With a contentious Election Day upon us and predictions of a protracted contest over the votes running wild, it is time to turn to the shelter of prayer–and the liquor cabinet. Here are three liquid suggestions for how to survive the presidential election.

1. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

The patron saint of the USA is Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. We pray that the Immaculate Conception may help our country have an immaculate (unstained) election. 
Honor Our unspotted Lady with perhaps the finest cocktail ever made:

White Lady

1 egg white

2 tsp. powdered sugar

1 oz. gin

1 oz. vodka

1 oz. Cointreau

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 dash lemon bitters (optional)

1 lemon twist

Beat the egg white and powdered sugar until firm but not stiff (a frother or hand-held mixer speeds up the process). Pour the egg mixture and all other liquid ingredients except lemon bitters into a shaker with ice and shake forty times. Strain into a cocktail glass and add lemon bitters and twist.

2. St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More, the patron saint of statesmen, knew a thing or two about political roller coasters. Honor the Man for All Seasons with one of our original cocktails, a Drink for All Seasons:

A Drink for All Seasons

1½ oz. cognac

½ oz. yellow chartreuse

½ oz. Cointreau

½ oz. lemon juice

3 angostura bitters

Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake forty times. Strain into a cocktail glass.

3. St. Jude

And when all else fails, there is always St. Jude, the patron saint of desperate or hopeless causes. Need we say more? Oh yes, the drink name and recipe.

Desperado

2 oz. Patrón Añejo tequila

¾ oz. sweet vermouth

½ oz. amontillado sherry

¼ oz. Cynar (artichoke liqueur)

1 orange twist for garnish

Pour liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir forty times. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with orange.

Just one request: if you are counting ballots, please enjoy these drinks after you are done.