Since the beginning of film and television, characters onscreen have often been depicted with a drink in hand, sat at a bar, or enjoying a sneaky sip at home. Some of these characters and shows have made the drinks famous, or have made the drink so iconic, linking it to the character that we can’t think of one without the other. We take a look at some of the best cocktail depictions in film and TV, and how you can recreate them at home!
Vesper Martini – James Bond
“shaken not stirred.”
Perhaps the most famous of all cinematic drink orders, although we can’t help but think his next enemy will be a disgruntled barman, annoyed at having to make such a customised martini:
- 60ml gin
- 20ml vodka
- 15ml vermouth
- Lemon peel as garnish
Cosmopolitan – Sex and the City
“So what are we going to do? Sit around bars, sipping Cosmos and sleeping with strangers when we’re eighty?”
We can’t promise you’ll be able to get as many partners as Carrie Bradshaw, but you certainly can get as drunk as her:
- 40ml vodka
- 25ml triple sec
- 50ml cranberry juice
- 25ml lime juice
White Russian – Big Lebowski
“Careful man, there’s a beverage here!”
Not keen on White Russians? Well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man:
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml coffee liqueur
- 25ml single cream
Old Fashioned – Mad Men
“You don’t know how to drink. Your whole generation, you drink for the wrong reasons. My generation, we drink because it’s good, because it feels better than unbuttoning your collar, because we deserve it. We drink because it’s what men do.”
An old-fashioned drink for an old-fashioned drinker:
- 50ml whiskey or Bourbon
- 1 cube sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 twist orange peel for garnish
Bloody Mary – Portlandia
“What the hell is this? Pickles? Pickles in a Bloody Mary? Where’s the celery? This is not proper bartending. This is b******t.”
Prepare yourself for a 9am start at work after thirsty Thursday with this ultimate hangover cure that your nan probably swears by:
- 40ml vodka
- 75ml tomato juice
- 10ml lemon juice
- 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 6 drops Tabasco sauce
- Teaspoon black pepper
- Celery stick (essential!)
Long Island Iced Tea – Cruel Intentions
“This sure doesn’t taste like an iced tea.” “It’s from Long Island.”
Disclaimer: You may end up doing something you’ll regret in the morning:
- A shot each of: vodka, gin, tequila, light rum, triple sec
- Topped up with cola
- A squeeze of lemon or lime juice
Screwdriver – Jackie Brown
“Why don’t you be a good hostess… and hook a brother up a screwdriver.”
Keep it classy while using up last night’s pre-drinking leftovers:
- Double vodka
- Orange juice
Vodka – Bridget Jones’ Diary
“I choose vodka.”
When the alcohol cupboard is looking a little empty, and you can’t make anything fancy, you know what to turn to…
Next time you fancy a drink, why not make one of these cocktails and watch the corresponding film or show? Make it into an evening of enjoyment by pairing your drink with a luxurious cigar, such as Davidoff cigars!