Life
Why do you love movies? It could be the experience of immersing yourself in a world you've never lived, empathizing with the characters, and connecting to the emotional journey. Maybe you're an artist yourself, and you value the deep, cinematic quality in film. Maybe you consider yourself an Average Joe, interested in movies purely for entertainment. No matter in which category you fit, there's one or more reasons you enjoy sitting on the couch with popcorn in hand to indulge in two hours of a story untold.
If you love movies, chances are you also love the Oscars — after all, they name some of the biggest, most successful films to be made year after year. For 2017, on Feb. 26, Jimmy Kimmel will host the 89th Academy Awards and pave the way for the season's most notable faces in film.
For everyone watching at home (who is over 21, of course), there's no better way to remember some of the year's best films than by throwing a party, putting together some epic food, filling up your glass with a delicious cocktail, an lifting it up to cheers with your friends, and rooting for your favorites. So, in anticipation of the upcoming show, here are nine of the best Oscars-inspired cocktails to accompany your choice nominees for best picture.
La La Land: Gin Rickey
This cocktail from The Kitchn combines gin, club soda, and lime juice for a classic aperitif that rings true to the Jazz Age and will have you dancing around the room with your friends like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land.
Moonlight: The Kneecap Nightcap
Combining equal parts bourbon and ruby port, the Kneecap Nightcap from The Kitchn literally accompanies the title of this Oscar-nominated film, Moonlight. Be careful: Too many of these might put you to sleep.
Arrival: Pear Nectar With Reposado Tequila
A movie about the potential end of humanity calls for tequila — like most things. This cocktail from Cookie and Kate mixes Reposado tequila, pear nectar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice for a delicious drink to get you through the night.
Manchester By The Sea: Whiskey Sour
A heart-wrenching story about a Boston man and his nephew, Manchester By The Sea calls for a strong Whiskey Sour from The Crepes of Wrath. Rye whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup will do the trick.
Hidden Figures: Champagne Mint Julep
The story of three African-American women who played a large part in the early years of NASA's US Space Program can only be celebrated one way: with champagne. Mint leaves, bourbon, and sparkling wine come together for a spin on the classic Mint Julep in this cocktail from The Kitchn.
Hacksaw Ridge: Extra Dirty Martini
The true story of a man on the front lines of the bloodiest battle of WWII without a weapon, Hacksaw Ridge calls for an Extra Dirty Martini from How Sweet Eats.
Hell Or High Water: Jalapeño, Blood Orange, & Whiskey Cocktail
This modern-day Western calls for the Whiskey Cocktail from Domestic Fits, which takes Southern-favorite whiskey and gives it a new-age twist.
Lion: Indian Summer Bourbon Cocktail
The coming-of-age tale of a lost 5-year-old boy from India deserves a bright cocktail channeling hope for his future. Try this Indian Summer Bourbon Cocktail from A Spicy Perspective, which includes bourbon, limoncello, lemon juice, apricot jam, and sage leaves.
Fences: The Classic Sidecar
Fences, film starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, deserves a cocktail true to its '50s era, leading me straight to this Sidecar recipe from The Kitchn, which combines cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice.
