It’s that time again to put to much faith in the Academy and try to pick and predict who is going home with the gold this year! In the video above, you can check out who I want to win and who I think will win (two very different things).

But if you’re looking to throw an Oscars party this year and want a few themed drinks for the occasion, below I have provided a few cocktails I made last year that are inspired by films that are up for awards this season. Be sure to check them out, and let me know who you want to see win big this year!

GALINDA FIZZ (Wicked)

Known for being bubbly (both in personality and as a motif) Galinda felt like a great subject to center a cocktail around. I decided to do some experimenting with bubblegum flavored vodka, a flavor that may be divisive as it’s not a typically culinary ingredient. But, when paired with cooling peppermint and sweet raspberry, I think it creates something magical. To really up the magic of the cocktail (along with its sweetness and color), I made a sparkling wand from a Blowpop and pink sanding sugar that you can use as a stirring device that also adds a little bit of sweetness to the cocktail!

INGREDIENTS

• 2oz bubblegum-infused vodka
• 1/2oz lemon juice
• 1/2oz peppermint schnapps
• 1/2oz raspberry liqueur
• Top: Soda water
• Garnish: Pink sugar coated Blowpop

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add ingredients to a tall glass, with the soda water being last.
2. Coat your Blowpop with the sugar, using either lemon juice or your own saliva (if you’re making the drink for yourself)
3. Stir the drink with the Blowpop, adding additional sugar if you’d like to play with the color.
4. Add ice.

HIPPOCRAS (Gladiator II)

Did you know it’s incredibly easy to drink like the Romans did? Hippocras is a spiced wine concoction that has survived generations as a sort of mulled wine. Unlike mulled wine, however, this does not require a stovetop. Simply combine the ingredients, let them sit, and then serve hot, cold or room temperature. The spices come together in a Christmasy blend, while the sugar helps to sweeten it for those who don’t like their drinks too dry. The original recipe differs from this slightly, though this was made to be as accessible as possible. Most of these ingredients might be sitting in your spice rack right now!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle red wine (dry wine preferably, like a pinot noir)
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 inches peeled ginger
• 1/4tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 black peppercorns
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 1/2 cup sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine ingredients in a sealable container and let sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
2. Strain out left over spice remnants.
3. Serve at room temperature, or can be stored in the fridge to chill or heated on a saucepan.

PINK RUSSIAN (Anora)

The Pink Russian is a bit of a riff on the White Russian, which substitutes coffee flavors for chocolate and almond, alongside the modification of strawberry cream. This creates a delicious dessert cocktail that’s incredibly approachable, sweet and a tad fruity. A perfect winter or post-Vegas wedding drink, and even if you come to regret the marriage, you’ll never regret having this!

INGREDIENTS

• 2oz vanilla vodka
• 1oz strawberry cream
• 1/2oz creme de cacao
• 1/2oz amaretto

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all ingredients to a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir to combine.

THE ACTIVATOR (The Substance)

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect? Well, there’s no miracle cure to achieve that, but you know what has been making people looking better than they actually are since the beginning of man? Alcohol! The Activator will unlock that better you, all it takes is one (or two, I’m not your mom) injections. This fun, bright green cocktail is modeled after the titular substance in the film, packing a bright, citrusy flavor with a little bit of spice. To inject this beauty straight into your esophagus, I highly recommend using a fun cocktail syringe. Just don’t go too crazy; what is lost can not be reclaimed, including your dignity.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5oz tequila
• 3/4oz Midori
• 3/4oz chili liqueur
• 1oz orange juice
• 1/2oz simple syrup
• 1/2oz lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add ingredients to shaker and shake with ice.
2. Strain into glass over fresh ice.

PROXIMUS CAESAR (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes)

What a wonderful day! Aren’t we grateful to be living in a time where our gracious ape overlords allow us to enjoy a sweet treat for the summer? Named after the pompous villain of the film, the Proximus Caesar is essentially a boozy banana smoothie given a bit of richness thanks to coffee liqueur, as well as a bit of burn thanks to two different rums. Simply throw the ingredients in a blender to create this great achievement in ape advancement! Now is the time to return to monke.

INGREDIENTS

• 2oz rum
• 1/2oz overproof rum
• 1.5oz coconut cream
• 1.5oz coffee liqueur
• 3/4oz lime juice
• 1/2 banana
• Garnish: Mint sprig
• Garnish: Caramelized banana slice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add ingredients to a blender along with 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour into copper julep mug (or regular cocktail glass if preferred).
3. Garnish with mint sprig and caramelized banana slice.

WATER OF LIFE (Dune Part 2)

The Water of Life is drunk by incoming Reverend Mothers, a high ranking position among the Fremen that Lady Jessica finds herself slotted into. Don’t let its electric blue sheen fool you; it’s a highly dangerous poison that will kill most men who drink it. Oh, and it’s worm piss. Piss from a worm. For this cocktail I wanted to tap into the middle eastern inspirations that influenced the design of the Fremen, and to do that we’re going to be using a popular Middle Eastern anise-flavored liqueur called arak, as well as a blend of spices to give this a bit of a kick. It’s quite the unique cocktail, one that may leave you seeing the future if you’re not careful. Just know you can’t blame me for any holy wars you may enact.

Potion Bottles

Ingredients

• 3/4oz arak
• 3/4ozoz blue curacao
• 1oz mezcal
• 1/4oz – 1/2oz baharat simple syrup
• 1/2oz lemon juice
• 1oz coconut water

Baharat Simple Syrup Recipe

• 2tbsp cumin
• 1tbsp black pepper
• 1tbsp coriander
• 1tbsp paprika
• 1tsp cardamon
• 1/2tsp cloves
• 1/2tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Add ingredients to a shaker and shake with ice.
2. Strain into cocktail glass.