Lights, Camera, Cocktails

Actors and actresses aren't the only ones who’ve become stars on the silver screen. Throughout cinematic history, a few cocktails have made their way into the limelight, playing memorable roles in film classics. Here are a few favorites that have left their mark:

The Martini: Shaken, Not Stirred

The suave and sophisticated Martini has made countless appearances in movies, but none more iconic than with the timeless and enigmatic James Bond. With its classic combination of gin and vermouth, this cocktail exudes elegance and confidence — much like 007 himself.

The White Russian: A Big Lebowski Favorite

Made famous by the cult classic The Big Lebowski, the White Russian is synonymous with the laid-back, easygoing vibe of its main character, The Dude. This creamy and indulgent cocktail has become a go-to for fans of the film — and fans of chilling out.

The Cosmopolitan: Sex and the City's Signature Sip

The Cosmopolitan rose to fame thanks to its frequent appearances in the hit TV series and films Sex and the City. This pink-hued, vodka-based cocktail perfectly complements the glamorous, fast-paced lifestyle of the show’s leading ladies.

The French 75: A Casablanca Classic

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, none is more iconic than Rick’s Café Américain in the 1942 film Casablanca. While wine, brandy, and Veuve Clicquot 1926 flow freely, it’s the French 75 — ordered by Yvonne — that skyrocketed to fame. Named after a French artillery cannon, the cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne for a drink as bold as it is bubbly.

Moulin Rouge: The Green Fairy Takes Flight

While absinthe has been featured in many films, its most famous appearance may be in Moulin Rouge. In one unforgettable scene, the young poet Christian hallucinates with his Bohemian friends under the spell of the “Green Fairy,” a nickname for the vividly green, allegedly mind-altering spirit.

Some Like it Hot: Sugar Loves a Good Manhattan

In Some Like It Hot, the classic Manhattan is served unconventionally — in paper cups on a bunk bed — but it still steals the show. Marilyn Monroe’s character, Sugar, cracks open a smuggled bottle of bourbon, finds some vermouth, and suddenly, the sleeper car turns into a cocktail party. A film triumph, with Monroe and her Manhattans at the heart of it.

The Great Gatsby: Daisy Needs a Cocktail

More prominent in the novel than on-screen, the Mint Julep still finds its way into both film adaptations of The Great Gatsby. Daisy Buchanan is often seen clutching this Southern staple — made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice — perhaps a nod to the breath of fresh air Gatsby represents, riding in on the profits of Prohibition-era bourbon smuggling.

Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood: A Bloody Good Drink

Quentin Tarantino’s ode to Golden Age filmmaking, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, features a parade of retro drinks. But the standout is the Bloody Mary, clutched by Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth in a wood-paneled lounge. The celery-stalk garnish, the bright red hue — it's a throwback to a time when cocktails were simple, bold, and a little bit brash.

These iconic cocktails have left an indelible mark on cinema, becoming symbols of characters, moods, and moments. Whether it's the suave allure of the Martini or the laid-back charm of the White Russian, these drinks continue to captivate audiences and inspire cocktail lovers around the world.

And that’s a wrap.