Oscar-Ready Cocktails: Drinks Inspired by This Year’s Nominated Films

The biggest night in cinema is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with a lineup of showstopping cocktails inspired by some of this year’s most talked-about films? Whether you’re hosting an Oscar viewing party or simply enjoying the night solo, these elegant serves bring a taste of Hollywood glamour right to your glass.

The Activator – Inspired by The Substance

A luminous, invigorating serve that channels the transformative energy of The Substance, The Activator is a bold mix of fresh citrus, bright melon, and crisp botanicals. This vibrant green cocktail is both refreshing and electrifying—just like the film it’s inspired by.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Midori
• 25ml No1 Classic Vodka
• 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 100ml Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon Soda (to top)
• Blood Orange Slice (garnish)
• Ice

Method:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in Midori, No1 Classic Vodka, and fresh lime juice.
3. Stir gently, then top with Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon Soda.
4. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and serve.

The Brutalist – Inspired by The Brutalist

Minimalist, structured, and unapologetically bold, The Brutalist is a refined, architectural cocktail that mirrors the film’s stark beauty and intensity. With deep, bittersweet notes and a smooth complexity, this drink is a modern classic in the making.

Ingredients:

• 50ml No12 Damson Liqueur
• 20ml Bitter Aperitivo
• 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Rectangular Slice (garnish)
• Large Ice Cube

Method:

1. Add No12 Damson Liqueur, Bitter Aperitivo, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
3. Garnish with a neatly cut rectangular slice of orange.
4. Serve and enjoy this bold and complex serve.

Communion – Inspired by Conclave

Inspired by the intrigue and reverence of Conclave, Communion is a cocktail of quiet sophistication and layered depth. The herbal notes of dry vermouth and the delicate sweetness of pomegranate create a drink worthy of the Vatican’s inner circle.

Ingredients:

• 50ml No7 Botanical Vodka
• 15ml Dry Vermouth
• 100ml Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil Soda (to top)
• Gold Edible Leaf (garnish)
• Ice

Method:

1. Fill a stemmed glass with ice.
2. Pour in No7 Botanical Vodka and dry vermouth, stirring gently.
3. Top with Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil Soda.
4. Carefully place a gold edible leaf on the surface for an opulent finishing touch.
5. Serve and sip slowly—this one’s meant to be savoured.

Raise a Glass to Hollywood’s Biggest Night

These Oscar-inspired cocktails are the perfect way to toast to the magic of cinema, whether your favourite film takes home the golden statue or not.

Lights, camera, cocktail hour—who’s your best pick for Best Picture?