Cocktails are currently undergoing a resurgence, thanks to the research conducted by bartenders in the late 20th century, who delved into the history of these drinks. With a solid foundation in history, the cocktail industry is currently thriving. The rise in popularity of classic cocktails can also be attributed to their mention by beloved fictional characters in popular films and television shows.
One of the most iconic beverages associated with movies and TV is the Martini, famously preferred shaken, not stirred, by James Bond. This secret agent not only catapulted the traditional Martini to great prominence but also introduced a new variation. In reality, it was the author Ian Fleming who did so. This is just one example among many others.
Here are a few well-known classic cocktails from around the world that have made appearances in some of the most renowned movies and shows, be it an Oscar, a Golden Globe, or an Emmy. Afzal Kaba, the Brand Ambassador for Diageo India, provides the recipes for these timeless cocktails. So, channel your inner bartender and try your hand at crafting these delightful World Class cocktails. Take a sip of #AGlassOfWorldClass while you contemplate revisiting these fantastic shows and movies.
FRENCH 75 – CASABLANCA, OSCAR WINNER, 1944
French 75 is a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that gained popularity through its mention in the Oscar-winning movie ‘Casablanca’ in 1944. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s characters frequently enjoyed this cocktail in the nightclub scenes.
- Glass: Chilled Champagne flute
- Ingredients:
- 20ml Tanqueray No. 10
- 10ml Lime juice
- 10ml sugar syrup
- Chilled Sparkling wine (to top)
- Method:
- Take a cocktail shaker.
- Add all the ingredients except sparkling wine.
- Add ice cubes and shake vigorously.
- Strain the mixture without ice (use a tea strainer if needed).
- Top it off with chilled sparkling wine.
- Add garnish: Lemon or grapefruit peel.
GIBSON MARTINI – THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT, GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD WINNER, 2021
The Gibson is a savory variation of the Martini, substituting a pickled onion for the traditional olive, which adds a umami undertone to the classic drink. It is the main cocktail featured in the Golden Globe Award-winning show ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ in 2021, chosen by the main character Beth and her on-screen adopted mother.
- Glass: Chilled Coupe/Martini
- Ingredients:
- 60ml Tanqueray No. 10
- 5ml dry vermouth
- Method:
- Take a chilled mixing glass.
- Add all the ingredients.
- Add ice cubes.
- Stir gently to chill and dilute slightly (around 30 stirs).
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass without ice.
- Add garnish: Cocktail onions.
THE MINT JULEP – THE GREAT GATSBY, GRAMMY NOMINEE, 2014
The Mint Julep is an iconic whiskey-based cocktail that you must try at least once, and it is incredibly easy to make. In the 2014 Grammy-nominated movie ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the drink symbolized decadence. The idea originated when Daisy Buchanan (played by Carey Mulligan) suggested having a Mint Julep during a heated argument on a hot trip to Manhattan, saying, “A drink made for a hot day, the Mint Julep must be served very cold.”
- Glass: Julip or Rocks
- Ingredients:
- 60ml The Singleton 12 years old
- 10ml Sugar syrup or Honey syrup (mix equal parts of water and honey)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Method:
- Take a chilled Julip or rocks glass.
- Add all the ingredients.
- Add crushed ice.
- Mix the ingredients using a bar spoon.
- Add garnish with a fresh mint sprig (tap them on the rim of the glass for freshness before placing them on top).
RED EYE – COCKTAIL, GOLDEN GLOBE AND GRAMMY NOMINEE, 1989
The Red Eye is a renowned signature cocktail from the movie ‘Cocktail,’ starring Tom Cruise. The film was a Golden Globe and Grammy Nominee in 1989. The drink is mentioned as a cure for hangovers and takes the cocktail experience to a whole new level.
- Glass: Beer glass or highball
- Ingredients:
- 30ml Talisker 10 years old
- 60ml tomato juice
- Salt
- Chilled lager beer
- Method:
- Take a chilled glass.
- Optionally rim the glass with salt.
- Add all the ingredients except the beer (add a pinch of salt if you haven’t rimmed the glass).
- Stir to mix the ingredients.
- Top it off with chilled lager beer.
- Add garnish: Lime slice.
COSMOPOLITAN – SEX AND THE CITY, GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS NOMINEE, 2004
The classic Cosmopolitan is a simple yet incredibly popular cocktail that has become one of the most iconic drinks of all time. ‘Sex and the City,’ a Golden Globe Awards Nominee in 2004, propelled its fame as the drink of choice for the show’s glamorous Manhattan women. It quickly became the ultimate girly drink, suitable for everyone.
- Glass: Coupe or Martini
- Ingredients:
- 45ml Ketel One vodka
- 15ml Orange liqueur
- 10ml fresh lime juice
- 30ml cranberry juice
- Method:
- Take a cocktail shaker.
- Add all the ingredients.
- Add ice cubes and shake vigorously.
- Strain the mixture without ice (use a tea strainer if needed).
- Add garnish: Orange zest spray and drop it into the glass.
Enjoy crafting and savoring these delightful cocktails as you indulge in your favorite shows and movies once again.
