Most Iconic Drinks from Movies and TV

We all leave a movie with something to remember it for. The drama and heartbreak, the victory against all odds, the wonderful performances, captivating action, or biting dialogue that stick in your head will after the credits roll. So many iconic movies throughout history have maintained popularity and relevance well past their release and have remained in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. But one thing that can also remain in a movie, and even further cement its place in the annals of movie history, are the beverages of choice the characters drink.

What’s a cowboy without a whiskey, a suave spy without a martini, or a horror villain without an odd drink of choice to match their own strangeness? What characters consume or identify as part of their uniqueness makes more than a lasting impression, to the point where these thirst quenchers become synonymous with the characters and their respective films.

In this list, we’ve broken down some of the most iconic drinks in movies and TV, along with the ingredients to make one yourself if you fancy. You can also pair any of these drinks with some of Abracadabra’s drinkware and novelty glasses for a perfect movie night. Pour one over ice, and let’s take a look at some of these cinematic sippers.

French 75 – Casablanca (1942)

In Casablanca, the elegance and romance of Rick’s Café Américain come alive with the timeless sophistication of a French 75. Named after a powerful French field gun from World War I, this cocktail symbolizes the bittersweet love story between Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman). The sparkling, citrusy blend captures the glamour and nostalgia of the golden age of cinema, echoing the film’s iconic atmosphere. It tastes light and effervescent with a zing of lemon, softened by the smoothness of champagne.

Ingredients:
- Gin
- Fresh lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Champagne

Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist – Groundhog Day (1993)

In a hilarious attempt to impress Rita (Andie MacDowell), Bill Murray’s Phil Connors repeatedly orders a Sweet Vermouth on the Rocks with a Twist, mimicking her favorite drink as he relives the same day. It’s a quirky choice that symbolizes his desperate attempts to win her over by any means necessary. The drink is bittersweet and aromatic with herbal undertones, perfectly balanced by the citrusy zing of the lemon twist.

Ingredients:
- Sweet vermouth
- Lemon twist (for garnish)

Vesper Martini – Casino Royale (2006)

James Bond’s signature Vesper Martini is more than just a drink; it’s a character statement. In Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s Bond famously orders it “shaken, not stirred,” and the complex combination mirrors his sharp yet smooth persona. The drink was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s novel, solidifying its place in spy-cinema history. The Vesper Martini is bold and crisp with a potent kick, balanced by a touch of citrus from the lemon peel. It’s sophisticated and powerful, just like 007 himself.

Ingredients:
- Gin
- Vodka
- Lillet Blanc (a type of vermouth)
- Lemon peel (for garnish)

Orange Whip – The Blues Brothers (1980)

In this musical comedy classic, John Candy’s character memorably orders three Orange Whips in a scene that became an iconic moment of product placement. The goofy, almost rhythmic delivery of “Orange Whip? Orange Whip? Three Orange Whips!” is unforgettable, making this frothy, sweet concoction a nostalgic favorite. It tastes like a creamy orange creamsicle with a hint of booziness, making it as fun as the movie itself.

Ingredients:
- Rum
- Vodka
- Orange juice
- Cream
- Ice

White Russian – The Big Lebowski (1998)

No drink is as synonymous with a character as the White Russian is with Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski. Played by Jeff Bridges, The Dude is a laid-back slacker who sips on this creamy cocktail throughout the Coen Brothers’ cult classic. It perfectly embodies his chilled-out philosophy on life, even as he navigates a bizarre kidnapping plot. The White Russian is sweet, smooth, and rich with a blend of coffee and cream, making it a dessert-like treat with a boozy kick.

Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- Heavy cream

Cosmopolitan – Sex and the City (1998-2004)

No other drink captured the essence of New York City glamor like the Cosmopolitan did in Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her friends turned this vibrant pink cocktail into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless fans to order “a Cosmo” at bars worldwide. It became a symbol of sophistication, style, and independence. The Cosmopolitan is tart and refreshing with a perfect balance of sweet cranberry and zesty lime, making it effortlessly chic and drinkable.

Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Triple sec (or Cointreau)
- Cranberry juice
- Fresh lime juice

Chianti – Silence of the Lambs (1991)

One of the most chilling lines in film history comes from Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) as he recounts his gruesome dinner with a census taker: “I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.” This sinister pairing of sophistication and cannibalism leaves an unforgettable mark on the audience. Chianti is a dry, medium-bodied red wine with fruity notes of cherry and plum, balanced with earthy undertones and a hint of spice. It’s complex and slightly acidic, adding to its bold character.

Suntory Whisky – Lost in Translation (2003)

Bill Murray’s character, Bob Harris, is an actor adrift in Tokyo, filming a commercial for Suntory Whisky. His deadpan delivery of “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time” became iconic. The drink symbolizes his existential crisis and cultural disconnect, serving as a metaphor for his search for meaning. Suntory Whisky is smooth and refined, with a delicate balance of sweetness and smoky notes. It features a blend of vanilla, oak, and subtle spices, offering a rich yet mellow drinking experience.

Old Fashioned – Mad Men (2007-2015)

No drink captures the swagger and sophistication of the 1960s quite like the Old Fashioned, expertly sipped by Don Draper (Jon Hamm) in Mad Men. This classic cocktail perfectly complements Draper’s suave yet troubled persona, embodying the smoky allure of Madison Avenue advertising. The Old Fashioned is rich and robust, with the warmth of bourbon balanced by a hint of sweetness and a twist of citrus. It’s bold, smooth, and timeless—just like Draper himself.

Ingredients:
- Bourbon or rye whiskey
- Sugar cube
- Angostura bitters
- Orange twist (for garnish)

Manhattan – Some Like It Hot (1959)

In Some Like It Hot, the Manhattan adds a touch of class and sophistication to the comedic chaos. It’s the drink of choice for the suave and elegant Joe (Tony Curtis) as he charms his way through the romantic entanglements of this classic screwball comedy. The Manhattan is bold and smooth with a perfect balance of sweetness from the vermouth and bitterness from the Angostura, topped off with a spicy warmth from the rye whiskey.

Ingredients:
- Rye whiskey or bourbon
- Sweet vermouth
- Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Aqua Velva – Zodiac (2007)

In Zodiac, the Aqua Velva is a quirky, neon-blue cocktail ordered by Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) during his obsessive hunt for the Zodiac killer. The drink’s bright, almost artificial appearance contrasts with the dark, chilling tone of the film, creating an oddly memorable juxtaposition. Aqua Velva tastes fruity and sweet with a fizzy, citrusy bite, making it deceptively playful for such a haunting narrative.

Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Blue Curaçao
- Lemon-lime soda

Singapore Sling with Mezcal on the Side – Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Raoul Duke’s order of a Singapore Sling with Mezcal on the side perfectly encapsulates the surreal, chaotic energy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Played by Johnny Depp (who is essentially playing real life writer of the novel, Hunter S. Thompson), Duke’s choice of drink is as wild and unpredictable as his hallucinogenic journey through the desert. The Singapore Sling is fruity and vibrant, combining sweet and tart flavors with a touch of herbal complexity, while the Mezcal adds a smoky, earthy contrast. This strange pairing is as memorable as the movie itself.

Ingredients for Singapore Sling:
- Gin
- Cherry Heering
- Cointreau
- Benedictine
- Pineapple juice
- Lime juice
- Grenadine
- Angostura bitters
On the Side:
- Mezcal (served neat)

Moloko Plus – A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Who new drinking milk could be so cool but also unsettling to watch? In Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian vision, Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) and his gang of droogs sip this hallucinogenic milk cocktail at the Korova Milk Bar before embarking on their ultraviolent escapades. The stark white beverage, served from eerily stylized dispensers, enhances their aggression and detachment, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of free will and morality. The Moloko Plus is fictional, but it’s imagined to be sweet, creamy, and laced with psychoactive substances.

Imagined Ingredients (based on the novel’s descriptions):
- Milk
- Absinthe or other psychoactive spirit
- Sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Butterbeer – Harry Potter

No drink in the Wizarding World is as beloved as Butterbeer. Served foaming and golden at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, this magical beverage is a favorite of Harry, Hermione, and Ron during their school days at Hogwarts. Its sweet, frothy flavor is described as a mix of butterscotch and cream soda, with just a slight warming effect—perfect for warding off the chill of a snowy day. In the films, it looks rich and creamy, topped with a frothy head, sparking the imagination of fans everywhere. And what better way to sip away than in this Harry Potter 3D Cauldron Mug?

Here’s a popular real-world version that captures the magic without any spells required:

Ingredients:
- Cream soda
- Butterscotch syrup
- Heavy cream (for the frothy topping)
- Vanilla extract (optional, for extra richness)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

Mint Julep – The Great Gatsby (2013)

The Mint Julep isn’t just a refreshing drink in The Great Gatsby—it’s a symbol of wealth, tension, and decadence. In the climactic scene at the Plaza Hotel, Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) cools off with this Southern classic while emotional temperatures rise, leading to explosive confrontations. The icy, minty sweetness contrasts with the bitterness of jealousy and betrayal simmering beneath the surface. The drink is crisp and refreshing, with the rich warmth of bourbon balanced by fresh mint and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:
- Bourbon
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sugar
- Crushed ice

Sugar Water – Men in Black (1997)

Who knew that a request for “sugar water” could be so hauntingly memorable? In Men in Black, Edgar (Vincent D’Onofrio), possessed by a giant alien cockroach, stumbles into his kitchen and demands sugar water from his terrified wife. His grotesque, inhuman movements and growling voice make this simple drink unforgettable. We might not need to include ingredients here or tell you how sugary water tastes. But let’s keep to the format, shall we?

Ingredients:
- Water
- Sugar

Flaming Moe – The Simpsons (1991)

In the iconic The Simpsons episode “Flaming Moe’s,” Homer Simpson concocts a bizarre cocktail by mixing various liquors with cough syrup and accidentally setting it on fire. Moe Szyslak rebrands it as the “Flaming Moe,” turning his bar into the hottest spot in Springfield. While the original recipe is hilariously unsafe, fans have crafted safer versions that capture the spirit of the drink without the cough syrup. This version maintains the colorful, fruity vibe while incorporating a safe flaming effect.

For this one, given Homer’s proclivity for donuts, why not sip away on his concoction in this donut coffee mug?

Ingredients:
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz sloe gin
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur
- 1 oz strawberry juice
- 1/4 oz high-proof rum (like Bacardi 151, for the flame)

Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979)

In Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is lauded as the “best drink in existence,” with an effect akin to “having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped around a large gold brick.”

Invented by the eccentric Zaphod Beeblebrox, this potent concoction features outlandish ingredients such as Ol’ Janx Spirit, Santraginean seawater, Arcturan Mega-gin, and the tooth of an Algolian Suntiger.

While these components might be hard to come by on planet Earth, enthusiasts have crafted real-world interpretations to capture the essence of this legendary beverage. Here’s a popular adaptation:

Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka (representing Ol’ Janx Spirit)
- 1.5 oz navy strength gin (standing in for Arcturan Mega-gin)
- 0.25 oz crème de menthe (substituting Qualactin Hypermint extract)
- 0.5 tsp citric acid (symbolizing Zamphuor)
- 3 drops of saline solution (mimicking Santraginean seawater)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 dash of hot sauce (emulating the tooth of an Algolian Suntiger)
- 1 green olive (for garnish)

7 & 7 – Saturday Night Fever (1977)

In Saturday Night Fever, Tony Manero (John Travolta) struts into the disco with swagger, style, and his signature drink—the 7 & 7. This simple yet iconic cocktail perfectly complements his effortlessly cool persona, capturing the spirit of the 1970s nightlife. A mix of Seagram’s 7 Crown whiskey and 7-Up soda, the drink is sweet, smooth, and easy to sip, with a light fizz that keeps it refreshing. It’s no-frills, just like Tony’s no-nonsense approach to dancing his way to the top.

Ingredients:
- Seagram’s 7 Crown whiskey
- 7-Up soda
- Ice
- Lemon wedge (optional, for garnish)

Banana Daiquiri – The Godfather: Part II (1974)

In The Godfather: Part II, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) orders a Banana Daiquiri while meeting with Hyman Roth (Lee Strasberg) in Cuba. This seemingly innocuous choice of drink subtly contrasts with his cold, calculating demeanor, revealing a rare, almost humanizing moment. The Banana Daiquiri is creamy, sweet, and tropical, evoking the lush warmth of Havana while underscoring the tension and intrigue of Michael’s political maneuvering. Its fruity, smooth texture belies the danger lurking beneath the surface—a perfect metaphor for the Corleone family’s power plays.

Ingredients:
- Light rum
- Banana liqueur
- Fresh banana
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Crushed ice

Blue Milk – Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

When Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) sits down for a humble meal with his Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen on Tatooine, he’s seen drinking a glass of blue milk—one of the most iconic beverages in sci-fi history. Officially known as Bantha milk, this vibrant drink became an instant pop culture phenomenon, symbolizing the everyday life of a moisture farmer on a desert planet. Its colorful, otherworldly appearance made fans curious about its taste, which is imagined to be sweet and creamy, like a tropical milkshake. A funny party favor could be making these and serving them as shots for friends with these Star Wars Inspired Shot Glasses.

While the real version on set was just dyed milk, fans have crafted drinkable versions to capture the magic of the galaxy far, far away. Here’s a popular, tasty interpretation:

Ingredients:
- Coconut milk or whole milk
- Blue curaçao (for color and citrusy flavor, or blue food coloring for a non-alcoholic version)
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Crushed ice

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