2025 Oscars: A Celebration of Cinema and Perfect Cocktail Pairings

On March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards concluded in grand style at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, followed by the legendary Governors Ball—a convergence of Hollywood’s brightest stars and the artistry of mixology. Anora stole the spotlight, sweeping five major awards, while Tequila Don Julio, for the eighth consecutive year, remained the official spirits partner. The brand teamed up with world-renowned bartender Charles Joly and Handshake Speakeasy—the 2024 The World’s 50 Best Bars winner from Mexico City—to craft four unforgettable cocktails.

The Perfect Marriage of Cocktails and Cinema: Four Signature Creations

The backstage mixology marathon was nothing short of impressive, requiring 1,200 limes, 25,500 coffee beans, and 1,000 apples to meet the demand. Keeping every cocktail perfectly balanced on such a scale was a true test of craftsmanship.

Golden Age Gimlet

• 1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco
• 1.5 oz Fresh pineapple juice
• 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz Vanilla syrup

This cocktail, based on Tequila Don Julio Blanco, pays homage to the classic Gimlet, elevated with pineapple juice and vanilla syrup—like a timeless classic dressed in modern elegance. It mirrors the essence of the Oscars: a celebration of tradition with a touch of reinvention. As Anora’s director Sean Baker took home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, one can imagine the triumph of the moment being perfectly complemented by this refreshing yet sophisticated sip.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Bright citrus and tropical pineapple with a hint of warm vanilla.
• Palate: Smooth and refreshing, with a balance of sweet pineapple, zesty lime, and silky vanilla.
• Finish: Crisp and clean, with lingering vanilla and citrus notes.
• Overall: A vibrant and modern twist on a classic Gimlet, offering a tropical yet refined experience.

The Clear Winner

• 1.5 oz Don Julio Reposado
• 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz Tamarind syrup
• 1.5 oz Hibiscus tea

Crafted with Tequila Don Julio Reposado, this cocktail combines lime juice, grapefruit juice, tamarind syrup, and hibiscus tea. Its bold and complex flavors are as commanding as its name—The Clear Winner. It seems tailor-made for Adrien Brody, who claimed his second Best Actor award for The Brutalist. Brody’s nuanced and powerful performance resonates with the layered depth of this exquisite cocktail.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Earthy agave, tart hibiscus, and a touch of citrus.
• Palate: Rich and layered, with tangy grapefruit, deep tamarind sweetness, and floral hibiscus.
• Finish: Long and complex, with lingering spice and subtle oak from the reposado.
• Overall: A bold and dynamic cocktail, perfectly balancing tart, sweet, and floral elements.

A Toast to Hollywood’s Finest

( Standing Ovation)

( The Class Act)

Meanwhile, Standing Ovation, featuring Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, was mixed to celebrate Kieran Culkin’s breakthrough performance in A Real Pain, earning him the Best Supporting Actor award. The Class Act, starring the luxurious Tequila Don Julio 1942, exuded sophistication—much like its honoree, Zoe Saldaña, who made history as the first Dominican-American to win Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.

The Lasting Flavor of Victory

The 2025 Oscars were a night of cinematic brilliance and cocktail excellence. From Anora’s sweeping triumph and Brody’s regal return to Culkin and Saldaña’s heartfelt victories, each moment found a fitting counterpart in a masterfully crafted drink.

Whether the timeless Golden Age Gimlet, the bold Clear Winner, the celebratory Standing Ovation, or the refined Class Act, every cocktail told a story of passion and prestige.

For those looking to experience a taste of Hollywood magic, why not try these award-worthy cocktails at home? They are simple yet extraordinary—just like the unforgettable moments the Oscars deliver year after year.

source: DON JULIO