What's Your Poison: 5 Famous Writers and Their Drink of Choice

Many famous writers throughout history are known to have abused substances as a means of fueling their continuous and, most obviously, brilliant creativity - or perhaps, simply their own personal life problems. The number one substance here, however, has always been alcohol. Alcoholics and writers have become synonymous with each other, and some of the greatest were also some of the hardest binge drinkers. The following is a compilation of five of these writers and their individual drink of choice. Note: since alcoholism is a serious issue, no matter who you are, please consider this list in light of how it can be recognized, especially if you or someone you know is in need of DUI help in San Diego or anywhere else.

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gin Rickeys

The Princeton boy behind The Great Gatsby and other novels during the Roaring Twenties was notorious for hosting lavish and rowdy parties with his wife, Zelda, at which he was frequently seen with his favorite cocktail, the gin rickey, which is said to be rooted in his belief that the drink could not be detected on the breath.

Quote from The Great Gatsby: "preceding four gin rickeys that clicked full of ice. Gatsby took up his drink. 'They certainly look cool,' Gatsby said with visible tension. We drank in long, greedy swallows."

2. William Faulkner and Mint Juleps

As both a Nobel Laureate and opponent of prohibition in the South, the novelist was famous for his whiskey bouts while working, but also for his life-long love for the Mint Julep, a mix of mint syrup and bourbon.

“I usually write at night. I always keep my whiskey within reach.”

3. Jack Kerouac and Margaritas

The man famous for scribing his life-long travels, including the novel On The Road, picked up a big fondness for the Margarita while in Mexico, one of his favorite places and cultures. He was undoubtedly best known for his lifelong love of wines.

"Don't drink to get drunk. Drink to enjoy life."

4. Oscar Wilde and Absinthe

Famous for penning two distinguished European novels, The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, the Irish writer drank bottles of absinthe to induce hallucinations while working abroad in Paris.

"A glass of Absinthe is as poetic as every other thing."

5. Ernest Hemingway and Mojitos

Probably known as one of the most heavy drinkers, Hemingway often served himself up a mojito, which became his favorite cocktail, especially while living in Cuba, where the drink was invented.

"My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita."