Election night looms, so time to vote for a party, any party frankly as long as it involves drinks of celebration and consolation. I couldn’t condone getting tanked up for the polling station, however much you might need it, but a Passion Fruit Margarita might help improve on the poor turnout of the last two general elections. Take a 50 ml shot of tequila, an extra dash of triple sec optional, and a pouch of a passion fruit flavour cocktail mixer like Funkin. Shake and strain over fresh ice, stir rapidly, add ice cubes, a lime wedge and two small straws.

Visiting Fuller's Brewery on the campaign trail last month, Dave admitted preferring bitter to lager (he may have to get used the taste) telling us ‘I haven't yet found a drink I don't like’. He quickly had to bite the lower lip whose stiff upper retreated to on-message anti-binge-drinking plans. So a pint of Fuller’s London Pride then for Dave, whose "DIY" manifesto for the Big Society, form your own police force, etc., requires mixing your own drinks. In which case bring on the politician, a cocktail that starts clean and ends dirty, blending equal parts of vodka, Irish cream and cream or milk, all shaken in a drink shaker and poured into a tall glass.

It’s the Lib-Dems who through Roy Jenkins hard-wired claret into the national consciousness and you imagine that Nick Clegg has equally civilized habits. Whether or not we’ll see fairer taxes on wine under the Lib-Dems is a moot point, but the price is good enough as it is for us not to have to worry about the tax on the Pauillac cru classé Château Haut-Bages-Libéral, the 2003 vintage of which is a remarkably reasonable £15.42 at Lay & Wheeler (0845 330 1855), the 2004 an equally good £20.10 at Four Walls Wine Co. (0124 353 5353).

If you’re stuck for ideas, call up an election vintage. In the blue corner, while Thatcher 1987 and Major’s 1992 vintages are past their peak, the better vintages of 1979 and 1983 are still going strong. In the red corner, Blair’s 1997 was also mediocre, and its powers are now waning. His 2005 in contrast is still precocious and the 2005 Réserve de Léoville Barton, £25, Majestic, would make a terrific election night red. Blair’s 2001 is drinking very nicely thank you, the 2001 Château Giscours, £47.23, Berry Bros & Rudd, as delicious as its price tag suggests it should be. Closer to pink than red? For you then the stylish, summer puddingy Lavenue Rosé NV Champagne, with the advantage of a prudent accounting reduction from £29.99 to £14.99, Marks & Spencer. On a budget, Gordon? Then the strawberry cup sparkler Griffith Park Sparkling Rosé, £6.98. Morrisons, is for you.

For greens, natural wines of course, preferably biodynamic in which case plump for the deliciously vital Fleury Champagne, £28.49, waitrosewine.com. For any patriot invoking the bulldog spirit, bring on a fine British gin such as Plymouth English Gin or Berry Bros. No.3 London Dry Gin, for your g & t. For the losing party leaders, a Tower of London: mix 2 oz gin, 1.5 oz. St.Germain, 2 oz green tea, 1 oz syrup and 0.5 oz sake, shake, add ice, and serve in a highball or Collins glass. A couple of those and anyone will be off their head.

Something For the Weekend 1 May 2010

Under a Fiver

2009 Vin de Pays de l’Ardèche Gamay

A vivid summery red with the sort of sweet pepper and berry aromas and quaffable cherryish fruit that’s made to make the mouth water whenever there’s an excuse for a summer party or picnic. £3.99, Marks & Spencer.

Under a Tenner

2009 Jerusalem Ormoz Pinot Grigio

Not just any pinot grigio, but a refreshingly crisp and zippy Slovenian example of the variety whose cleansing spritz and apple and pear flavours are close to Italy’s Friuli, the home of true pinot grigio. £6.99, down from £9.99, Waitrose.

Splash Out

2007 Crozes Hermitage Domaines Les Lises, Maxime Graillot.

The northern Rhône’s syrah at its smoky, tarry aromatic best, with a perfume that carries through to a spicy, blackberryish succulence sweetened by oak and enlivened by savoury acidity. £15.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd (0800 280 2440).