Today marks President Trump’s first state of the union address. No matter which side of the political aisle you find yourself on, you could probably use a drink right about now. We asked LA-based artist and mixologist Steph Russ—author of ENERGY: Cocktails to Get You UP— to craft some creative Trumpian cocktails, to commemorate making it this far.
Global Warm-Up
2 ounces rum
1 ounce lemon juice
½ teaspoon activated charcoal
1 chunk dry ice
Sugar, to taste
Pour all ingredients into a goblet over dry ice. Serve as black smoke begins to billow over the cup’s edge. Enjoy with soda, beans, chewing gum, and milk. Warning: Will likely cause excess gas.
FBI Leak
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlúa
1 ounce heavy cream
Fittingly, the FBI Leak is a White Russian, served up in a plastic bag full of holes. Pour all ingredients into the bag, making sure to cover the punctures. When ready—release! Drink whatever you can as fast as you can, before all evidence disappears.
Bannon’s Brew
3 ounces moonshine
2 ounces heavy cream
1 egg white
Dash of bitters
Shake ingredients with ice until frothy, and serve in an Old-Fashioned glass. If the cream causes other ingredients to separate or curdle, that’s to be expected. This all-white cocktail will taste like milky garbage, and we do not recommend actually drinking it.
Alternative Facts
2 ounces light rum
1 ounce dark rum
2 ounces milk
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Dash of bitters
Dash of salt
Garnish with maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and lime
A Trump-inspired cocktail list wouldn’t be complete without a drink designed for deception. Welcome to the alt-piña colada. While the Alternative Facts resembles the classic, refreshing tropical treat, it’s actually quite bitter, salty, and tangy in flavor. Shake all ingredients over ice and serve in a tiki-inspired tumbler, conservatively topped with fruit. Recommended to serve any time you’re forced to discuss a task you’ve made no progress on and need to divert attention.
Cheeto Jesus
3 ounces Tang
1 ounce Sprite
Cheeto dust for rim of glass
Garnish with Cheetos and a lemon peel
Here’s a nonalcoholic cocktail designed for the child in everyone—particularly our elected officials—and is perfect for insolent youngsters and immature adults. Rim a martini glass with lemon juice, then crushed Cheetos. Blend the Tang with ice, like a smoothie, and pour into the glass. Top with Sprite for fizz. Garnish with plenty of Cheetos and the lemon peel. Excess is encouraged.
Barron’s Playplace
1 ½ ounces Stolichnaya Gold vodka
1 ½ ounces Patron Gold tequila
1 ounce Goldschläger
24 carat gold flake
This over-the-top, all-gold cocktail draws its inspiration from the decor at Trump’s opulent penthouse in Manhattan. We can’t promise this drink actually tastes good, but as they say, appearances are everything. Mix all ingredients and serve in a chilled champagne flute or the most ornate glass you have on hand.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.