Cheers to unconventional political potables

All that’s missing is the Bob Barr Bar.

The days when a reporter’s pad and No. 2 pencil were sufficient for covering political conventions are officially over. Now the personalized saloon is a must-have, with CNN and Fox News each broadcasting from one during this week’s Democratic gathering in Denver. Expect more of the same at next week’s Republican convention in St. Paul.

This isn’t all that unnatural a development, especially considering Colorado is Coors Brewing Co.’s home base. (What is unnatural is the taps being turned off at Fox’s spot, Braun’s Bar & Grill. Talk about “staying the Coors … “)

A more-casual-than-the-convention-floor setting in which to wine, dine and — most crucially — fill hours of live air time, the bars are overrun this week by big-name pundits, senators, delegates and the occasional movie star. Mere mortals can’t get past the velvet-and-dimpled-chad ropes, of course. So here’s a mix-at-home menu for those wanting to do their civic viewing duty.

• Shirley Temple With a King-Sized Twist: Made with Old Grand-dad bourbon in honor of CNN’s Larry King, who’s undoubtedly interviewed the octogenarian star at least a half-dozen times. Or married her.

• Super-Salty Dog: Chug one each time Fox News’ top dog Bill O’Reilly emphasizes, “You’re in the No-Spin Zone.” Partisan, schmartisan. Before you know it, everything will be spinning!

• Undirty Mitt-ini: What would a potential Vice President Romney drink? An all-milk concoction, where the “2 percent vs. skim” debate makes that “gin or vodka” one look like mere child’s play. Made not shaken, or stirred. Just like Mitt’s hair.

• Womanhattan: What should a near-presidential nominee like Hillary Clinton drink? How about this whiskey-based cocktail whose staying power tends to surprise a lot of people? Don’t forget the dash of bitters.

• Whine Spritzers: Make your selection from an extensive list of media blowhards, outraged politicians and morally indignant Hollywooders who care about the little people because they’re playing one in their next movie. Last call never looked so good.