As Republican candidates in this year’s presidential race fight for delegates, Topaz Bar in Dupont Circle has created several cocktails paying homage to the primary — among them a Home Sweet Home cocktail honoring President Obama. It’s a variation on the D.C. Rickey made with Bulleit Bourbon, lime juice, club soda and pineapple juice. Other politically themed cocktails include the Rick’s Tea Party, a mix for Rick Santorum made with Green Tea Infused Absolut Vodka, Benedictine Liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup; Newt Gingrich’s Gin-grich and Tonic, mixed with Bluecoat American Dry Gin and Fentimans Tonic Water, and topped off with a Leopold Bros. Peach Liqueur float; and the Mitt Romney Float, a non-alcoholic treat made with Dominion Root Beer, whipped heavy cream and a house-made “Salted Lake” caramel drizzle. Sadly, not as much creativity went into thinking up a cocktail for Ron Paul, but Topaz is offering cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, or “Ron’s PBR” as a nod to the Texas representative. All of these drinks will be available until the GOP candidate is announced at this year’s convention, and then Topaz will be tracking drink orders for Obama and the final Republican candidate on election night in November, with one drink equaling one vote — at which time D.C. can figure out what it’s really thirsty for.
