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It’s time to roll out the red carpet for one of the biggest nights in Hollywood. In honor of the 95th Academy Awards ceremony and the outstanding work it honors, we’ve pulled together an Oscar-inspired collection of cocktails to sip as you take in all the extravagant outfits, awkward speeches and poignant surprises—not to mention the can’t-make-this-up moments and the riveting memes that arise from them.
Whether you’re hosting an epic Oscars viewing party with friends or watching solo, make it a night to remember with any of these 10 award-worthy cocktails that we’ve paired with this year’s nominees for Best Motion Picture.
With no further ado, the nominees for best picture are…
All Quiet on the Western Front / Sidecar Royale
All Quiet on the Western Front is a moving anti-war film based on the 1929 classic novel of the same name. This Netflix original, directed by Edward Berger, is the fourth movie to depict the story of 17-year-old Paul Bäumer as he enlists in the German Imperial Army and confronts the grievous realities of warfare during World War I.
A film that captures both the gory and heartbreak of war warrants a cocktail with comparable drama. Though its exact origins are murky, the original Sidecar Cocktail was invented during WWI and highlights two French ingredients from behind (Paul’s) enemy lines: Cognac and Cointreau. Try our elevated version, which incorporates Champagne for an Oscar-worthy treatment.
Get the Recipe: Sidecar Royale
Avatar: The Way of Water / Non-Alcoholic Riverine & Tonic Cocktail
After more than a decade of anticipation, James Cameron’s second Avatar film has officially made an even bigger splash at the box office than Titanic, according to the Los Angeles Times. The movie highlights the predators and significance of the sea, as well as the awe-inspiring qualities of water.
So, naturally, we chose a drink that does the same. Tonic water plays a leading role next to herbaceous non-alcoholic gin in this zero-proof alternative to the classic Gin & Tonic. Though water is an often underestimated ingredient in cocktails, our Mixologist’s Guide to Carbonated Water dives deeper into the pivotal role it can play.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Riverine & Tonic Cocktail Recipe
The Banshees of Inisherin / Back in Black Cocktail
Directed by Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin takes us to a remote island off the coast of Ireland to experience the tragedy and dark comedy involved in friendship. Throughout the film, lifelong friends played by Colin Farrell and Brendon Gleeson banter over a pint (or two) of Guinness, making a beer-based cocktail an obvious pairing.
Our Back in Black cocktail is a deeper and darker variation of the classic Irish Coffee recipe—much like the humor in the film. A strong foundation of cold brew mingles with Irish whiskey and Guinness for a boozy brew that will keep the festivities going all ceremony long. The addition of burnt sugar simple syrup keeps the overall flavor from tipping too bitter.
Get the Recipe: Back in Black
Elvis / Americano Presley
Directed by Baz Luhrmann, Elvis explores the journey of American rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley with special attention to the singer’s complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. We couldn’t help falling in love with this low-alcohol riff on a classic Americano, which we think matches the King’s eccentric, norm-shifting style. Bubbly and neon-hued, this cocktail brings the glitz and glam of Las Vegas to your living room.
Get the Recipe: A Neon Drink’s Ode to Elvis
Everything Everywhere All at Once / Le Dirty Bleu
It’s an understatement to say that indie comedy-drama Everything Everywhere All at Once spun into a big success. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the film follows the multiverse adventures of a Chinese immigrant as she connects with alternate realities and grapples with complex family dynamics.
Believe it or not, everything bagels are essential to the plot. Why? Well, you’ll have to see the movie to find out. Once you do, get a load of Le Dirty Bleu. This super savory cocktail is essentially an elevated dirty martini jazzed up with an everything bagel spice-coated rim. The iconic spice blend—a mix of poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and crunchy salt—lends a satisfying umami kick and a delightful crunch.
Get the Recipe: This Everything Bagel-Inspired Martini Is Everything Savory All at Once
The Fabelmans / French Press Sangria
The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical account of the upbringing of its director and writer, cinematic pioneer Steven Spielberg. Much like Sammy Fabelman in the movie, Spielberg knew he wanted to make movies from a young age and experimented with a camera on family trips and hangouts with friends.
Creative resourcefulness was instrumental to the filmmaker’s success, so we looked for the same quality in a cocktail. French press sangria—inspired by a popular TikTok trend—fit the bill. Yes, you can use your coffee station’s French press to make a delightfully fruity white sangria recipe that’ll wow your friends. Who knows, it might just inspire you to take up mixology professionally.
Get the Recipe: French Press Sangria Recipe
Tár / The Classic Pink Lady
This psychological drama directed by Todd Field is centered around the riveting journey of renowned composer-conductor Lydia Tár at the height of her career in a male-dominated industry. But underneath Lydia’s passion for music is a world of dark secrets, elaborate manipulation and abuses of power.
The Pink Lady cocktail is a compelling choice to sip on as the storyline of Tár unravels. Inspired by the movie’s feminine undertones and inherent musicality, this drink combines tartness, body and a strong punch of alcohol to make a statement.
Get the Recipe: The Classic Pink Lady Cocktail Recipe
Top Gun: Maverick / Paper Plane Cocktail
In this Top Gun sequel, Tom Cruise returns as naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell after more than 30 years for another adventure. He also confronts the ghosts of his past as he reconciles an uncertain future.
While watching Cruise zoom through the sky, take flight with your own Paper Plane Cocktail. This bright-colored drink combines bourbon, Amaro Nonino and Aperol for a bittersweet but balanced flavor profile that continues to gain popularity.
Get the Recipe: How the Paper Plane Earned Its Place in the Cocktail Canon
Triangle of Sadness / The Sparkling Colada
Turmoil unravels in Triangle of Sadness when a celebrity couple boards a luxury cruise in exchange for social media promotion. This satirical comedy directed by Ruben Östlund offers a provocative critique on wealth and privilege as it relates to gender-based power dynamics and social hierarchies.
Simply put, the movie’s nauseating depiction of life at sea is a far cry from the refinement of your typical luxury wine cruise. Let’s just say there are some depictions of, ahem, sea sickness.
Think less queasy thoughts with one of our favorite Champagne cocktails: the sparkling colada. This fancier riff on the piña colada conjures tropical at-sea vibes with classic flavors of pineapple, coconut and rum with a hit of effervescence. Just maybe don’t think about the film’s infamous vomit scene while you sip.
Get the Recipe: The Sparkling Colada Recipe
Women Talking / Last Word
Based on the 2018 novel by Miriam Toews and directed by Sarah Polley, Women Talking is a fictional take on the true story of sexual assault victims in an isolated Mennonite community in Bolivia. The film makes an intense and societally relevant statement on the experience of women who speak up against issues of rape and misconduct.
To take in such a heavy topic, go with a serious, dramatic cocktail like the Last Word. One of the earliest renditions of a sour cocktail, this simple pre-Prohibition drink is a perfect last thing to sip as the ceremony comes to a close.
Get the Recipe: The Last Word, Your First Cocktail Choice
