A Toast to Heroes: Famous Military Men and Their Favorite Drinks
Memorial Day, a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. In addition to their bravery on the battlefield, some of our most famous military men also had a favorite drink or an interesting story around their favorite cocktails.
As we head out to our own Memorial Day celebrations, we thought it appropriate to share some of the cocktails our famous fighting men called their own.
George S. Patton, the legendary U.S. Army general, was said to have poured a cocktail of his own creation proudly dubbed, “Armored Diesel.†These days, the recipe is generally agreed to contain Bourbon, shaved ice, sugar, and lemon juice, but contemporaries of his time report that he was just as likely to use whiskey, Scotch, or even wine in his creation – whatever happened to be on hand at the time.
Douglas MacArthur, another famous U.S. Army general, was said to be a fan of sipping Scotch whiskey, but in the first few months after Pearl Harbor, MacArthur’s leadership and heroism brought such an outpouring of support and adoration that the Pierre Hotel in New York named a drink after him. First mentioned by famous newspaperman Walter Winchell, The MacArthur cocktail, created by legendary barman Oscar Haimo, contained white rum, a little dark rum, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and a bit of egg white to “give it a silky texture.â€
Other famous military men with a favorite drink include John F. Kennedy, who enjoyed Daiquiris and martinis, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who liked a good Scotch and soda. While not technically a military man himself, Ernest Hemingway, who famously covered conflicts in World War II and the Spanish Civil War as a journalist, enjoyed Mojitos and Daiquiris while living in Cuba.
These military men and their favorite drinks remind us that even in the midst of war and conflict, there is still room for enjoyment and celebration. As we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we raise a glass to their memory and honor their legacy this Memorial Day.
Events
Immersive Legacy Tour
Step into the story of New Orleans’ most iconic cocktail with an immersive journey through the origins of the Sazerac. This guided experience invites guests to explore the evolution of flavor, culture, and craftsmanship that gave rise to a true classic. As you move through the museum floor, you’ll taste your way through history—beginning with the rich, aromatic notes of coffee liqueur. From there, discover the bright and bittersweet balance of bitters and soda, a nod to the early apothecary roots of cocktail culture. The journey continues with a guided choice: guests will select either Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac, honoring the original French spirit that defined the earliest Sazerac recipes, or Sazerac Rye, showcasing the bold, spicy character that came to shape the modern version of the drink. Your experience culminates in a perfectly crafted sample of the Sazerac cocktail itself, bringing together each element you’ve explored along the way. By the final sip, you won’t just taste the cocktail—you’ll understand the story behind it. This tour is perfect for curious drinkers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience New Orleans cocktail culture in a deeper, more interactive way
“Taylor” your Taste
Experience a guided tasting featuring three distinctive bourbons: E.H. Taylor Small Batch, the new E.H. Taylor Four Grai and Cured Oak. Explore each whiskey's unique character, from classic rich bourbon notes to the layered complexity and bold oak influence that make this lineup a memorable tasting journey.
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, CYPB, Full Proof, and Single Barrel—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon.
Meet the Distiller: Small Group Tour & Tasting
Step behind the scenes with the artisans who bring Sazerac’s legendary spirits to life. “Meet the Distiller” is an exclusive, hour-long experience that begins with a private VIP tour through the Sazerac House distillery and historic Apothecary. Guests will enjoy insider access, behind-the-barrel stories, and a rare glimpse into the craft and science of our production process. Following the tour, you’ll join our distiller in their private tasting room for a curated guided tasting of four Sazerac expressions — hand-selected and presented by the distiller. This intimate setting allows guests to explore the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define our spirits.
