Sofitel Unveils ‘First Lady’ Portraits and Libations

Maybe you’ve thought about what it would be like to sit down and have a drink with a First Lady. But have you ever thought about what one might taste like (were she an actual cocktail — or mocktail — herself)?

Don’t miss out on Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square’s menu of First Lady libations, for a limited time.

The luxury hotel recently collaborated with DC-based artist Maggie O’Neill to feature her First Lady Series in the windows of Opaline Bar & Brasserie and greeting guests as they approach the front desk.  So of course the hotel’s master mixologists had to create cocktails to pair with each portrait!

These drinks are actually inspired by history and the preferences of each of the eleven First Ladies, but we’d like to imagine they embody a little bit of each’s essence as well. (And we’ll have a Dolly Madison, please!)

Which would you try first?

Laura Bush:

Tequila Blanco, Melon Liqueur, Lime Juice, Sparking Water

A twist on ranch water, for Laura’s home state of Texas

Betty Ford:

Lime Agave, Strawberries, Mint Leaves, Club Soda

A delicious non-alcoholic drink for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Lady Bird Johnson:

Vodka, Yellow Chartreuse, Honeydew Liqueur, Orange Charbet

For the First Lady who was often spotted in citrus-like colors.

Jackie O Kennedy:

Bacardi 8, Campari, Noilly Prat Rouge, Coffee Oleo

Inspired by Jackie’ O’s favorite cocktail, the Negroni

Mary Todd Lincoln:

Hennessy V.S., Slivovitz, Lemon Elixir, Sparkling Wine

A twist on a French 75 for the French-speaking First Lady

Dolly Madison:

Bourbon, Lemon Elixir, Egg White, Angostura Bitters

Dolly served a similar cocktail at presidential soirees

Michelle Obama:

Wilde Gin, Lavender & Blueberry Essence, Lemon Juice, Lavender Leaves, Club Soda

Pays homage to one of Michelle Obama’s favorite colors – lavender purple

Nancy Reagan:

Strawberry Vodka, Dry Curacao, Blood Orange Puree, Lime Juice

Inspired by Nancy Reagan signature color – red

Edith Roosevelt:

Seedlip Grove 42, Lime Agave, Cucumber Wheels, Mint Leaves, Club Soda

A refreshing mocktail for a First Lady who preferred non-alcoholic cocktails

Eleanor Roosevelt:

Organic Lemon Mango Infused Gin, Blue Curacao, Lime Agave, Sparkling Water

Known to enjoy tea, Eleanor would enjoy this tea-inspired concoction

Helen Taft:

Kyoto Cherry Rose Tea Infused Vodka, Sake, Kumquat Oleo Elixir, Marasca Cherry Essence

In honor of the woman who brought cherry Blossom Trees to DC

Sofitel Washington DC is situated at the corner of Lafayette Square bordering the White House with 237 guest rooms, including 17 suites,  six meeting spaces that can accommodate small-to-mid-sized events, and Opaline, DC’s French bar and brasserie.