Certain cocktails have transcended their status as barroom favourites and become icons of popular culture, thanks to their appearance in movies or TV shows, or in the hands of celebrities. Here’s a guide to recreating some of these glamorous tipples for your own social gatherings, or simply to enjoy as an escapist treat!
Vesper Martini, James Bond
It’s impossible not to start with what is arguably the most iconic screen cocktail of all time: the movie mixology masterclass that is the Vesper Cocktail, favourite tipple of James Bond. Everybody knows the famous line ‘shaken, not stirred’ that accompanies Mr Bond’s bartender orders.
In fact, the Vesper Cocktail was created specifically for the series and was first introduced in Casino Royale. The name is taken from the double agent Vesper Lynd who features in the film.
The original ingredients as exactly specified in the books/films are no longer available, but it’s possible to recreate a very similar version with the following ingredients: 3 oz gin, 1 oz vodka, and 0.5 oz of Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif based on white wine and fruit liqueurs).
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir for at least 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist: the perfect 007 number.
The Cosmopolitan, Sex and the City
Carrie Bradshaw and her friends are credited with reviving the popularity of the Cosmopolitan in the hit TV show and subsequent Sex and the City movies. The four ladies who lunch were frequently featured on screen sipping a stylish Cosmopolitan, and this delicious cocktail is still a firm favourite for girl’s nights out.
To make, you will need vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and an orange twist for garnish. Place the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist for a sophisticated drink that’s pretty as pink.
White Russian, The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski (1998) starred Jeff Bridges as a laid-back hippy who inadvertently becomes embroiled in the Los Angeles underworld. The off-beat comedy soon became a cult classic, and in almost every scene Bridges’ character (Jeff Lebowski) has a White Russian in his hand.
Once an obscure and rather forgotten cocktail, the White Russian is now as cool as the movie itself. It’s also very simple to make, with just three accessible ingredients of coffee liqueur, vodka, and double cream. To make, fill a short tumbler with ice and stir in the vodka and coffee liqueur. Then gently pour the cream on top and stir.
The French 75, Casablanca
The French 75 is named after the 75-millimetre M1897, a type of gun that was widely used in the French military in World War One. The classic film Casablanca features star-crossed lovers who gather in Rick’s American bar, and frequently order a French 75, which is delicious, refreshing and easy to make.
Simply combine the ingredients of gin, sugar, lemon juice in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a Collins glass and top up with champagne.
