“Cocktail,” the 1988 romantic drama film directed by Roger Donaldson, is not just a classic of its time; it’s a celebration of mixology and the art of crafting the perfect cocktail. Starring Tom Cruise as the charming bartender Brian Flanagan, the film takes us on a journey through the world of bartending, love, and friendship. Along the way, it introduces us to several iconic cocktails that have since become staples in the world of mixology. In this article, we’ll delve into the delicious details of these cocktails, their history, and how you can recreate them at home.
The Red Eye
Our journey through the world of “Cocktail” begins with the Red Eye, a simple yet refreshing cocktail. In the movie, Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) impresses his mentor Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown) by making this drink for the first time.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. tomato juice
- 1 dash of hot sauce
- 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and celery stick.
The Red Eye is a classic cocktail, often referred to as a “Bloody Mary Lite.” It’s perfect for those who enjoy the tangy flavors of tomato juice and a hint of spice.
The Woo Woo
Next up is the Woo Woo, a sweet and fruity cocktail that makes an appearance in the film during a beach party scene.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. peach schnapps
- 3 oz. cranberry juice
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry.
The Woo Woo is a delightful and easy-to-make cocktail, making it a favorite at parties and gatherings.
The Jamaican Bobsled
The Jamaican Bobsled is another fun and tropical cocktail featured in the movie. It’s a colorful and flavorful drink that reflects the movie’s beachy vibes.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. white rum
- 1/2 oz. coconut cream
- 1/2 oz. blue curaçao
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Fill a blender with crushed ice.
- Add white rum, coconut cream, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.
The Jamaican Bobsled is a tropical paradise in a glass. Its vibrant blue color and refreshing flavors make it a hit at beach-themed parties.
The Last Barman Poet
Named after Brian Flanagan’s poetic ambitions in the movie, The Last Barman Poet is a cocktail that represents the artistry and creativity of bartending.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. light rum
- 1/2 oz. blue curaçao
- 1/2 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
- Lime twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add light rum, blue curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, and pineapple juice.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist.
The Last Barman Poet is a cocktail that pays homage to the creativity and passion of bartenders. Its bright blue color and balanced flavors make it a true work of art.
The Flaming Dr. Pepper
In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Brian Flanagan and Doug Coughlin introduce the audience to the Flaming Dr. Pepper, a daring and fiery cocktail that involves lighting the drink on fire before consuming it.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 oz. amaretto liqueur
- 1/4 oz. high-proof rum (overproof)
- 1/2 glass of beer (lager)
Instructions:
- Pour the amaretto into a shot glass.
- Float the high-proof rum on top of the amaretto.
- Fill a beer glass halfway with beer.
- Carefully ignite the amaretto and rum in the shot glass.
- Drop the flaming shot glass into the beer glass.
- Blow out the flame, and drink the cocktail quickly through a straw.
The Flaming Dr. Pepper is not for the faint of heart, but it’s undoubtedly a showstopper at any gathering.
But here is more. Here is a list of cocktails that are either made, mentioned, or play a role in various scenes throughout the film:
- Red Eye
- Bloody Mary
- Woo Woo
- Brandy Alexander
- The Righteous Bison
- Black Russian
- Jamaican Bobsled
- The Last Barman Poet
- The Frozen Banana Daiquiri
- Planters Punch
- Irish Coffee
- Old-Fashioned
- Vodka Martini
- Amaretto Sour
- Screwdriver
- Rusty Nail
- Tom Collins
- Margarita
- Dry Martini
- Stinger
- Sea Breeze
- Flaming Dr. Pepper
The movie “Cocktail” may be a love story, but it’s also a love letter to the art of mixology and the delightful world of cocktails. Each of the cocktails featured in the film has its unique charm and flavor profile, making them a hit with fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re sipping on a Red Eye, enjoying the tropical vibes of the Jamaican Bobsled, or daring to try the Flaming Dr. Pepper, these cocktails are a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that go into the world of mixology. So, the next time you watch “Cocktail,” consider shaking up one of these iconic drinks to enhance your viewing experience.
Cheers!
