Movie Drinks - Drink Like a Star

Learn how to make drinks like James Bond, Don Draper, and other icons, and turn your bar into a real movie set.

There are things that cinema immortalizes. A look, a catchphrase, a leather jacket. And, for the man who appreciates the details, a good drink. It's not just a drink; it's part of the character's DNA, an accessory that says more about him than any dialogue.

More than that, knowing how to prepare these cocktails means bringing a bit of that aura of power and style to your own bar. It's about mastering the art, understanding the history, and, of course, drinking something spectacular.


We've put together a guide to the most iconic drinks in cinema. Let's get started.

1 - The Vesper Martini – James Bond (007: Casino Royale)

The Film: In Casino Royale (2006), we see a more raw, more real Bond. And it's in this film that he not only orders, but creates his own drink, naming it after the woman who would change his life, Vesper Lynd. It's a move of pure power and originality.

The Drink: Forget the traditional Martini. Bond's recipe is specific and impressive.

Ingredients: 3 shots of Gin

1 shot of Vodka

½ shot of Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif that replaces dry vermouth)

Preparation: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake vigorously until the shaker is cold to the touch—"shaken, not stirred." Strain into a chilled martini glass. Finish with a long, thin lemon peel.


Tip from Homem Raiz: The key here is temperature. Leave your glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving. A Vesper served at the wrong temperature is a crime.

2 - The Old Fashioned – Don Draper (Mad Men)

The Series: Don Draper is the embodiment of the enigmatic and powerful man of the 1960s. The Old Fashioned isn't just his drink, it's his ritual. The slow, methodical way he prepares it at the bar or in his living room is a pause, a moment of control amidst the chaos.

 

The Drink: Strong, simple, and timeless. A cocktail that doesn't shout, but commands respect.

Ingredients: 1 sugar cube (or 1 bar spoon of sugar)

2-3 drops of Angostura Bitters

1 shot of water (or club soda)

2 shots of Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

Preparation: In a lowball glass (named after the drink, "Old Fashioned"), place the sugar cube and add the drops of Angostura bitters. Add the water and muddle until the sugar dissolves. Fill the glass with ice (preferably large rocks) and pour in the whiskey. Stir gently. Finish by twisting an orange peel over the glass to release the oils.

Tip from Homem Raiz: Your drink is only as good as its worst ingredients. Use a good whiskey and, most importantly, a large, solid ice cube. Small ice cubes melt quickly, dilute your drink, and ruin the experience.

3 - The Godfather – Don Corleone (The Godfather)

The Movie: The name says it all. It's the drink you imagine Marlon Brando sipping in his dark armchair while making an offer you can't refuse. It's a drink of few words, but with a lot of presence. Simple, direct, and dangerously delicious.

 

The Drink: A mix of just two ingredients that balance each other perfectly.

 

Ingredients: 1 ½ shot of Scotch Whiskey

½ shot of almond liqueur (Amaretto)

 

Preparation: There's no secret to this one; it's proof that less is more. In a rocks glass filled with ice, add the Scotch and Amaretto. Stir gently to combine. That's it. The quality of the ingredients makes all the difference.

Tip from Homem Raiz: This drink is "assembled," meaning it's made directly in the glass. Don't use a cocktail shaker. It's a gesture that shows confidence and no pretensions, exactly as it should be.

4 - The Mint Julep – Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)

The Film: If the 1920s had a flavor, it would be the Mint Julep. The drink is a central character in Jay Gatsby's extravagant parties, served in silver mugs that sweat from ice cold. It's refreshing, elegant, and carries the vibrant energy of the Jazz Age.

 

The Drink: The perfect combination of the freshness of mint with the power of Bourbon.

Ingredients: 8-10 fresh mint leaves

¼ dose of sugar syrup (or 1 bar spoon of sugar with a drop of water)

2 shots of Bourbon

Preparation: In a metal mug or tall glass, place the mint leaves and sugar syrup. Muddle lightly, just to release the mint oils, without tearing it. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour the Bourbon over the top. Stir until the glass is well chilled on the outside. Top with more crushed ice, forming a small mound. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

 

Tip from Homem Raiz: Crushed ice and a metal mug aren't optional; they're essential. This combination creates the layer of ice on the outside of the glass, keeping the drink at the perfect temperature from the first sip to the last.

Now it's your turn. Choose your film, set the scene, and toast to the classics. Because having style is, above all, having culture. Cheers!