Hollywood and booze have been synonymous for a long time. So it’s no surprise that many iconic beverages gained prominence in our bars and restaurants thanks to the silver screen. From cult movies to blockbusters, many films’ secret stars are really the cocktails consumed by overpaid actors.
Casino Royale (2006) – Vesper
James Bond is of course known for a martini, “shaken, not stirred.” In this 2006 remake, he got a little more specific.
Recipe:
- 3 measures of Gordon’s Gin
- 1 measure of vodka
- 1/2 measure Kina Lillet
- lemon peel for garnish
The Big Lebowski (1998) – White Russian
Perhaps the most iconic cult movie of all time, Jeff Bridges brings us “The Dude”— who drinks one these in just about every scene.
Recipe:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3/4 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 3/4 oz cream (The Dude uses half and half mostly, and non-dairy creamer in one scene)
Groundhog Day (1993) – Sweet Vermouth on the rocks with a twist
Bill Murray keeps living the same day over and over again in this classic. He orders this drink to win the affection of the leading lady. “It always makes me think of Rome. The way the sun hits the buildings in the afternoon,” Murray says tenderly.
Recipe:
- Sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist
Casablanca (1942) – French 75
German soldiers order this champagne cocktail moments before Rick’s gin joint gets shut down for gambling. The drink is named after the famous WWI French 75-millimeter M1897 gun.
Recipe:
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz Cointreau orange liqueur
- Champagne
Lost in Translation (2003) – Suntory Whiskey
“For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.” Bill Murray plays a lonely, washed up actor marketing Suntory Japanese whiskey in Tokyo, where he develops a friendship with a recent Yale grad played by Scarlett Johansson.
Recipe:
- Suntory Whiskey
- Ice (optional)