At yesterday’s state banquet, US President Donald Trump opted not to try a cocktail that had been made in his honour, with a devastating family tragedy having put the politician off booze for life
Last night’s state banquet was a sumptuous affair, with honoured guests served the finest of foods in the most elegant of settings. But there was one boozy treat that US President Donald Trump chose not to partake in.
Taking their seats against the magnificent backdrop of Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall, diners feasted upon an array of French delights, all washed down with some very posh tipples.
This included a cocktail created especially to celebrate President Trump’s visit, a concoction christened the Transatlantic Whisky Sour. This bespoke brew is described as a UK/US take on the timeless Whisky Sour, which “blends the smoky depth of Johnnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade”.
Designed in recognition of the “special relationship” between Britain and the US, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour is said to be “crowned with a pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit, evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more.”
As delicious as this may well sound to lovers of fine cocktails, it’s understood that President Trump didn’t have so much as a sip, for a very tragic reason.
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POTUS is understood to be an ardent teetotaler, and there’s a very sad reason for this. In 2016, the now 79-year-old told Fox News: “I’ve never had a drink.”
It was a family tragedy that dissuaded President Trump from drinking, with his beloved older brother Fred Trump Jr. having struggled with alcoholism for much of his life before his death in 1981 at the age of just 42. The President shared: “It was a very tough period of time. If you don’t start, you’re never going to have a problem. If you do start, you might have a problem. And it’s a tough problem to stop.”
In another interview in 2019, this time with The Washington Post, the businessman turned politician opened up about the harrowing impact Fred’s death had on his own life. He recalled: “He was so handsome, and I saw what alcohol did to him even physically … and that had an impact on me, too.”
Although Fred was admitted to a rehabilitation program on a number of occasions, this unfortunately wasn’t enough, and he ended his days “gaunt, ill and hospitalised.”
Admitting that Fred had “actually lived a long time, longer than you would expect”, President Trump also remembered one poignant visit to his brother’s hospital bedside, where he quizzed him about his reasons for turning to alcohol. He said: “I used to ask, ‘Is it the taste, or what is it?’ He didn’t know what to say about it because, frankly, it was just something that he liked.”
Trump also admitted his own fears surrounding alcohol, in that he was concerned that he, too, would become addicted should he take a sip. “Let’s say I started drinking, it’s very possible I wouldn’t be talking to you right now.”
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email [email protected], message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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