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6 Film-Inspired Drinks From L.A. Bars
Lights, Camera, Cocktails The L.A. bar scene tackles film-inspired tipples BY KARA NEWMANPHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID K. PENGSTYLING BY RYAN NORTON Los Angeles is famously an industry town—and one that likes to imbibe. What happens when the city’s top bartenders create drinks inspired by their favorite movie genres? These inventive drinks—photographed at the bars where each [...] Read More... The post 6 Film-Inspired Drinks From L.A. Bars appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.
Lights, Camera, Cocktails
The L.A. bar scene tackles film-inspired tipples
BY KARA NEWMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID K. PENG
STYLING BY RYAN NORTON
Los Angeles is famously an industry town—and one that likes to imbibe. What happens when the city’s top bartenders create drinks inspired by their favorite movie genres?
These inventive drinks—photographed at the bars where each was created—are red-carpet ready, ranging from an elegant sipper inspired by silver-screen classics to a refresher that channels beach-film hijinks. There’s even a quirky, moody nightcap of which we think David Lynch would approve. Grab some popcorn—it’s showtime.
Stardust Royale
It’s easy to imagine characters from Hollywood’s Silver Screen era sipping this sophisticated Royale, a drink style topped up with sparkling wine.
The Black Lodge
This cocktail’s rye whiskey is meant to evoke the smoky, woodsy vibes of the Pacific Northwest, with a dash of Twin Peaks mystery.
The Second Woman
Floral gin takes a gritty turn thanks to salty bar nuts, embodying the Bukowski-esque personalities often found in Hollywood’s American New Wave era.
Longan’s Rum
With yellow Chartreuse, red dragonfruit and longan, this stunner takes inspiration from the futuristic flick Logan’s Run.
The Great Conjunction
If you’re into dreamy, adventurous sips with a dark side, this cocktail inspired by fantasy flick Dark Crystal is for you.
Ito Drinks
This play on a classic tiki cocktail offers complex layers and a Japanese white rum for an “all-island” connection.
This article originally appeared in the May 2025 Film issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!
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In the Shop
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