In truth, the liquor had been flowing for several hours before the teetotal Trump appeared after 02:00 EST (07:00 GMT). But the joy of his supporters, dressed in their MAGA uniforms, symbolised something far bigger than the alcohol-fuelled highs of a good night out.
Unusually for Trump, the speech did promise unity, and that he would govern for all – a tone that has largely been absent from the campaign trail.
Much will depend on whether Republicans can retain control of the House on top of successfully flipping control in their favour of the Senate.
If they do that, then their control of both chambers of Congress plus the White House – a rare thing in US politics – will open up at least two years of incredible political freedom.
Trump failed to really capitalise on the so-called trifecta of the presidency, House and Senate in his first term – but his advisers will not allow him to make such a mistake again.
They will also want him to be a lot more organised than last time around when it comes to picking a cabinet and key administration staff.
Those on stage in the early hours of Wednesday may serve as a hint of what’s to come.