For movie buffs and cocktail enthusiasts alike, there's something undeniably special about replicating famous drinks from the silver screen. Whether it’s James Bond with his Vodka Martini or “The Dude” with his White Russian, these cocktails have become nearly as iconic as the characters that drink them.
In this comprehensive blog, we'll delve deep into 10 iconic on-screen cocktails, describing their background stories, how to make them, and offering different variations. We’ll also link you to our Cocktail Crates collection, where you can find everything you need to craft these legendary drinks.
1. Vodka Martini - "Shaken, Not Stirred"
Description
Arguably the most famous movie cocktail, the Vodka Martini has been forever immortalised by James Bond. His preference for it “shaken, not stirred” has made this simple yet sophisticated drink a staple in bars everywhere.
Background Story
The Vodka Martini gained its Hollywood fame through the James Bond series. Bond’s specific request for his Martini to be "shaken, not stirred" first appeared in the 1964 film 'Goldfinger', and rapidly gained a reputation as the classiest drink on the menu.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Vodka
- 15 ml Dry Vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
- Instructions:
- Pour vodka and dry vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
Variations
- Dirty Martini: Add a splash of olive brine.
- Classic Martini: Substitute vodka for gin.
Find Vodka Martini Gift Sets on the Cocktail Crates website.
2. White Russian - 'The Big Lebowski'
Description
The White Russian, a creamy and indulgent cocktail, became famous thanks to Jeff Bridges’ character, 'The Dude,' in 'The Big Lebowski.'
Background Story
'The Dude' consumes numerous White Russians throughout the movie, elevating what was a relatively obscure cocktail to cult status.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Vodka
- 30 ml Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua)
- 30 ml Fresh Cream
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
- Float fresh cream on top by pouring over a spoon for layering.
- Stir gently before drinking.
Variations
- Try substituting the cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of chocolate syrup for a mocha twist.
Order our White Russian Cocktail Box to perfect this drink at home.
3. Old Fashioned - 'Mad Men'
Description
The Old Fashioned is a timeless American classic cocktail made famous again by Don Draper in the hit TV show 'Mad Men.'
Background Story
Set in the ‘60s, 'Mad Men' showcases the advertising world’s stylish side, with Don Draper often seen enjoying an Old Fashioned.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Sugar Cube
- Few dashes of plain water
- Orange twist for garnish
- Instructions:
- Place sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and saturate with bitters and a few dashes of water.
- Muddle until dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Variations
- Use different types of whiskey for varying taste profiles.
- Add a cherry for extra sweetness.
Explore our selection of Whiskey Cocktail Boxes to craft the perfect Old Fashioned.
4. Margarita - "Desperado"
Description
The Margarita is a beloved classic made with tequila, lime, and triple sec, known for its refreshing and zesty flavour.
Background Story
In the 1995 film "Desperado," Antonio Banderas’ character orders a Margarita, bringing this already popular drink back into the spotlight.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Tequila
- 30 ml Lime Juice
- 30 ml Triple Sec
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Rim the glass with salt.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Variations
- Serve it frozen by blending the ingredients with ice.
- Use different fruit juices like mango or strawberry for fruity margaritas.
Check out our Margarita Gift Sets for premium margarita-making kits.
5. Pina Colada - "Pina Colada Song (Escape)"
Description
The Pina Colada, made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, is synonymous with tropical relaxation.
Background Story
“Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes is a classic tune that celebrates the joys of this tropical cocktail, making it a pop culture staple.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml White Rum
- 30 ml Coconut Cream
- 30 ml Heavy Cream
- 100 ml Fresh Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ice
- Instructions:
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
Variations
- Use dark rum for a richer flavour.
- For a mocktail option, substitute rum with extra pineapple juice.
Find your perfect Pina Colada Cocktail Box to bring the tropics to your doorstep.
6. Negroni - "A Simple Favour"
Description
The Negroni is a sophisticated cocktail comprising gin, vermouth, and Campari, beloved for its complex, bitter profile.
Background Story
In 'A Simple Favour', Blake Lively’s character frequently drinks Negronis, adding a hint of class and mystery to this drink.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 30 ml Gin
- 30 ml Sweet Vermouth
- 30 ml Campari
- Orange peel for garnish
- Instructions:
- Combine gin, vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Variations
- Try a Negroni Sbagliato by replacing gin with Prosecco.
- Opt for different gins to explore varied flavour profiles.
Try our Negroni Cocktail Gift Box to master this classic cocktail.
7. Mai Tai - 'Blue Hawaii'
Description
The Mai Tai is a fruity tropical cocktail featuring rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
Background Story
Elvis Presley’s film 'Blue Hawaii' prominently features this sweet and tangy drink, ideal for sunny days and beach vibes.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 30 ml Aged Rum
- 30 ml White Rum
- 15 ml Orange Curaçao
- 15 ml Orgeat Syrup
- 15 ml Lime Juice
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Pineapple slice for garnish
- Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a pineapple slice.
Variations
- Switch out aged rum for spiced rum for a different twist.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice for added sweetness.
Bring home the tropics with our Mai Tai Cocktail Box.
8. Manhattan - "Some Like It Hot"
Description
A Manhattan is a classic cocktail with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, exuding timeless elegance.
Background Story
In the 1959 classic 'Some Like It Hot', this cocktail is a favourite, capturing the essence of sophistication and prohibition-era charm.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Rye Whiskey
- 30 ml Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Cherry for garnish
- Instructions:
- Add whiskey, vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupé glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Variations
- Use bourbon for a sweeter twist.
- Try a Perfect Manhattan with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.
Explore our Whiskey Cocktail Boxes to create the perfect Manhattan.
9. Gin & Tonic - "The Great Gatsby"
Description
A Gin & Tonic is a classic and refreshing cocktail that's simple yet elegant.
Background Story
In 'The Great Gatsby', the lavish parties are often accompanied by this refreshing drink, capturing the Roaring Twenties’ high society.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Gin
- 150 ml Tonic Water
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add gin and top up with tonic water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Variations
- Experiment with different types of gin and tonics.
- Add a splash of elderflower cordial for a floral twist.
Find premium gin kits in our Gin Cocktail Boxes.
10. Bloody Mary - 'Bridget Jones's Diary'
Description
The Bloody Mary, known for its spicy kick, is a classic brunch favourite.
Background Story
In 'Bridget Jones's Diary', Bridget often leans on the comforting power of a Bloody Mary, highlighting its versatility as a hangover cure and a social drink.
How to Make It
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml Vodka
- 100 ml Tomato Juice
- 15 ml Lemon Juice
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 dashes of Tabasco Sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery stick and lemon wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
- Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with a celery stick and a lemon wedge.
Variations
- Replace vodka with tequila for a Bloody Maria.
- Use different hot sauces to adjust the spiciness.
Order your own Bloody Mary Cocktail Box to craft this inimitable drink.
Iconic Movie Cocktails at Home
Recreating iconic movie cocktails at home not only provides a sense of cinematic nostalgia but also introduces a flair of elegance to your social gatherings. At Cocktail Crates, we offer a diverse range of cocktail boxes that make it easier than ever to enjoy these famous drinks.
To explore more about our offerings and find the perfect cocktail box for you, visit our collections:
- Gin Cocktail Boxes
- Margarita Gift Sets
- Martini Cocktail Boxes
- Pina Colada Cocktail Gift Sets
- Rum Cocktail Boxes
- Tequila Cocktail Boxes
- Vodka Cocktail Boxes
- Whiskey Cocktail Boxes
- Cocktail Subscription Box
Happy drinking!