NOW EXPERIENCING:Movie night: 10 famous films starring iconic cocktails
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Movie night: 10 famous films starring iconic cocktails

Read time 5 Mins

Posted 22 Jul 2022

By
Alexandra Whiting

Curl up in front of the small screen with a classic title and its corresponding tipple.

Some characters are synonymous with a drink. We know James Bond likes his Vodka Martini shaken, not stirred, and that Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha will have a round of Cosmopolitans. But we need more than Bond and Sex and The City marathons to fill the evenings, and so many of the great films have a cocktail attached to their fame. It’s thereofre only right that we view them while having what they have. As an added bonus, these options are sure to give your bartending skills a workout.
The Singapore Sling cocktail
1. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Singapore Sling It has to be a Singapore Sling with a mezcal chaser if you’re doing it the way anti-hero, Raoul Duke, played by Johnny Depp, describes it at the opening of this 1998 surreal road-trip film (based on Hunter S. Thompson’s 1971 novel): “Sitting in the Pogo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel – in the patio section, of course – drinking Singapore Slings with mezcal on the side.”
2. The Great Gatsby: Mint Julep and a Gin RickeyThe glittering 2013 film features Leo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Carrie Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan and a whole lot of Champagne in coupe glasses. The film (and the book, for the record) puts two cocktails in one of the most important scenes. Daisy sips Mint Juleps while arguing with Gatsby and her husband, Tom, before sending the latter out of the room to “make us a cold drink”. As Tom mixes a round of Gin Rickeys (gin, sparkling water and a squeeze of lime), Daisy declares her love for Gatsby. Scandal.
3. Breakfast at Tiffany’s: White Angel Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly is a true ‘60s party girl. And she likes a drink. In the 1961 classic we see Holly sipping Champagne cocktails, ordering Manhattans, and pouring herself some Mississippi Punch (a mix of Cognac, bourbon and rum), but her favourite is a White Angel. “One-half vodka, one-half gin, no vermouth,” is her regular order at Joe Bell’s bar under her apartment building.
4. Casablanca: French 75A classic that still stands up, this 1942 film is a love story largely set in a nightclub owned by the central character. Rick, played by Humphrey Bogart, has a lot of cocktails ordered in his cafe, but when is scorned ex, Yvonne, shows up with her new Nazi squeeze (it’s set in WWII), he asks the bar tender for a French 75.
The French 75 in a flute
5. Groundhog Day: Sweet Vermouth “Sweet Vermouth on the rocks with a twist,” is Bill Murray’s character’s attempt to get the girl (played by Andie MacDowell) in the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day. He hates it, but she loves it, particularly as it’s reminiscent of “Rome – the way the sun hits the buildings in the afternoon.” Mix it at home and decide whose side you’re on, and if you’re feeling like a double billing of Bill, follow it up with Sofia Coppola’s 2003 Lost in Translation where he plays an aged movie star doing a Japanese ad for Suntory Whisky, an actual, award-winning whisky that gets high praise from whisky lovers.
6. Meet the Parents: Tom CollinsA fun little ‘Easter egg’ in his 2000 comedy about an intense father-in-law is Robert De Niro’s character’s drink order: a Tom Collins. This drink was actually Robert De Niro’s character’s alias in the gangster classic Casino. IYKYK. Just as this film is easy viewing, a Tom Collins is just a gin and soda with a little flair. Easy for even the cocktail-mixing novice.
A White Russian cocktail with a cherry garnish
7. The Big Lebowski: White RussianLike his dressing gown and slippers, a White Russian is a staple characteristic of Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski. He drinks them throughout most of this Coen brothers’ black comedy also from 1998. Even when we first lay eyes on The Dude, he’s in the supermarket picking up milk to create his cocktail.
8. Some Like it Hot: ManhattanIt’s the Prohibition era, so why wouldn’t Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe, be mixing whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters in a hot-water bottle to make a Manhattan? This 1959 slapstick film depicts Marilyn at her “blondest” and most baby-voiced, but it also showcases her excellent comedy chops. She certainly holds her own alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, who are in drag for most of the film. Now more than 60 years old, this film may make cringe in parts, but the drink is smooth and strong.
9. Practical Magic: Midnight MargaritasThere is probably no better idea than to get up at midnight, mix some enchanted Margs and dance around the kitchen with your family like the Owens sisters. One of the all-time best Hollywood sister pairings, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman really are magic in this 1998 girl’s-night classic. If you’re looking for a little more spice in your Marg (which may just be the key to making it “magic”) this Jalapeño Margarita recipe is for you.
10. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Bloody MaryQuentin Tarantino’s 2019 film is very loosely based on the Manson murders, but the abundance of cocktails consumed is pretty accurate for 1969. There are Mint Juleps, mezcal, Whiskey Sours and Margaritas, but the one with the most fanfare is the ginormous Bloody Mary favoured by stuntman Cliff Booth, played by Brad Pitt. He sits at the bar crunching the celery garnish and tackling it like a meal (which it kind of is). The bottles of Tabasco and Worcestershire Sauce are on display in the scene, which means you have to make it from scratch. That way, you can make it as spicy or mild as you like. 
Holding a Bloody Mary
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Authour image
Alexandra WhitingWriter, mum and afternoon spritz enthusiast. Thinks most gatherings should be celebrated with Champagne.
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CocktailsGinSpiritsEntertainingTequila & MezcalCognac & BrandyWhisk(e)yAperitifs & VermouthRumLiqueurs
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