John F. Kennedy Loved This Beer Known For Its Iconic Green Bottle

President John F. Kennedy is remembered for many things — for his international diplomacy, commitment to equality for all Americans, vision of improving the nation and the world, and leadership by example, rooted in accountability and integrity. The first family was embraced for what became known as the "Kennedy Mystique" — the allure of glamour, youth, idealism, and mega-watt stardom that enveloped them. Everything the Kennedy family did became fodder for legions of Americans to copy, from Jackie's fashion choices to JFK's go-to food and drink.

While it may not seem all that exotic today, JFK favored Heineken beer. The iconic brew is known for its red star emblem and signature green bottle and has been crafted in Amsterdam for more than 150 years. His beer of choice was notable at the time, as drinking an imported beer was fairly novel. JFK's legacy is enduring in many fundamental ways in the spirit of our country, but even his smallest choices, like his preference for Heineken, live on. In fact, in a survey of over 24 million Americans, the most popular beer among Baby Boomers – who would have been young adults during the Kennedy administration — is Heineken.

Americans in the 1960s were in thrall with the youth and glamour JFK and his family radiated and were entranced by even their most mundane daily habits. There is little known about how JFK came to favor hops-forward Heineken, but it was a distinctive choice versus lighter American brews prevalent at the time, and it was served at White House events and enjoyed by the president on his own time. 

While a bottle of malty Heineken may have been his signature libation, JFK's two favorite cocktails also became topics of interest. He favored a lime-forward Cuban daiquiri, which became popular after WW2 rationing ended and rum was easier to procure. He was also known for serving and enjoying the rich and salty tomato-based bloody mary, which corresponded swimmingly with his family's passion for sailing and salt-kissed time spent on the water. If all this talk about JFK's favorite brew has you jonesing for a bottle or two of Heineken, it still rates on the list of top beers to purchase at your local Costco.

Beyond his beer of choice, it became common knowledge John F. Kennedy started each day with eggs, bacon (baked rather than fried), toast with butter and marmalade, and coffee. He was also known for his simple New England fish chowder lunch of choice and affinity for seafood, baked beans, and corn muffins.