I am a huge Academy Awards fangirl; I await the nominations announcement like a kid at Christmastime. And for the month following, I spend my free time curled up in the backs of dark theaters, watching as many nominees as I can, soaking in the performances and comparing my own thoughts to the industry’s critiques.
And that’s just before the ceremony itself. On Oscar night, I love to throw parties to gather friends and watch together—formal attire required, monetary bets placed on printed ballots, and plenty of themed eats. It’s such a great excuse for celebration, usually in the dead of winter when extra merriment is so welcome. Unsurprisingly, a themed cocktail is nothing short of mandatory.
This year, though, I’ve felt a little meh about the Oscars. I’m not sure if it’s because none of the films really resonated with me or what, but I’m taking in this year’s screening without much jubilation. That doesn’t mean I won’t have a cocktail in hand (even if I am eating take-out in my sweats); a great cocktail does not require an occasion, if you ask me.
I was trying to come up with a good prosecco-based drink, but none stuck out at me. So I decided to go with a frothy something-or-other, and spotted a cocktail called the White Lady from Food52. I’ve only slightly adapted it here, as I wanted to keep it simple and include ingredients most will already have in their barsinal (heh!).
Enjoy the show! If nothing else, NPH as host guarantees a good time, right?
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The Golden Gent
makes 2 cocktails
- 3 oz gin
- 2 oz Cointreau
- 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 egg whites
Assembly
Add all ingredients except egg whites to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until cold, about 20 seconds. Add egg whites to shaker and shake again until frothy, another 20 seconds. Strain into a martini or coupe.
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Barware notes: I’ve DIYed these chalkboard paint glasses for my sisters—they make a great gift. Simply tape off the base of a martini or coupe class, spray paint with chalkboard paint, and let dry overnight. Use chalk or chalkboard pens to write the names of your guests on the base. Super cute and no one loses their glass during the party!
The juicer was a 99-cent Crate & Barrel Outlet find. Gold tray was picked up at the Alameda Antiques Faire. Striped napkins and mini clipboard are from Target. Popcorn box and clapboard are from Party City.