With less than one week left before the election, there's no shortage of politically-themed cocktails in the minds of the nation's bartenders and liquor producers. Here are some clever conoctions to consider, whether you plan to host a returns-watching party or spend the night solo.

The McCainarita
1 ounce Siembra Azul Reposado or other tequila
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce fresh lime juice or sour mix
1 ounce pomegranate juice

Shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Serve in a margarita glass over ice. (Adapted from a recipe from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.)

The Sarah Palin
1 1/2 ounces Svedka Clementine Vodka or other vodka
Inniskillin or other ice wine
Fever Tree ginger ale
Grenadine
Swedish fish candy

Shake the vodka and a splash of the ice wine in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into a martini glass and top off with a splash each of the ginger ale and grenadine. Garnish with Swedish fish on a skewer. (Adapted from a recipe from TenPenh restaurant in Washington, D.C.)

Ciroc Obama
1 ounce Ciroc vodka or other vodka
1/2 ounce Blue Curacao or other orange liqueur
1 ounce fresh lime juice (or sour mix)
1 ounce Sprite
1 lime, cut into wedges

Shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Serve in a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge. (Adapted from a recipe from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.)

Cocktail for a Change
1 ounce gin
1/4 ounce Faretti Biscotti Liqueur or other nut-flavored liqueur
1/4 ounce dry vermouth
2 dashes orange bitters

Stir the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with cracked ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange peel. (Adapted from a recipe by Jonathan Pogash.)

Patriotic Margarita (pictured at top)               
1 ounce super premium dark rum                   
1 ounce coconut milk                           
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 ounce Hpnotiq (a blue vodka-cognac liqueur)
1 ounce sweetened strawberry puree

Combine the rum, coconut milk, lime juice, pineapple juice, and ice in blender.  Pour the Hpnotiq into a margarita glass. Layer 2/3 of the blended mix over the Hpnotiq.  Blend the remaining mix with strawberry puree and layer on top. Garnish with coconut or use salt-rimmed glass as a variation. (Adapted from a recipe from Hpnotiq.)

As for snacks, I've heard suggestions of Black and White Cookies, Baked Alaska, Elephant Ears, and more. Even chefs are getting into the act with election-inspired menus. One of my favorites comes from New York restaurant Savoy. On November 3rd, the downtown pioneer is holding a ticketed dinner featuring a Swing State Platter with Florida Conch Salad, Ohio Corn Fritters, Missouri St. Louis BBQ, Pennsylvania Scrapple and Virginia's Grayson Cheese. It's one sure-to-be tasty meal that gets my vote.

What are you serving on election night? Will you be going out or staying home?