The most glamorous cinematic event of the year is coming up on Sunday, and one would certainly be remiss to watch the stars of Hollywood in all of their glitziness without some sort of cocktail. Here are a few Hollywood-inspired cocktails that practically scream “Academy Awards”
Black Russian
Allegedly the Black Russian was Elizabeth Taylor's favorite cocktail. So, naturally now it's ours.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa
Pour both ingredients into a glass with ice. Strain into an old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
Champagne Cocktail
In Casablanca (1942), which won three Academy Awards, champagne cocktails were frequently enjoyed. At the end of the day, it is a classic cocktail to represent a classic film.
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1/3 oz Cognac
- 3 oz Champagne
- 1 sugar cube
Add a dash of the bitters onto the sugar cube and drop it into a champagne flute. Add the cognac to the flute and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Shirley Temple
In the event that you don't want anything with alcohol, or are just feeling a bit nostalgic for your childhood, a Shirley Temple will always do the trick. Should you want to turn it into a Dirty Shirley (yes, that's the real name) add an ounce and a half of either vodka or rum.
- .25oz Grenadine
- Ginger ale, 7UP or Sprite
Fill a glass with the ice and add the grenadine. Fill the glass with the soda and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Vesper Martini
In honor of 007, of course. This martini differs from the classic rendition with the addition of vodka replacing the dry vermouth.
- 3 oz Gin
- 1 oz Vodka
- .5 oz Lillet
Shake all of the ingredients together and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Whiskey Sour
In The Seven Year Itch Richard Sherman commented that he drank a Whiskey Sour (actually two) for breakfast and a peanut butter sandwich. Probably beats a bowl of Raisin Bran.
- 1.5 oz bourbon (or rye, or Irish whiskey)
- 1.5 oz lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- ½ – ¾ tsp sugar
- Orange slice
Shake all of the ingredients together and strain into a old fashioned glass. Garnish with the orange slice and a maraschino cherry.