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10 iconic drinks moments in film

Whether it’s Bond’s martini, Carrie’s Cosmo, or Gatsby’s Moët, db highlights some of the most iconic nods to alcohol in film and TV. 

As January rolls in, many of us retreat into hibernation mode. The festive whirl of party cocktails and social soirées has been swapped for cosy nights on the sofa, and Dry January has nudged us to trade the bar for the blanket. So, while we’re toning down on the tipples for a while, its the perfect time to indulge in some on-screen nostalgia. Here are 10 films and TV classics that serve up iconic alcohol moments to add to your winter watchlist.

Sex and the City – Carrie’s signature Cosmopolitan

Image Credit: Instagram user @panaceacollective

Could there be a more iconic 90s cocktail than the Cosmopolitan? Sex and the City didn’t just make the Cosmo famous; it made it a cultural icon. With its blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry, and lime juice, the bright pink drink became synonymous with Carrie Bradshaw and her fabulous New York life.

The drink’s backstory is equally fitting; series creator Candace Bushnell loved Cosmos herself, so it only made sense that her alter ego, Carrie, would sip them religiously. Watching the SATC gang gossip over these glamorous cocktails is practically a rite of passage for any comfort movie or series watching evening.

Top Gun: Maverick – Budweiser and beer galore 

Image credits: Top Gun: Maverick, 2022

In one of the opening scenes in Top Gun: Maverick, just like the 1986 original, the sequel honours its roots with a cameo from an all-American favourite: Budweiser. From bar banter to bonfires, the red-labelled lager is the beverage of choice for Maverick and his crew.

While the original Top Gun boasted four minutes of Budweiser screen time (and some admittedly cringeworthy one-lines like, “I’m going to need a beer to put these flames out,” the sequel dials it down with just over two minutes of bottles, beer taps, and branded cups. It’s a subtle nod to the past, much like the film itself, and a perfect pairing for Cruise’s return to the cockpit.

The Great Gatsby – Moët Champagne (in excess) 

Image credit: Instagram user @hurts

There’s no denying nothing says decadence like the Champagne-soaked scenes of The Great Gatsby. In Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation, Leonardo DiCaprio’s Gatsby hosts parties where Champagne flows like waterfalls—a nod to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties.

From Nick’s observation that “Champagne was served in glasses bigger than finger-bowls” to the boozy revelry of Gatsby’s infamous soirées, every frame glistens with effervescence. Even if your January is decidedly less extravagant, there’s no doubt the film will put you right back in the party mood.

Cocktail – Cruise’s colourful creations

Image credit: Instagram user @oldfashionedsociety

Tom Cruise again, but this time behind a bar, not a cockpit. The film Cocktail isn’t just a love letter to mixology; it’s a poetry slam disguised as a film. Cruise’s Brian Flanagan gives us the unforgettable (if slightly ridiculous) “last barman poet” monologue, rattling off cocktail names like “Sex on the Beach,” “The Singapore Sling,” and “The Alabama Slammer.”

The movie’s vibrant drinks and sun-drenched Jamaican backdrops will have you dreaming of warmer climates—and maybe even breaking Dry January for a cheeky martini. But for now, it’s all about soaking in the 80s charm and flamboyant bar-top theatrics.

James Bond – The Vodka Martini 

Image credit: Instagram user @edwards_1902

And of course, it would be rude not to include one of the most iconic drinks in film of all: James Bond’s vodka martini. Shaken, not stirred has become more than a catchphrase; it’s one of cinemas best lines.

While Ian Fleming first introduced Bond’s preferred cocktail in Moonraker, it wasn’t until Dr. No that Sean Connery brought it to life on screen. Over decades, Bond’s martini has become a character in its own right, appearing in nearly every film as a symbol of sophistication and suaveness. No comfort movie list, or discussion of on-screen alcohol for that matter, would be complete without it.

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My personal favourite moment, when Daniel Craig explains the ‘correct’ way to make a vesper martini across a poker table in Casino Royale, 2006.

Sideways – Pinot Noir and Merlot

Image credits: Instagram user @newwinereview

Few films have done more for wine appreciation than Sideways. The 2004 indie classic follows two friends on a road trip through California’s wine country, and it’s a love letter to the complexities of wine—particularly Pinot Noir.

Paul Giamatti’s character, Miles, is a devoted Pinot Noir enthusiast, waxing poetic about its delicate nature and its ability to thrive in the right conditions. His passionate monologue about the grape variety has become iconic, sparking a real-world surge in Pinot Noir sales following the film’s release.

On the flip side, Sideways is also infamous for its disdain for Merlot. Miles’ emphatic “I am NOT drinking any [expletive] Merlot!” became a rallying cry for Pinot Noir lovers and reportedly caused a dip in Merlot’s popularity.

The film doesn’t just highlight wine—it celebrates the ritual of wine tasting, the art of pairing, and the emotional connections we make through shared bottles. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a casual sipper, Sideways is a heartfelt exploration of how wine brings people together.

The Big Lebowski – White Russian

Image credits: Instagram user @films_and_cocktails

From suave sophistication to slacker chic, we have The Dude and his beloved White Russian. The vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream concoction is as laid-back as its perpetually chilled-out protagonist. Whether he’s navigating chaos or bowling with his buddies, The Dude always has a “Caucasian” in hand. Comforting, indulgent, and effortlessly cool—much like The Big Lebowski itself.

Another round – simply, a lot of alcohol

Image credits: Instagram user @the_prescious_films

Although not the picture of moderation—and perhaps not entirely in keeping with Dry January—Another Round offers an exploration of alcohol’s role in society and human behaviour. This Danish film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, is an ode to the highs and lows of imbibing, blending humour, tragedy, and a touch of existential reflection.

The plot centres on four middle-aged teachers who embark on an experiment inspired by a (very questionable) theory: that humans are born with a blood alcohol deficit of 0.05%, and maintaining that level throughout the day could unlock greater creativity, confidence, and joie de vivre.

What sets Another Round apart is its ambivalence. The film neither glorifies nor condemns drinking. Instead, it offers a nuanced look at alcohol’s dual role in our lives: a social lubricant and a potential source of ruin. Its honesty resonates, especially in cultures where drinking is deeply embedded in social rituals.

Groundhog Day – Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist

Image credit: Pandemic Pub

In Groundhog Day, Andie MacDowell’s Rita sips her favourite drink—Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist. This simple yet elegant choice becomes a symbol of connection as Bill Murray’s Phil repeatedly tries to win her over. Whether you’re stuck in a time loop or not, this understated cocktail is a gentle reminder that sometimes, less is more.

Casablanca – The French 75

Image credit: Instagram user @thecocktailmanlondon

Few films are as synonymous with romance as Casablanca. At Rick’s Café Américain, the French 75—a heady mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne—plays a supporting role to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s doomed love story. Sophisticated and sharp, much like the film itself, the French 75 is the perfect toast to bittersweet memories.

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