Actors and actresses aren't the only ones who’ve become stars from appearing on the silver screen. Throughout cinematic history a few cocktails have made their way into the limelight by playing a big role in a several classics Here’s a few favorites.
The Martini: Shaken, Not Stirred
The suave and sophisticated Martini has made countless appearances in movies, often associated with the timeless and enigmatic James Bond. With its classic combination of gin and vermouth, this cocktail exudes elegance and confidence, much like the iconic spy himself.
The White Russian: A Big Lebowski Favorite
Made famous by the cult classic film "The Big Lebowski," the White Russian has become synonymous with the laid-back, easygoing vibe of the movie's main character, The Dude. This creamy and indulgent cocktail is a must-try for fans of the film.
The Cosmopolitan: Sex and the City's Signature Sip
The Cosmopolitan gained widespread popularity thanks to its frequent appearances in the hit TV series and subsequent films, "Sex and the City." This pink-hued, vodka-based cocktail perfectly complements the glamorous and fashionable lifestyle of the show's leading ladies.
The French 75: A Casablanca Classic
Of all the fictional gin joints in all the towns in all the world, none may have been more famous than Rick’s Café Américain in the 1942 film Casablanca. Owned by Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick Blaine, plenty of booze is featured in scenes set in the bar, particularly glasses of wine and brandy and Veuve Cliquot 1926. But the drink that skyrocketed to fame after being ordered by Yvonne is the French 75. Named after a French artillery cannon, the sparkling wine cocktail features gin, lemon juice, sugar and Champagne.
Moulin Rouge: The Green Fairy Takes Flight
While featured in other films the most well-known use of absinthe can be found in Moulin Rouge. Considered one of the best scenes we find our lead character, the young poet Christian, hallucinating with his Bohemian friends after experiencing the effects of absinthe, often called the “Green Fairy” because of its color and “mind-altering” qualities.
Some Like it Hot: Sugar Loves a Good Manhattan
Served in paper cups atop a bunk bed in a train carriage, the Manhattan plays a supporting role in the cinema classic Some Like it Hot. This classic Billy Wilder film follows two runaway musicians disguised as women, but is almost always remembered for Marilyn Monroe's performance as Sugar. The film was a triumph, and Monroe a highlight in it all, especially in the now-famous Manhattan sequence, where a party ensues after Monroe’s character breaks open a smuggled bottle of bourbon and upon a discovery of vermouth, realizes they might be able to conjure up a Manhattan.
The Great Gatsby: Daisy Needs a Cocktail
More prominently mentioned in the novel than in either film iteration, the Mint Julep still finds itself gracing the hands of its greatest fan, Daisy Buchanan, in many scenes. The julep, a cool and refreshing cocktail, is made primarily of bourbon and originates in the south. Daisy's penchant for it in this tale is likely representative of her desire for Gatsby, a breath of fresh air that is quite literally riding in off the profits of bourbon smuggling.
Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood: A Bloody Good Drink
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin Tarentino’s ode to Golden Age filmmaking, features plenty of cocktails. But maximum throwback impact may go to Brad Pitt’s aging stuntman, Cliff Booth, cautiously sipping a neon-red Bloody Mary in a wood-paneled fern lounge while navigating the drink’s celery stalk. While delicious for its time we can all be thankful the Bloody Mary has evolved from its bare-bones vodka-and-tomato-juice combinations.
These iconic cocktails have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, becoming symbols of certain characters and moments in film history. Whether it's the suave allure of the Martini or the relaxed vibes of the White Russian, these drinks continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of cocktail enthusiasts. And that's a wrap.
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