conventions or watching from home, election-themed cocktails will surely set the stage for both Democrats and Republicans: The Grand Ole Party Bartender: Pat M., Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 2 parts Canadian Club(R) Whisky 1 part DeKuyper(R) Signature Creme de Menthe (clear) 1 part DeKuyper(R) Blustery Peppermint Burst Schnapps Combine ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Fill an old-fashioned glass with shaved ice, strain spirits over ice and serve with straw.

The Running Mate Bartender: James Lee, West End Tavern, Boulder, CO 2 parts Maker's Mark(R) Bourbon 1 part simple syrup 2 wedges of lemon 1 slice of watermelon Muddle lemon and watermelon with simple syrup. Add Maker's Mark and ice. Shake and strain into a large old fashioned glass with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with a slice watermelon & lemon wheel

The Donkey Bartender: Jim Hewes, Round Robin Bar, Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C. 2 parts Knob Creek(R) Bourbon 1 part DeKuyper(R) Triple Sec 1 teaspoon sugar 6 mint sprigs Splash of DeKuyper(R) Pucker(R) Raspberry Schnapps Fresh raspberries and blueberries to garnish Add sugar, bourbon and mint into an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice and muddle the fruit. Garnish with berries and mint. Beam Global reminds legal purchase age consumers to drink responsibly after casting their vote.