This year’s crop of Best Picture Oscar nominees for the 96th annual Academy Awards is a pretty unique group. So unique that their corresponding Oscar cocktails run the gamut from whiskey to soju.
If you’re planning on hosting an Oscar party this year and are stuck on what drinks to offer your guests, try out one of these cocktails, hand-picked to match up with each of the 10 Best Picture nominees. You can pick one of your favorites, or try a little bit of everything – it’s up to you!
Keep scrolling for a look at the nominees and their corresponding drinks.
“American Fiction” – Chenin Blanc
If you liked “American Fiction” – Cord Jefferson’s bracingly funny directorial debut – you might also like its main character’s drink of choice. Much like Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), this white wine is dry and elegant, but ready to do whatever necessary to keep you on your toes – like, say, write a parody of what passes for a stereotypically “Black” novel and watch it accidentally shoot to the top of the best seller list.
“Anatomy of a Fall” – French 75
Classic. Dependable. Always a good time. These words describe the gin/champagne cocktail the French 75, but they can also be applied to the courtroom drama. Our culture used to wait with baited breath for the next John Grisham adaptation, but Hollywood hasn’t been churning out legal thrillers quite like it used to as of late. Maybe that’s why “Anatomy of a Fall” feels like such a breath of fresh air. And pairing it with a French 75 will make it all the better. Check out this recipe from Bon Appétit.
“Barbie” – Cosmopolitan
From Madonna to Carrie Bradshaw, the Cosmo is a favorite of iconic women everywhere. And much like Barbie herself, a Cosmo is a girl’s girl. She’s there when you’re in need of a night out dancing, or when you want to catch up with an old friend, or when you need to complain to someone about your boyfriend playing Matchbox Twenty’s “Push” for the four hundredth time. Cosmo understands, and Bon Appétit has the perfect recipe.
“The Holdovers” – Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
“The Holdovers” is poised to become a standard Christmas favorite moving forward, so why not pair it with a Christmas-y drink? This Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail from A Couple Cooks combines the best of Christmas and winter flavors into a glass. We do, however, recommend that you maybe use something other than Jim Beam – however much Mr. Hunham (Paul Giamatti) might enjoy it.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” – Bourbon Elderflower Cocktail
In “Killers of the Flower Moon,” whiskey plays a central role in many a scene and the vice of more than a few characters. It’s the centerpiece drink during Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Molly’s (Lily Gladstone) first date of sorts. And it’s on the table every time evil is afoot. Try this recipe from Garnish with Lemon, with some elderflower for that floral twist.
“Maestro” – West Side Cocktail
Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” is far more interested in Leonard Bernstein’s relationship with his wife than in his work as a composer. But there is one tiny mention of Bernstein’s most well-known work, “West Side Story,” and that we must salute. In honor of the composer’s great musical, try this West Side cocktail on Oscar night.
“Oppenheimer” – Manhattan
If you didn’t think we could get much more obvious than a Cosmo for “Barbie,” think again! But if sipping on a Manhattan watching “Oppenheimer” (probably?) win Best Picture isn’t enough for you, here’s an extra bit of fun: If Cillian Murphy ends up winning Best Actor for the title role, do an Irish Car Bomb in his honor.
“Past Lives” – Soju Jello Shots
“Past Lives” is a movie about missed opportunities, about two people coming back together after years apart, about wondering, “What if?” However, it’s also a movie about being in your early 20s and constantly Skyping with your long-distance situationship. And what else did we all like to do in our early 20s, you might ask? If you answered jello shots, I like where your mind is headed. Try this jello shot recipe using the Korean alcohol Soju.
“Poor Things” – Bride of Frankenstein Cocktail
Bella Baxter’s road to self discovery might look a little different than the Bride of Frankenstein’s (in the sense that it actually exists). But I’m not going to turn down the chance to get to try this Vanilla Blackberry Champagne Cocktail from Pineapple & Coconut. Much like Bella herself, it combines a bunch of unique ingredients into one delectable confection.
“The Zone of Interest” – Gin Basil Smash
I’ll admit, I was having some trouble coming up with a cocktail for “The Zone of Interest,” which offers a glimpse into the lives of a Nazi commander and his family in their beautiful home – which happens to sit right on the edge of Auschwitz. A German cocktail seemed apt, and this Gin Basil Smash recipe sounded like it fit the ticket.
The Oscars will air Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. eastern on ABC.