It’s the end of awards season and the Oscars are finally here to honor the brightest and best films of 2022. Whether you’re all dolled up and tuning in live from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California, or sitting on your couch in sweats in New York City, there’s nothing like a glass of something special to kick off Hollywood’s biggest night.
And why not get a little creative with your drink selection? If you’re just there to watch Rihanna perform (because you couldn’t get enough of her at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show), maybe try a celebratory glass of something sparkling. If you just can’t wait to see who walks home with the award for best picture (we’re particularly fans of Everything Everywhere All at Once) try an award-themed cocktail, like this Everything Bagel-Inspired Martini (if you know, you know).
Or, if you want take it easy (Sunday is a school night, folks) you can still cheers to your favorite movies, Jimmy Kimmel’s opening number or even your favorite presenters (Emily Blunt, Jennifer Connelly, Samuel L. Jackson, Melissa McCarthy and more) with a non-alcoholic beer or zero-proof cocktail.
Still not sure what to pour when the 95th Academy Awards kicks off? We asked the Wine Enthusiast team what they’re really drinking this year for awards night. And the Oscar goes to…
Oscars-Inspired Sips
“Champers might stereotypically be the go-to drink for celebrations like the Oscars, but I’ll be raising an everything bagel spice-rimmed dirty martini in honor of my favorite film of the year, Everything Everywhere All at Once. (A big part of the plot revolves around an everything bagel—you’ve just got to see it.) It might sound odd at first, but everything bagel spice, an umami-rich blend of poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and salt, is an inspired complement to a briny, olive juice-forward martini. Vanderpump À Paris in Las Vegas—which, yes, is the brainchild of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump—serves one, and suffice to say, I’m obsessed. Look, genius can come from anywhere (also everywhere, all at once).”— Rachel Tepper Paley, Digital Managing Editor
“If I were to watch the Oscars, I’d probably pull some bottles made by award-winning female winemakers, like Nicole Hitchcock of J Vineyards and Winery (a Wine Enthusiast’s 20223 Winemaker of the Year) to highlight the fact that no women directors were nominated for Academy Awards this year.” —John Capone, Managing Editor, Print
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
“Here’s the thing: Sunday night award shows really like to tantalize the Sunday scaries. Add alcohol and I might be the one getting slapped this year. With that said, I’ll close my personal tab after a glass of wine at dinner and go for a non-alcoholic cocktail of some sort during the show. I love a simple whiskey drink, so something like our Spiritless “Whiskey” Sour would be sure to do the trick.” —Samantha Sette, Digital Web Producer
“The Oscars come on a ‘school’ night so with my popcorn I will be popping the top on a couple of Lagunitas IPNAs. These are the best alcohol-free beverage I have found. They taste a lot like an IPA and have a similar body and mouth feel. I have never tasted a decent N/A wine and I refuse the idea of an N/A spirit, but I am happy with the IPNA. For a second choice, Clausthaler Dry Hopped is very decent and easy to find.”—Jim Gordon, Senior Tasting Editor
Something Sparkling
“I’ll drink Rose Champagne during the Oscars and pretend it’s the official celebratory bubbly Fleur de Miraval. It’s super expensive.” –Anna-Christina Cabrales, Tasting Director
“I don’t need many reasons to break out some sparkling wines, but the Oscars is definitely the perfect occasion. I’ll be toasting the winners with this Rosé Pétillant Naturel (Pét Nat).” —Kristen Richard, Digital Editor
“I’m a huge fan of Cabernet Franc, but my guests at my Oscars watch party want something a little lighter. We will be drinking the 2017 HORSES from Macari Vineyards. It’s a Cabernet Franc Pét Nat. It’s a wonderful sipping wine that pairs well with a variety of bites we’re having at the watch party.”— Jacy Topps, Assistant Editor
“There’s no time like the Oscars to feel a little fancy, so even though I’ll be watching in my sweats, I’ll be sipping on some celebratory sparkling wine. My pick: Mionetto NV Brut Prestige Prosecco. It’s a crisp, acidic and light bottle of bubbly that won’t break the bank.” –Arielle Weg, Senior Digital Editor
Published: March 6, 2023
