In the magically detailed world of Wes Anderson, everything from the Futura font to the color of Mendl’s box plays a multi-faceted role in the films. Prompting us with both visual and storyline cues, even cocktails take part, signaling us to a character’s idiosyncratic personality. From Steve Zissou’s simple Campari on the rocks in The Life Aquatic to the ubiquitous Bloody Mary, enjoyed by both Richie in The Royal Tenenbaums and Natalie Portman’s unnamed character in the short Hotel Chevalier, a character’s choice in drink tells us a little more about who they are, via Mr. Anderson.
In that spirit, we’ve gathered an elite team of San Diego’s top mixologists worthy of a Zissou mission to create cocktails based on their favorite Anderson flick. The genius of liquid scientists meets the genius of Wes Anderson? I’ll drink to that.
Madame D
by Christian Siglin, Banker’s Hill Bar + Restaurant
Inspired by The Grand Budapest Hotel
A nod to the film’s “location” and the swirling white beehive of Tilda Swinton
Ingredients
1.25 oz ?ubrówka Bison Grass Vodka
.75 oz Becherovka (an herbal bitters from the Czech Republic)
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz vanilla syrup
Directions: Shake, strain, & serve in Collins glass, top with soda water. Garnish with a lime wheel and Luxardo cherry.
The Internship
by Eric Johnson, Sycamore Den
Inspired by The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
A clever twist on the simple Intern-made Campari on the rocks. “I picture someone drinking this while standing on the deck looking for Jaguar sharks.” -Eric
Ingredients
1 oz Campari
1 oz Pavan French liquer (from Muscat grapes & orange blossom)
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
.25 oz simple syrup
Directions: Shake, strain, & serve in Collins glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Stop Motion
by Chris Burkett, CUSP Dining & Drinks
