Just because you’re not attending the Oscars doesn’t mean you can’t dine and drink like a star. Don Julio, the official Oscars drink partner for 2026, has come up with a menu of four creative cocktails that your favorite Hollywood celebrities will be sipping on during the Governors Ball, the official Oscars afterparty. Fortunately, they’ve also released a detailed menu that tells you exactly how you can make these cocktails for your awards season watch party at home.
This year, Don Julio is partnering with Bar Leone to make the signature Oscars drinks. Bar Leone and mixologist Charles Joly each created two cocktails that will be served at the Governors Ball. Here’s how to make them yourself.
Don Julio
1. Best in Show
Preparing for the Governors Ball will apparently require so many cucumbers that they could span the length of the Santa Monica pier—and it’s all thanks to the Best in Show cocktail. Mix an ounce of Tequila Don Julio Blanco with half an ounce of Italian Aperitif. The cocktail also calls for .33 ounces of dry vermouth. Elderflower liqueur, half an ounce of cucumber syrup, 0.67 ounces of fresh lime juice, and five ounces of sparkling water finish off the drink.
To serve, prepare a highball glass by rimming it with Mexican salt and adding ice. Garnish the drink with a slice of cucumber.
Don Julio
2. Golden Cut Margarita
The classic margarita is getting a unique upgrade for the Governors Ball this year. The Golden Cut Margarita is made with 30ml of Tequila Don Julia Reposado, a dash of gin, 7.5ml of fresh lime juice, 15ml of simple syrup, and two dashes of grapefruit bitters. Mix these ingredients with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over a single large ice cube. The citrusy margarita gets a slice of toasted baby corn for a garnish.
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Don Julio
3. The Sequel
The Sequel is an espresso martini lover’s new best friend. To make it, you’ll shake 5 oz of Tequila Don Juli 1942 with 5 oz of Oaxacan Coffee Cold Brew, .33 oz of Piloncillo Cinnamon Cacao Syrup, three dashes of vanilla bitters, and five drops of salt water (this cocktail calls for some truly precise measurements). Strain the entire mixture into a coupe glass. At the Governors Ball, Don Julio will finish this cocktail with gold vanilla edible paint. If you don’t have this ingredient in your pantry, try dipping the rim in vanilla syrup or vanilla sugar instead.
Don Julio
4. Maestro Martini
The martini is having a moment, so it’s no surprise this drink is hitting the red carpet at the Oscars this year. The Maestro Martini has a hint of fruit and a giant orange peel garnish. Shake 35ml of Tequila Don Julia 70 Cristalino Añejo with 20ml Bianco vermouth, 3.5ml banana liqueur, and—you guessed it—seven drops of salt water. A clove of orange peel is the finishing garnish on this gorgeous cocktail, served in a classic coupe glass.