The Favorite Cocktails of the Celebrities: Sip Like a Star

Cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re a statement, a vibe, and a glimpse into the glamorous lives of the rich and famous. From Hollywood A-listers to music icons and even royalty, celebrities have their go-to cocktails that reflect their personalities, lifestyles, and tastes. At Cocktails and Shots, we’re diving deep into the world of celebrity cocktails, uncovering the drinks that stars love to sip at red-carpet events, exclusive parties, or quiet nights at home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the favorite cocktails of celebrities, share their recipes, and give you tips on how to recreate these iconic drinks at home. Cheers to living like a star!

Why Celebrity Cocktails Matter

Celebrities influence trends in fashion, music, and even mixology. When a star endorses a cocktail, it often becomes a cultural phenomenon, inspiring bartenders and home mixologists alike. From the Cosmopolitan’s rise to fame thanks to Sex and the City to Taylor Swift’s lyrical nod to the Old Fashioned, celebrity cocktails capture the zeitgeist. These drinks aren’t just about flavor—they’re about storytelling, nostalgia, and aspiration. Whether it’s a classic cocktail with a modern twist or a custom creation, the drinks celebrities choose offer a window into their world.

In this article, we’ll cover the favorite cocktails of dozens of celebrities, from timeless icons like Humphrey Bogart to modern superstars like Beyoncé. We’ll include detailed recipes, garnishing tips, and insights into why these drinks resonate with the stars. Plus, we’ll link to resources on Cocktails and Shots to help you master the art of mixology. Let’s raise a glass and get started!

Classic Cocktails Loved by Hollywood Legends

Hollywood’s golden age was synonymous with elegance, and the cocktails of that era reflected that sophistication. Let’s start with the drinks favored by some of the most iconic figures in film history.

Humphrey Bogart: Scotch and Martinis

Humphrey Bogart, the star of Casablanca, was known for his love of Scotch and Martinis. Legend has it that on his deathbed, he quipped, “I should never have switched from Scotch to Martinis.” His Martini preference was classic: gin, a whisper of vermouth, and an olive garnish. Bogart also enjoyed a Black Velvet, a layered cocktail of stout and Champagne, which added a touch of decadence to his rugged persona.

Bogart’s Classic Martini Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and vermouth.
3. Stir gently for 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.

• Tip: For a Bogart-approved Martini, keep the vermouth minimal—“a whisper” is key.

For more classic cocktail recipes, check out our guide to Martinis on Cocktails and Shots.

Joan Crawford: Whisky Sour

Joan Crawford, the glamorous star of Mildred Pierce, favored a Whisky Sour made with Scotch at the American Bar at the Savoy in London. This sweet-tart cocktail perfectly balanced her bold yet refined persona.

Joan Crawford’s Whisky Sour Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Scotch whisky
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional, for froth)
• Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and dry-shake for 10 seconds (if using egg white).
2. Add ice and shake again for 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

• Tip: Use a high-quality Scotch for a smoother finish, and adjust the simple syrup to taste.

Modern Celebrities and Their Signature Sips

Today’s celebrities bring their own flair to the cocktail scene, often opting for drinks that reflect their personal brands or cultural influences. From pop stars to supermodels, here are some of the most notable modern celebrity cocktails.

Taylor Swift: Vodka and Diet Coke

Taylor Swift, the global pop sensation, revealed during a Vogue 73 Questions interview that her go-to drink is a twist on the classic rum and Coke—Vodka and Diet Coke. This simple yet refreshing highball is perfect for casual nights or pre-concert vibes. Swift also referenced the Old Fashioned in her 2017 song “Getaway Car,” hinting at her appreciation for whisky-based classics.

Taylor Swift’s Vodka and Diet Coke Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz Diet Coke
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, followed by the Diet Coke.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

• Tip: Use a premium vodka for a cleaner taste, and squeeze the lime for a zesty kick.

Oprah Winfrey: Pomegranate Rosé Martini

Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and tastemaker, shared her love for a Pomegranate Rosé Martini with Coveteur in 2017. This vibrant cocktail combines vodka, pomegranate juice, and Champagne rosé for a luxurious sip that’s as bold as Oprah herself. She’s also known to enjoy a Moscow Mule on vacation, served in its signature copper mug.

Oprah’s Pomegranate Rosé Martini Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz Champagne rosé
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Shake vodka, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice with ice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Top with Champagne rosé.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

• Tip: Chill the glass beforehand for an extra-refreshing experience.

Jennifer Aniston: Don Julio Margarita

Jennifer Aniston, America’s sweetheart, is a fan of a classic Margarita made with Don Julio 1942 tequila. She once praised her ex-husband Justin Theroux’s recipe, which skips sugary mixers for a pure, agave-forward flavor. This clean, citrusy cocktail is perfect for sipping poolside or at a chic Hollywood gathering.

Jennifer Aniston’s Don Julio Margarita Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Don Julio 1942 tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Rim a rocks glass with salt (optional).
2. Shake tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau with ice.
3. Strain into the glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

• Tip: Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor, and adjust Cointreau for sweetness.

For a deeper dive into Margaritas, explore our Margarita recipe collection on Cocktails and Shots.

Kate Moss: French 76

Supermodel Kate Moss has a penchant for the French 76, a vodka-based twist on the classic French 75. She told Vogue in 2012 that the drink, served at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris, is “the best drink ever.” The cocktail’s effervescence and subtle sweetness make it a favorite for glamorous nights out.

Kate Moss’s French 76 Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 1 oz vodka
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz Champagne
• Lemon twist for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Shake vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled flute.
3. Top with Champagne.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

• Tip: Use a dry Champagne to balance the sweetness, and serve immediately to preserve the bubbles.

Rihanna: Jameson and Ginger

Rihanna, the Barbadian superstar, keeps it real with her go-to cocktail: Jameson and Ginger. She told Capital FM that she loves this simple whisky-based drink, especially when paired with a meal. It’s approachable, flavorful, and perfect for a laid-back vibe.

Rihanna’s Jameson and Ginger Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
• 4 oz ginger ale
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, followed by the ginger ale.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

• Tip: Add a splash of fresh lime juice for extra zing.

Celebrity Chefs and Their Cocktail Picks

Celebrity chefs are masters of flavor, so it’s no surprise they have discerning tastes in cocktails. Here’s what some of the biggest names in the culinary world sip when they’re off the clock.

Ina Garten: Whiskey Sour

The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, is known for her crowd-pleasing recipes, but her personal favorite is a tart Whiskey Sour. She shared her recipe on her website, using Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and garnishing with Maraschino cherries. Garten also gained fame for her giant Cosmopolitans during the pandemic, proving she’s a cocktail queen.

Ina Garten’s Whiskey Sour Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a cherry.

• Tip: Experiment with bourbon for a richer flavor profile.

Gordon Ramsay: Wake Up, You Donkey

Gordon Ramsay’s larger-than-life personality shines through in his favorite cocktail, the Wake Up, You Donkey. Named after his colorful insults on shows like Hell’s Kitchen, this tequila-based drink includes cider, honey, and elderflower, with a lime garnish. Ramsay shared the recipe on The Tonight Show in 2016.

Gordon Ramsay’s Wake Up, You Donkey Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz apple cider
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Shake tequila, cider, honey syrup, and elderflower liqueur with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

• Tip: Adjust the honey syrup for desired sweetness, and use a reposado tequila for depth.

Giada De Laurentiis: Amaro Cocktail

Italian chef Giada De Laurentiis calls her amaro cocktail “soda for grown-ups.” Shared on her website, this refreshing drink combines bitter amaro liqueur, lime, and ginger ale for a light, herbaceous sip that’s perfect for summer.

Giada’s Amaro Cocktail Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz amaro (Cynar or St. Agrestis recommended)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 3 oz ginger ale
• Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the amaro and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger ale and stir gently.

• Tip: Try different amaros for varying flavor profiles, from citrusy to herbal.

Musicians and Their Party-Ready Cocktails

Musicians often live life in the fast lane, and their cocktail choices reflect their bold, creative spirits. Here’s what some chart-toppers are drinking.

Justin Timberlake: Pepino

Justin Timberlake told Bon Appétit that his warm-weather favorite is the Pepino, a tequila-based cocktail with cucumber, pineapple juice, and Grand Marnier. It’s a refreshing, summery drink that’s perfect for barbecues or beach parties.

Justin Timberlake’s Pepino Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz cucumber juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
• Cucumber slice for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

• Tip: Blend fresh cucumber with a splash of water and strain for homemade cucumber juice.

Beyoncé: Red Wine

While Beyoncé is often associated with red wine (she’s been spotted sipping it at events), her husband, Jay-Z, prefers Armand de Brignac Champagne. For a cocktail twist, try a red wine-based drink like a New York Sour, which combines whisky, red wine, and lemon juice.

New York Sour Recipe (Inspired by Beyoncé)

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz red wine
• Instructions:

1. Shake whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
3. Float red wine on top by pouring over the back of a spoon.

• Tip: Use a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon for a dramatic float.

Royalty and Their Regal Cocktails

Even royalty enjoys a well-crafted cocktail. From Queen Elizabeth to Princess Beatrice, here’s what the royals sip.

Queen Elizabeth: Gin and Dubonnet

The late Queen Elizabeth reportedly enjoyed a Gin and Dubonnet cocktail, a simple yet elegant drink with two parts Dubonnet Rouge, one part Gordon’s dry gin, and a lemon slice. It’s a refreshing aperitif fit for a monarch.

Queen Elizabeth’s Gin and Dubonnet Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Dubonnet Rouge
• 1 oz Gordon’s dry gin
• Lemon slice for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Dubonnet and gin.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice.

• Tip: Serve chilled for a crisp, refreshing drink.

Princess Beatrice: Casamigos Paloma

Princess Beatrice’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, was once an ambassador for Casamigos tequila, co-founded by George Clooney. A Casamigos Paloma, with its bright grapefruit and lime notes, is a regal yet approachable choice.

Casamigos Paloma Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz Casamigos Blanco tequila
• 1 oz grapefruit juice
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz agave nectar
• Grapefruit soda to top
• Instructions:

1. Shake tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar with ice.
2. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
3. Top with grapefruit soda.

• Tip: Garnish with a grapefruit wedge for a vibrant presentation.

Celebrity-Owned Liquor Brands and Cocktails

Many celebrities don’t just drink cocktails—they create their own liquor brands. Here are a few stars who’ve ventured into the spirits world and the cocktails they inspire.

George Clooney: Casamigos Margarita

George Clooney co-founded Casamigos tequila, and his favorite way to enjoy it is in a classic Margarita. This clean, agave-forward drink is a staple at Hollywood parties.

George Clooney’s Casamigos Margarita Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Casamigos Blanco tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

• Tip: Rim the glass with salt for a traditional touch.

Ryan Reynolds: Aviation Gin and Tonic

Ryan Reynolds, the charming star of Deadpool, owns Aviation American Gin. His go-to drink is a simple Gin and Tonic, which highlights the gin’s botanical notes.

Ryan Reynolds’ Gin and Tonic Recipe

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz Aviation American Gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, followed by the tonic water.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

• Tip: Use a premium tonic water to elevate the drink.

Tips for Hosting a Celebrity-Inspired Cocktail Party

Want to throw a party that feels like a Hollywood gala? Here are some tips to channel celebrity vibes with your cocktails:

• Curate a Diverse Menu: Include a mix of classic (Martini, Margarita) and modern (French 76, Pepino) cocktails to cater to all tastes.
• Invest in Glassware: Use copper mugs for Moscow Mules, flutes for Champagne-based drinks, and rocks glasses for whisky cocktails.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Elevate your drinks with fresh herbs, citrus twists, or edible flowers for that red-carpet flair.
• Set the Mood: Create a playlist with songs by artists like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake to keep the energy high.
• Offer Non-Alcoholic Options: Include mocktails inspired by celebrity cocktails for guests who prefer alcohol-free drinks.

Conclusion: Drink Like a Star

From Humphrey Bogart’s Martini to Taylor Swift’s Vodka and Diet Coke, celebrity cocktails offer a taste of glamour and personality. Whether you’re drawn to the sophistication of a French 76 or the simplicity of a Jameson and Ginger, these drinks let you sip like the stars. At Cocktails and Shots, we’re passionate about helping you master mixology, so explore our site for more recipes, tips, and inspiration. Try these celebrity cocktails at your next gathering, and let us know which one’s your favorite. Cheers to living the high life!