The worlds of television and film have long influenced more than just fashion and catchphrases—they’ve shaped our cocktail culture, too.
From Carrie Bradshaw’s pink-hued Cosmopolitan to the Vesper Martini immortalized by James Bond, these drinks have become stars in their own right. Below, we explore 10 iconic cocktails made famous by the silver screen and small screen, complete with recipes for you to try.
1. Pumptini – Vanderpump Rules
First gaining notoriety in Lisa Vanderpump’s former Pump Restaurant and later cemented as a cult favorite in Vanderpump Rules (season five, episode three), the Pumptini combines raspberries, vodka, and Pavan liqueur for a refreshing and vibrant sip.
Recipe: Muddle 3 raspberries with 0.75 oz simple syrup, then add 2 oz vodka, 0.75 oz Pavan liqueur, 0.75 oz grapefruit juice, and 0.75 oz lime juice. Shake with ice, strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass, and garnish with a raspberry.
2. Cosmopolitan – Sex and the City
The Cosmopolitan’s modern revival can be attributed to Sex and the City when it became the signature drink of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends. With its vodka, cranberry juice, and lime base, this chic cocktail is as timeless as the series itself.
Recipe: Shake 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice, 0.5 oz Cointreau, and 0.5 oz lime juice with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lime twist.
3. Old Fashioned – Mad Men
During Mad Men’s run, Don Draper brought the Old Fashioned back into vogue. Preferring rye whiskey over bourbon, Draper’s signature drink is a whiskey lover’s classic.
Recipe: Muddle 1 sugar cube with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a glass. Add ice, pour in 1.5 oz rye whiskey, and garnish with an orange slice and Luxardo cherry.
4. Aperol Spritz – The White Lotus
HBO’s The White Lotus resurrected the Aperol Spritz, a drink long celebrated for its effervescent simplicity. Perfect for beachside lounging or happy hour indulgence.
Recipe: Combine 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda over ice in a balloon glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
5. Vodka Martini – Arrested Development
Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development is rarely seen without a vodka martini in hand. Her preference for a dry martini with a single olive adds sophistication to this enduring classic.
Recipe: Shake 3 oz vodka with a spritz of vermouth and ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with one olive.
6. Gibson Martini – The Queen’s Gambit
Chess prodigy Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit favored the Gibson Martini, a gin-based drink garnished with pickled onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe: Stir 2 oz gin and 0.33 oz dry vermouth with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with pickled onions.
7. Vesper Martini – James Bond
Bond’s famous “shaken, not stirred” directive reached new heights with the Vesper Martini, named after his love interest in Casino Royale.
Recipe: Shake 3 oz Gordon’s gin, 1 oz vodka, and 0.5 oz Lillet with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
8. White Russian – The Big Lebowski
“The Dude” brought the White Russian into the spotlight, blending vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream into an indulgent cocktail perfect for laid-back sipping.
Recipe: Fill a lowball glass with ice, then add 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz cream. Stir gently.
9. French 75 – Casablanca
The French 75 rose to fame after being ordered by Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine in Casablanca, making it a sparkling choice for special occasions.
Recipe: Shake 1 oz gin, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and a splash of simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute, top with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.
10. Red Eye – Cocktail
Made famous by Tom Cruise in Cocktail, the Red Eye combines beer, tomato juice, and a raw egg for a bold, restorative sip.
Recipe: Pour 1 oz vodka, 6 oz tomato juice, and 12 oz beer into a frosted mug. Crack one raw egg into the glass and serve without stirring.
