The BAFTAs are fast approaching, with a host of A-list stars including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set to descend upon London for the prestigious awards ceremony. Also on the night's agenda is the Weinstein Company's glamorous afterparty, which has seen the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Bradley Cooper, Viola Davis and Bradley Cooper attending in past years.
Grey Goose has been creating unique cocktails as the Weinstein bash for six years, but this time the vodka brand is shaking things up by inviting five of London's top mixologists to create BAFTA-inspired cocktails for the star-studded affair. Looking to the nominated films for inspiration – including Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's critically-acclaimed La La Land – the drinks gurus from Sexy Fish, Soho House, Nightjar, The Savoy and The London Edition have created a host of exclusive drinks for the stars to sip on.
so you can have your own BAFTA party at home…
There are six exclusive cocktails for the BAFTA afterparty
"We've had awesome feedback from our famous guests," Joe McCanta, Grey Goose's Global Ambassador, told HELLO!. "I wouldn't say that there are distinct trends or styles in what celebrities are drinking, but that a lot of actors are really clear about what they like – and they're not afraid to order it. I think that's quite cool."
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While Joe is no stranger to whipping up delicious cocktails for clients, he revealed that he was once taken aback by Angelina Jolie's drinks order – and quickly improvised. "We held an event at the London Edition Hotel, and Angelina Jolie ordered a White Russian out of the blue," he reminisced. "We were all searching for cream all over the bar to make her a Grey Goose White Russian, because nobody had made one for ages!"
While he's served plenty of A-listers, there's one encounter that's particularly unforgettable for Joe. "I also made a drink for Tony Bennett at the Ivy based on his tastes, and ended up mixing Grey Goose, St-Germain, a peach liquer and just a splash of champagne to give it a fizz," he said. "I'll never forget his reaction, because he’s one of my favourite jazz singers and a real connection to his era. There’s also a long history of celebrities and the martini, where they will have their own version of the martini; Roger Moore will only drink Grey Goose in a vodka martini."
The stars will be sipping on vodka cocktails inspired by the nominated films
"I had another former-Bond once walk into The American Bar and ask for a martini," added Erik Lorincz, one of the mixologists working on the collaboration. "Some roles don't leave actors, I think."
MORE: Find out what's on the menu for the stars at the BAFTAs
Creating cocktails inspired by this year's nominated films has been an exciting project for the drinks gurus. "We’re really lucky to have these amazing bartenders," Joe explained. "Usually I create all the drinks for the after party, which is tough because you’re trying to nail the theme while catering to all different tastes. This was a real break in convention for us, but worked out so well. Every bartender is incredibly creative and has their own style."
As for the experts' top tip for mixing the perfect drink for long, glamorous nights out? "Keep it simple," advised Tony Pescatori, Head Bartender at Nightjar. "I see a lot of celebrities sticking to simple drinks, with ladies in particular choosing something longer and more refreshing so they can stay the course!"
