When you think of powerful politicians, you probably don’t picture them kicking back with alcoholic beverages. That’s why so many people were shocked when photos surfaced of Hillary Clinton enjoying drinks in public. The former Secretary of State and presidential candidate isn’t just about pantsuits and politics – she’s also known to enjoy a good drink now and then. And her choices might surprise you. From whiskey shots on the campaign trail to Chardonnay after a tough loss, Clinton’s drinking habits reveal a more relatable side to the political powerhouse.
That time Hillary downed Crown Royal in Indiana
Back in 2008, when Hillary Clinton was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination, she made an unexpected move that got everyone talking. During a stop at Bronko’s Restaurant and Lounge in Crown Point, Indiana, Clinton shocked onlookers when she threw back a shot of Crown Royal whiskey. This wasn’t something people expected from a former First Lady and Senator. The moment instantly went viral, with photos spreading across the internet faster than election results on voting day. People couldn’t believe what they were seeing – Hillary Clinton drinking whiskey straight, no chaser.
The Crown Royal moment became one of the most memorable incidents of her 2008 campaign. According to reports, when the bartender asked if she wanted a shot with her beer, she didn’t hesitate to order the famed Canadian whiskey. Though she didn’t win the nomination that year, she definitely won respect from drinkers nationwide. This public display of enjoying a strong spirit helped change perceptions about Clinton, showing a more relaxed, approachable side that many hadn’t seen before. It also contributed to a growing trend of women embracing whiskey, with Clinton joining celebrities like Lady Gaga and Christina Hendricks as high-profile female whiskey enthusiasts.
Beer bottles and Colombian nightclubs
In 2012, photos of Hillary Clinton created quite a stir online. The images showed the then-Secretary of State in a Colombian nightclub, drinking beer straight from the bottle like any regular person might do on a night out. These pictures quickly went viral and sparked conversations about how we expect public figures to behave. Many people were surprised to see such a high-ranking government official letting loose. The photos showed Clinton with her head tilted back, taking a swig directly from a beer bottle – a far cry from the formal diplomatic settings we usually see her in.
The Colombian nightclub incident revealed Clinton’s apparent comfort with beer as a drink of choice. According to sources, this wasn’t just a one-time thing. Clinton has been photographed drinking beer on multiple occasions throughout her career. During her time in Iowa, she was even gifted a special beer called “Dorothy’s,” named after her mother. Another brewery created “Chill Clinton,” an amber ale with hemp seeds that was inspired by her husband Bill. Clinton reportedly received a four-pack of this unique brew during a brewery visit, further suggesting that beer holds a special place among her beverage preferences.
Chardonnay: Clinton’s comfort drink after defeat
When Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election, many wondered how she would cope with such a public and unexpected defeat. In a surprising moment of candor during her commencement speech at Wellesley College, Clinton revealed her coping mechanism to graduates. She told the young women in attendance that while long walks in the woods and organizing closets helped, there was something else that provided comfort during those difficult days. “I won’t lie. Chardonnay helped a little too,” she admitted with a smile. The crowd laughed and applauded, appreciating this rare glimpse into her personal life.
Chardonnay seems to hold a special place in Clinton’s heart. According to multiple sources, it’s her favorite wine variety. Wine experts point out that Chardonnay is a versatile choice, available in styles ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and buttery. Clinton’s preference for this classic white wine aligns with her practical personality – it’s reliable, adaptable, and works well in various situations. Her admission about turning to Chardonnay after her election loss resonated with many Americans who understood the need for a glass of something comforting during tough times. It was a surprisingly relatable moment from someone often criticized for seeming too polished or calculated.
The whiskey industry owes Clinton a toast
Hillary Clinton’s public enjoyment of whiskey had far-reaching effects beyond just her personal image. Industry experts suggest her influence actually helped boost the whiskey market, particularly among women consumers. Fred Minnick, author of “Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch and Irish Whiskey,” points out that while women have been enjoying whiskey for centuries, high-profile women like Clinton helped make it more mainstream in recent years. The statistics back this up – the percentage of female whiskey drinkers rose from 30% to 37% in just a couple of years.
Clinton’s famous Crown Royal shot in Indiana during her 2008 campaign did more than just create headlines – it helped change perceptions about whiskey as a strictly masculine drink. She joined other famous women like Duchess Kate, Lady Gaga, and Mila Kunis who have publicly embraced whiskey. This trend has led to more women opening, owning, and managing popular whiskey bars across the country. Some prominent women have even become master blenders for major whiskey brands like Bowmore’s and Dewar’s. Clinton probably never intended to become a whiskey influencer, but her willingness to enjoy the spirit publicly helped challenge stereotypes about who should drink what.
The Rodham Rye: a whiskey inspired by Hillary
In 2017, a Washington D.C. distillery called Republic Restoratives decided to pay tribute to Hillary Clinton in the most spirited way possible – by creating a whiskey inspired by her. They named it “Rodham Rye,” after Clinton’s maiden name. The female founders of the distillery explained their choice of rye whiskey was symbolic. “Rye is the sturdiest of all the grains, the grain that will grow in the most harsh conditions and still thrive,” founder Pia Carusone explained. The parallel to Clinton’s resilience throughout her career was unmistakable. The whiskey itself was created from a blend that the makers described as “stronger together than apart” – a clear nod to Clinton’s 2016 campaign slogan.
Rodham Rye wasn’t just a novelty product – it was a serious whiskey with a thoughtful flavor profile described as both spicy and sweet with vanilla and cinnamon notes. The distillery released 4,652 bottles priced at about $79 each, which quickly became collector’s items for Clinton supporters. Five percent of the proceeds went to Emily’s List, an organization supporting pro-choice Democratic women running for office. While there’s no record of whether Clinton herself ever tried this tribute spirit, the product’s popularity showed how her drinking preferences had become part of her public persona. The fact that a distillery would create a specialty whiskey in her honor demonstrates how strongly Clinton had become associated with the spirit in popular culture.
White wine and tougher stuff
Aside from her publicly documented beer and whiskey moments, Clinton apparently enjoys other alcoholic beverages behind closed doors. According to some reports, she regularly “fortifies herself with glasses of wine, as well as sterner stuff” at various events and functions. Her longtime confidante Patti Solis Doyle has confirmed that Clinton enjoys “hanging out and drinking and gossiping” in private settings. This glimpse into Clinton’s social habits presents a contrast to her often serious public persona. The image of the former Secretary of State relaxing with friends over drinks is strikingly normal compared to the high-stakes world of international diplomacy she navigated for years.
Wine seems to be a consistent favorite for Clinton. In 2013, one of her supporters even rebottled a wine called “Victory White” to encourage her to run in the 2016 election. There are also reports that vodka might be among her preferred spirits, though she’s been less public about this choice than her whiskey consumption. Clinton’s drinking reportedly became more visible during her 2008 presidential campaign, particularly as her bid for the Democratic nomination faced increasing challenges. Some observers noted that as the campaign became more difficult, Clinton seemed more willing to drink publicly – perhaps as a way of connecting with voters on a more personal level.
Who would have thought a politician’s drink choices could cause such a stir? Hillary Clinton’s unexpected beverage preferences have done more than just quench her thirst – they’ve changed perceptions, influenced industries, and shown us a more personal side of one of America’s most prominent political figures. Whether raising a glass of Chardonnay after defeat or downing Crown Royal on the campaign trail, Clinton’s drinking moments reveal that even the most powerful people seek comfort and connection in the same simple pleasures as the rest of us.
