77th Annual Academy Awards: Sip on This! Oscar-Inspired Cocktails

If there’s any place that knows how to best toast the movies headlining Hollywood’s glamorous and heady Oscar season, it’s Beverly Hills. Put away the clichéd Cristal and the done-that Dom Perignon: the bartenders of 90210 have brought an appropriate splash of creativity to the cocktails the locals will be sipping throughout the Academy Awards season by each creating a special cocktail concoction inspired by the five films nominated for Best Picture that the locals will be sipping throughout Feburary and mid-March. The locals and visitors will be sipping the drinks throughout Feburary and mid-March, and Hollywood.com’s bringing you the scoop on each of the lively libations: you can either pop into the posh environs and sample a drink from the bar, or you can try to re-create them yourself for your very own Oscar night celebration. “Hit the Road Jack”
Inspired by Ray
Specializing in the L.A. area’s finest, most sizeable steaks and seafood, Mastro’s Steakhouse also offers the jumpin’-est scene the city has to offer, thanks in large part to musician-singer Gary Sherer at the piano bar, who keeps things hopping with a wide range of classic hits, including several from Ray Charles‘ catalogue! Gary even sang “Georgia” as we sampled Mastro’s cocktail, which–made of simple Jack Daniels whiskey and Cola-Cola–was as classic as soul singer who inspired it. And likely to make you feeling blind (or at least a little out-of-focus) if you downed too many. Mix a little bit of Jack Daniels and a little bit of cola. “Pixie Stick”
Inspired by Finding Neverland
It should come as no surprise that The Writer’s Bar at Raffles L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, recently the preferred watering hole of stars like Brad Pitt and (separately, of course) Angelina Jolie, would chose to pay tribute to a movie about writer, Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie–The bar’s wall are decorated with tributes to those who take pen in hand, including filmmakers’ scripts for films like Jaws and the original manuscript of Gone With the Wind. The fantasy drink has a melon-y kick that would prevent Peter and Tinkerbell–or Paris and Tinkerbell, for that matter–from flying in a straight line after a few too many. Combine Gin, Midori Melon Liqueur and 7-UP. Serve on the rocks with a pink orchid garnish. “The Mantilini Knock-Out Punch”
Inspired by Million Dollar Baby
Once of the city’s best-loved restaurant with an edgy modern design, Kate Mantilini already has serious boxing ring roots–it was named for a female boxing promoter from the 40s, and a mural of the Hagler-Hearns bout that dominates the décor. John Travolta’s a regular, and Madonna orders the lemon drop from the bar, but J.Lo sticks squarely to their milkshakes. On the surface the cocktail is as feminine as can be, but after a few sips you realize just how potent a punch the pretty pink potable packs. Combine Absolute Mandarin Vodka, Triple Sec, Rose’s Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice and Gingerita. This soon to be classic cocktail keeps a modern edge when it is shaken, not stirred, and served straight up and chilled. “The Aviator”
Inspired by The Aviator
Howard Hughes certainly buzzed over Beverly Hills in his day–the film depicts his spectacular plane crash just a few streets north of the Blue on Blue lounge at the Avalon Hotel (currently on of the city’s chicest bastions of cool, the historic hotel has played host to everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Hilary Swank). But the buzz from this sweet concoction–made with Citron- and raspberry-infused vodka from the appropriately aerial sounding Hangar One and cut with vodka–will really get you off the ground. Combine 1 ounce Hanger One Citron, 1 ounce Hanger One Raspberry, ½ ounce Chambord, Lemonade, and Fresh Raspberry Puree. Serve in a chilled martini glass for maximum enjoyment. “Pinot Envy”
Inspired by Sideways
With its selection of over 250 bottles and over 50 Italian wines available by the glass, the eatery Enoteca Drago is already one of BevHills’ most heavenly havens for vino-philes like Danny DeVito, Don Johnson and Ryan Seacrest. But in paying tribute to Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church‘s road trip to Santa Ynez, the sommelier bypassed the grape in favor of something peachier with schnapps, vodka and a dash of champagne to celebrate the film’s success. And that’s nothing to wine about. Combine ½ ounce Ferrari Rose Champagne, ½ ounce Vodka, 1 ½ ounces Peach Schnapps and a splash of Pineapple Juice. Shake hard and strain into a chilled martini glass. Drizzle ½ ounce Chambord in the center of the glass. Garnish with one large floating Raspberry.