It had to happen. Will and Grace is coming back. If there were ever a TV event in need of a cocktail menu, folks, this would be it. Will and Grace was a quantum leap in network TV’s portrayal of gay principal characters (yeah, I know) and it scored over 80 Emmy nominations in its initial eight-season run. Beloved for its sharp writing and fabulosity-defining characters, it was always a comeback waiting to happen. Raise a glass to the effervescent but sharp human cocktail that is this show!
The potions below call out specific spirits they were used on a, um, test drive. (A responsible test drive, rest assured.) We at Paste believe in experimentation so by all means don’t feel constrained by brand names here. As much as every gin or rum or vermouth is a little bit different and will yield subtle differences in the finished product, the basic flavor profiles are there and you can and should consider these recipes templates if you have brand-loyalty issues.
The Classic Karen: Dirty Martini
Who would Karen Walker be without a martini in hand? We suggest shaking this classic, simple cocktail. It’s easy to make and even easier to throw back.
Ingredients
2.5 oz. Purus Organic vodka
.5 oz. Dry vermouth
.5 oz. Olive brine
Directions:Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain in chilled cocktail glass.
Just Jack’s Overproof Daq
Don’t let this simple cocktail fool you. Made with over-proof rum, this drink will hit you harder than a Karen and Jack slap fest.
Ingredients
2 oz. Diplomático Planas white rum
1 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
Directions:Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain in chilled cocktail glass.
Will & Tonic: Cucumber Gin &Tonic
?Will doesn’t get enough credit, which is sometimes your dharma when you’re the classy, sophisticated one. Or so I’ve heard. So toast to Will with this reliable classic, with an extra refreshing kick.
Ingredients
Thin slices of cucumber
Fresh mint leaves
¼ lime
1.5 oz. The London No.1 Gin
4 oz. tonic water
Directions: Muddle the cucumber and mint leaves. Add plenty of ice with the tonic water and London No. 1. Serve with cucumber slices and mint leaves.
Saving Grace: Paloma
We all know Grace has a wild side. So sip on this tequila cocktail to let your inner Grace out. This pink Paloma is the perfect complement to her fiery red hair.
Ingredients
2 oz. Blue Nectar Silver
1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
.5 oz. fresh lime juice
.25 oz. simple syrup
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (floated)
Club soda
Directions: Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and simple syrup into a Collins glass. Stir ingredients with ice. Top with club soda and then add the Peychaud’s bitters, creating an even float. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Toast to Rosario: Cava (or Champagne) on Ice
If you simply want to celebrate having our four favorite friends back in our homes, spend the night and toast the nostalgic feels. Pour crisp Dulce Anna cava on ice and celebrate the night in style. This also works well with Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial, which was crafter specifically to be served iced.
Ingredients
Dulce Anna
Ice
1 Orange
Directions: Pour Dulce Anna on the rocks in a coupette glass and add 2 slices of orange.
Will and Grace returns to NBC September 28 at 9:00!