The tequila brand Don Julio is once again participating in the official Oscar celebration this year, inviting Lorenzo Antinori, co-founder of the Hong Kong bar Bar Leone, and mixologist Charles Joly to collaboratively design a bespoke cocktail menu. They will craft four special cocktails for guests at the Governor’s Ball following the awards ceremony. Bar Leone recently claimed the top spot in the The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking for 2025, and this time Lorenzo Antinori is bringing the bar’s concept to Los Angeles, blending various Don Julio tequila offerings to create a complete flavor narrative for Hollywood’s annual highlight.
This cocktail menu features four unique creations: the Best in Show and Golden Cut Margarita crafted by Lorenzo Antinori, alongside Master Martini and The Sequel designed by Charles Joly. Each cocktail uses a different Don Julio base—Don Julio Blanco, Don Julio Reposado, Don Julio 70 Cristalino, and Don Julio 1942—showcasing distinct flavor profiles through various ingredients and mixing techniques.
The cocktail centers around Don Julio Blanco, complemented by Italian aperitif, dry vermouth, elderflower liqueur, and cucumber syrup, finished with fresh lime juice and soda water. The recipe includes 1 ounce of Don Julio Blanco, 1/2 ounce of Italian aperitif, 1/3 ounce of dry vermouth, a splash of elderflower liqueur, 1/2 ounce of cucumber syrup, and 2/3 ounce of lime juice, topped off with 1 1/2 ounces of soda water. The cucumber and herbal notes create a refreshing, bubbly character, adorned with a rim of Mexican salt and decorated with slices of cucumber, bringing a light and layered structure to the drink.
Another variation, Golden Cut Margarita, is based on Don Julio Reposado, infused with a hint of Mexican corn-flavored liqueur, sour grape juice, lime juice, and syrup, elevated with grapefruit bitters for added aroma. The recipe includes 1 ounce of Don Julio Reposado, a splash of Mexican corn-flavored liqueur, 1/4 ounce of sour grape juice, a dash of lime juice, 1/2 ounce of syrup, and 2 dashes of grapefruit bitters. Once completed, it’s garnished with roasted mini corn, merging the grainy aroma with the woodsy notes of the tequila, giving this twist on the classic Margarita a delightful salty and toasted grain essence.
Charles Joly showcases two pieces with more pronounced styles. Master Martini features Don Julio 70 Cristalino as the star, utilizing its clear body and mature flavors to create a clean and precise Martini structure, presenting a distinctly refined taste. Meanwhile, the grand finale, The Sequel, selects Don Julio 1942, drawing inspiration from coffee elements. This cocktail has deeper layers, boasting rich roasted and sweet aromas that contrast beautifully with the refreshing styles of the previous two.
To match the grandeur of the official Oscars party, the mixology team needs to prepare a massive amount of ingredients and drinks the night before the event. The entire cocktail menu demands a staggering quantity of supplies, including vast amounts of coffee beans, cucumbers, and tequila, ensuring that they can mix thousands of cocktails throughout the party. Ranging from light and refreshing to rich and deep, the entire selection showcases the diverse possibilities of mixology through the unique characteristics of different Don Julio tequilas.
In addition to allowing on-site guests to savor these four cocktails, the brand has also shared some of the recipes, inviting viewers to try mixing the same drinks at home. With simple ratios and ingredient combinations, the Oscar party vibe can be extended into everyday gatherings, showcasing the versatility of Don Julio tequila in cocktail creation.
