At 101 Cantina, winning party’s voters drink for free

As presidential election votes pour in tonight, Midtown patrons will knock back patriotic shots.

101 Cantina, located at 1632 W. University Ave., will host an “Election Day ‘16 Drinking Game” as a way to celebrate the end of a grueling campaign cycle between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in either red or blue, representing Republicans or Democrats, respectively. As the election results of individual states are announced, members of the winning party will be given complimentary shots of alcohol, said Alex Thomas, the restaurant and bar’s owner, noting this is the first event of its kind at Cantina.

And if a president elect is chosen during the night, those dressed in the color of the winning candidate will be given free drinks for the rest of the night.

“I think it’s going to be fun to see what happens,” he said.

For those not backing either candidate, nonpolitical drink specials will be available, too.

Despite being in the midst of a highly polarizing election, Thomas said he didn’t expect things to get out of hand.

“The people who are more serious stay at home,” he said.

Elsewhere, Burrito Brothers Taco Co. is offering a free Rolling Rock or Yuengling draft if presented with an “I voted” sticker. At The Swamp Restaurant, evidence of a ballot cast is good for free drinks, with either stickers or voter-registration cards accepted. Election coverage will be displayed on the bar’s TVs as bartenders whip up candidate-themed drinks.

“We’re trying to make it a very active and enjoyable atmosphere to watch the election results,” said Ryan Prodesky, the director of operations at The Swamp Restaurant.

Jordan Clements, a 24-year-old criminal justice junior at Santa Fe College, said after this year’s election, he could use some alcohol.

“Drinking will cut the edge off of all of the stress associated with the election,” he said.

Where to watch election results

• The Social at Midtown, 1730 W. University Ave.
• The Hippodrome State Theatre, 25 SE Second Place
• Gainesville Woman’s Club, 2809 W. University Ave.
• Civic Media Center, 433 S. Main St.
• First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.