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I wasn't a food writer when the last presidential election came around, so I'm not sure if it's normal or not to receive multiple e-mails about Election Day cocktails. Part of me wonders if more folks are preparing to drown their sorrows in booze this time around than in years past.

Whatever the reason, I've got several interesting recipes to share for anyone who's having a little Election Night get-together and wants to have fun with the cocktail menu. You'll find something here for the Obama fan, the McCain backer and the undecided.

The recipes came from liquor reps, so they specify that you use Hpnotiq brand vodka or 10 Cane rum and I've left them that way. Hpnotiq is a blue-colored vodka infused with fruit juices, so if you go with a regular vodka you won't get the color you need without adding some blue curacao or something. 10 Cane is a light caramel-colored rum, so I suppose if you can only afford Bowman's, nobody is looking but you.

Hpnotiq Stars & Stripes

2 oz. Hpnotiq

1 oz. Gin

1 oz. Vodka                                                                

1 oz. pineapple juice

Splash of Lime Juice

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, pour into a Collins glass.

Garnish with a strawberry & jicama cut into stars and stripes.

Hpnotiq’s Patriotic Margarita

1 oz. Hpnotiq

1 oz. super premium dark rum

1 oz. coconut milk

1 oz. fresh lime juice

1 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. sweetened strawberry puree

1/2 cup crushed ice

Combine rum, coconut milk, lime juice, pineapple juice, and ice in blender. Pour Hpnotiq into a margarita glass. Layer 2/3 of the blended mix over Hpnotiq. Blend remaining mix with strawberry puree, layer on top. Garnish with coconut or use salt-rimmed glass as a variation.

Source for recipes and photo:  Fox Greenberg Public Relations

Obama-Rama
*A nod to Obama's home state of Hawaii

1 ½ oz. 10 Cane Rum
1 oz. Grand Marnier
¼ oz. Orgeat Syrup
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
¼ oz. Simple Syrup
Garnish:  Mint Sprig & Lemon Wheel

Directions:  Combine all ingredients into mixing glass.  Add ice and shake vigorously.  Pour all contents into a rocks glass.  Garnish with mint sprig and lemon wheel.

Obama Poma
2 oz. 10 Cane Rum
1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Dash Simple Syrup
Garnish:  Pomegranate Seeds or Lemon Twist

Directions:  In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients.  Add ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into martini glass.  Garnish with pomegranate seeds or lemon twist.

10 Cane on the Baracks
10 Cane Rum
Cubed Ice

Directions:  Pick out a rocks glass.  Add cubed ice.  Pour 10 Cane.  Sip.

McCane Mojito
2 oz. 10 Cane Rum
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1 oz. Simple Syrup
8-10 Mint Leaves
Splash of Club Soda
Garnish:  Mint Sprig

Directions:  Place mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a tall glass.  Press gently with a muddler. Fill with cracked ice.  Add 10 Cane and lime juice.  Stir gently and top off with soda.  Garnish with a mint sprig.

John 10 Cane Punch
2 oz. 10 Cane
1/4 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 oz. Grenadine Syrup

Directions:  Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass.  Add ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or on the rocks with a lime or a flag!

Red, White, & Blue Mojito
2 oz.  10 Cane Rum
9-10 Mint Leaves
Juice of 1/2 Lime
Splash Simple Syrup
Club Soda
5 Blueberries
2 Strawberries, Quartered

Directions:  In a mixing glass, combine 10 Cane, mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup.  Add ice and shake vigorously.  Pour into a highball glass, add fruit, and top with soda.

Source: HL Group