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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Drinking Game + Cocktail

Democracy dies — your sobriety doesn't have to survive either.

The Rules

  • Sip — Jefferson Smith is visibly awestruck by a Washington D.C. landmark or monument
  • Sip — Senator Joseph Paine smiles warmly at Smith while actively betraying him
  • Sip — Clarissa Saunders rolls her eyes at Smith's naive idealism
  • Sip — The corrupt political machine controlled by Jim Taylor is discussed or shown working
  • Sip — Smith references the Boy Rangers or his boyhood hero Senator Paine
  • Drink Twice — Smith is framed with fabricated evidence and the Senate turns against him
  • Drink Twice — Clarissa Saunders coaches Smith from the Senate gallery during the filibuster
  • Drink Twice — Jim Taylor's political machine floods Smith's home state with propaganda
  • Shot — Smith begins his one-man filibuster and refuses to yield the Senate floor
  • Shot — Smith collapses from exhaustion after speaking for over 23 hours straight
  • Chug — Senator Paine breaks down and confesses Smith's innocence before the full Senate

Themed Cocktail

The Filibuster

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 0.5 oz honey syrup
  • 0.75 oz lemon juice
  • 3 oz unsweetened iced tea
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

  1. 1Combine bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  2. 2Shake and strain into a highball glass over ice.
  3. 3Top with unsweetened iced tea and stir once.
  4. 4Add bitters on top.
  5. 5Garnish and serve.

Fun Facts

  • Directed by Frank Capra.(Source)
  • Starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains.(Source)
  • Made $10M worldwide on a $2M budget.(Source)
  • Rated 7.8/10 on TMDB (1,169 votes).(Source)
  • Tagline: "Romance, drama, laughter and heartbreak... created out of the very heart and soil of America!"(Source)

Disclaimer: Drink responsibly. This is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. Always know your limits and drink in moderation.