AWARDS SEASON IS HERE AND IT’S TIME TO ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET AND CELEBRATE WITH FRIENDS. HERE ARE FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS TO PULLING IT OFF WITH STYLE, FEATURING INSIDER TIPS, PLUS RECIPES FROM ONE OF HOLLYWOOD’S HOTTEST CELEBRITY CHEFS, LULU POWERS.
Read MoreIn honor of the 86th Academy Awards this Sunday, March 2nd, I'm serving up sneekys inspired by each Best Picture Nominated film. Host a viewing party with easy appetizers and these sneekys. With all the great films nominated, there's sure to be a sneeky that speaks to everyone. Cheers!
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In 12 Years a Slave, Solomon Northup tries to fashion a pen and ink out of wood and blackberries in a desperate attempt to reach his family in the North. I'm serving up a refreshing pitcher starring blackberries.
For a movie that has audience members thrilled and on the edge of their seats, George Clooney provides some comic relief by saying he knows where the Russian stash their vodka on board the Russian satellite. Inspired by the small role vodka plays in the movie, I'm serving up White Russians.
There are several food moments through Philomena as Philomena proves to be enthusiastic about food and drinks. The one that stood out to me is when she is offered a Buck's Fizz cocktail on the flight to Washington D.C.
Chill your Champagne & Orange Juice. Select a tall and elegant shaped champagne glasses! Pour about one third of orange juice into the glass first and then top up with champagne.
Beer plays a big role in the film Nebraska. Bruce Dern consumes a great deal of beer throughout the movie and is drunk once or twice. For beer buffs I recommend a good American craft beer such as Brooklyn Lager.
This movie was a little difficult to come up with a sneeky. I was ultimately inspired by how sentimental and romantic it was so I'm serving up this sweet, classic cosmo.
A skinny margarita for Ron Woodruff, an AIDS patient who smuggled unapproved pharmaceuticals into Texas when he found they improved his symptoms and distributed them to fellow patient. Cheers to you Ron!
Combine the silver tequila, lime juice and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice to the cocktail shaker and replace the lid. Shake the drink until the ingredients are well combined. Pour the drink into salted glasses.
A lavish twist on a classic martini to accompany a movie based on a beyond lavish lifestyle.
Muddle lime juice, jalapeno, and simple syrup. Add pomegranate juice, bourbon, and shake well. Strain into ice filled Collins glasses. And top with seltzer. Garnish with lime wheels and pomegranate seeds.
*Recipe courtesy of Huffington Post
For those of you who are always looking to try a new sneeky, the Oscars are the perfect excuse. Attendees may not be able to drink during the show but you sure can while watching from the comfort of your own home! I LOVE these cocktails that are inspired by this year's Best Picture Nominees. I don't know about you guys but the Grey Goose Le Blanc inspired by Les Miserables is right up my alley! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! (Photos and recipes courtesy of Hello Magazine)
True Story Cocktail inspired by Argo
Mixing Hollywood and politics, a seriously sophisticated cocktail with fresh citrus, cherry notes and a splash of glamour.
Ingredients: 2 parts Grey Goose L'Orange 1 part Maraschino liqueur 2½ parts Freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice 1 dash Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters™
Method: Combine ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with pink grapefruit peel.
Coco Django inspired by Django Unchained
The Oscar-nominated film's snow-covered mountains and a lead character's love of a quirky coconut drink are the inspiration for an exotic Grey Goose cocktail with a hint of spice and a fresh mint garnish.
Ingredients: 2 parts Grey Goose Le Citron 2 parts Coconut purée 1 part Falernum liqueur ½ part Freshly squeezed lime juice Splash of tonic water
Method: Build in a highball filled with crushed ice. Swizzle and top with a splash of tonic water. Garnish with a sprig of mint, clapping it first between your hands to release flavour.
Grey Goose Le Blanc inspired by Les Miserables
Ingredients: Two parts Grey Goose vodka One part Noilly Prat Dry vermouth One wedge of freshly squeezed lemon juice Splash of ginger ale
Method: Measure two parts of Grey Goose vodka and pour over ice in a wine glass Add one part Noilly Prat which adds a touch of spice Pour in a splash of Ginger Ale Squeeze the juice of a wedge of lemon directly into the drink, using a pick Stir and serve
Ingredients: 1½ parts Grey Goose vodka ½ part Applejack ½ part Freshly squeezed lime juice ½ part Cinnamon syrup 3 parts Cloudy apple juice
Method: Build in a highball filled with cubed ice. Garnish with a long, elegant cinnamon stick.
