Don Draper's Beer Choice: What's His Favorite Brew?

Don Draper, the enigmatic and troubled advertising executive from the hit show Mad Men, is known for his heavy drinking. In one episode, Draper attends a military veteran's function and is seen drinking Lone Star Beer. However, his drink of choice is often a variation of the old-fashioned, featuring cherries and citrus slices. He is also frequently seen drinking Canadian Club, a blended whisky that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s when the show is set. Draper's drinking is a significant part of his character, and it is often excessive and abusive. Despite this, the show makes drinking look stylish and glamorous, with many viewers inspired to try the cocktails featured on the show.

Don Draper's drinking habits on Mad Men

Don Draper's drinking habits are a key part of his character in Mad Men. Draper drinks frequently and heavily, and his consumption includes beer, whiskey, cocktails, and wine.

In one episode, Draper attends a military veteran's function and Lone Star Beer is seen on the tables. In another, Draper is seen drinking a variation of an old-fashioned, featuring cherries and citrus slices. Draper also drinks Canadian Club, a blended whiskey that was popular in the 1950s when the series begins.

Draper's drinking is often portrayed as stylish and glamorous, with the show taking place in an era where heavy drinking was more socially acceptable. However, as the series progresses, the negative consequences of his drinking become more apparent, and it becomes clear that Draper is an alcoholic. His drinking affects his work and his personal life, and he experiences withdrawal symptoms when he tries to cut back.

In addition to alcohol, Draper is also a heavy smoker, and his unhealthy lifestyle choices are expected to reduce his life expectancy significantly. Despite the glamorous portrayal of drinking in Mad Men, the show ultimately depicts the unsightly reality of alcohol abuse and its impact on Don Draper's life.

The impact of drinking on Don Draper's work

Don Draper's drinking habits have been a topic of discussion among fans of the show "Mad Men". Draper is often seen drinking a variation of the old-fashioned, featuring cherries and citrus slices, as well as Canadian Club whiskey, which was a popular choice in the 1950s and 1960s when the show is set. In one episode, he also drinks Lone Star beer at a military veteran's function.

While the show is known for its stylish portrayal of drinking, with characters frequently consuming cocktails and liquor, Draper's drinking habits have also been described as excessive and abusive. His heavy drinking is a running theme throughout the series, and it is suggested that he would be considered an alcoholic by modern standards. However, in the context of the time period, his drinking may not have been perceived as problematic, especially in the creative industry in which he works.

Overall, while Don Draper's drinking may not have prevented him from achieving success in his career, it is clear that it has had both positive and negative effects on his work. The creative atmosphere of his industry may have masked the extent of his drinking problem, and it is likely that his drinking habits would be perceived very differently in a modern work environment.

Don Draper's drinking and smoking

Draper's drinking is also frequently problematic. It affects his work, and he's often late or hungover. There are several hints of heavy drinking throughout the show, and by season 6, his drinking has spiralled out of control. He's seen to have the shakes, and experiences blackouts and withdrawal symptoms.

Draper also smokes a lot, and is frequently seen with a cigarette in his hand or an ashtray full of butts in front of him.

The drinking and smoking are part of the show's exploration of a period in American history when drinking culture was very different. In the 1950s and 60s, people drank more and all the time—at work, in the morning, and while driving.

Don Draper's drinking in the 1960s

Don Draper's drinking habits in the 1960s are a key part of his character in the TV show Mad Men, which is set in this decade. Draper drinks frequently and heavily, and his consumption includes beer, whiskey, cocktails, and wine.

In one episode, Draper is seen drinking Lone Star beer at a military veteran's function. In another, he is shown drinking beer while constructing a playhouse for his children. Draper also drinks Canadian Club, a blended whisky that was popular in the 1950s and outsold heavier straight whiskies by a factor of eight in 1950. This is indicative of the power of advertising, as distillers pushed national brands that catered to the widest audience possible.

Draper also drinks a variation of the old-fashioned, featuring cherries and citrus slices. In one instance, he is shown to have the shakes when trying to dry out, a sign of alcohol withdrawal. His drinking is so excessive that it would likely be considered problematic today, but in the context of the 1960s, it is portrayed as more acceptable and even glamorous at times. The show also highlights how drinking was a normal part of office culture during this era, with alcohol stocked in the supply closet and consumed during work hours.

However, as the series progresses, particularly in seasons 4 and 5, Draper's drinking takes a darker turn as he slides into outright alcoholism. His excessive drinking leads to memory loss and affects his work and family life. Despite the glamorous portrayal of drinking in some scenes, the show also highlights the negative consequences of Draper's alcohol consumption.

Don Draper's drinking in modern times

One of Draper's drinks of choice was Canadian Club, a blended whiskey. While this was an appropriate choice for the time period, it doesn't fit the bill for a modern-day Don Draper. In the 1950s and 60s, Draper's whiskey outsold heavier straight whiskies, but today, Canadian Club is considered one of the cheapest whiskeys on the market, typically found in dive bars.

So, what would a modern Don Draper drink? Some have suggested that Draper would stick to his guns and continue drinking Canadian Club, a loyal customer even as the brand's reputation declined. Others have suggested that he would opt for a more expensive whiskey, such as Johnnie Walker or The Macallan.

However, it's important to note that drinking habits and attitudes towards alcohol have changed drastically since Draper's time. Excessive drinking is no longer considered glamorous or cool, and societal norms around alcohol consumption have shifted. As such, it's unlikely that a modern-day Don Draper would drink as much or as openly as his 1960s counterpart.

In conclusion, while we can speculate about the specific brands or types of alcohol Don Draper might favour in modern times, the reality is that his drinking habits would likely be very different from those portrayed in the show. The cultural and social context of alcohol consumption has evolved, and with it, our understanding of the potential consequences of excessive drinking.

Frequently asked questions