There was a time when on-screen cocktails were mere props—James Bond had his martini, Carrie Bradshaw her cosmopolitan, and Don Draper whatever was within reach. But in today's television landscape, drinks have evolved from accessories to central characters, blending fiction with our own sipping realities.
From Screen to Sip: The New Era of Cocktail Culture
The White Lotus & Four Seasons: When a TV Show Becomes a Bar Concept
If The White Lotus has taught us anything, it’s that the ultra-rich love two things: drama and good cocktails. HBO’s collaboration with Four Seasons brings this to life, transforming the show’s signature drinks into real-world menu items across the brand’s global properties. In celebration of the third season of HBO's The White Lotus, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have launched exclusive bar takeovers and themed experiences across select properties worldwide.
At the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the beachside CoCoRum Bar has been transformed into "The White Lotus Bar" from February 17 to May 16, 2025. Guests can indulge in a special cocktail menu featuring drinks inspired by the show's filming locations:
- Pineapple Suite: A tropical cocktail reflecting the flavors of Hawaii, reminiscent of Season 1's Maui setting.
- The Lotus: A drink capturing the romantic essence of Sicily, inspired by Season 2's Taormina locale.
- Coconut Paradise: A cocktail blending the sweet aroma of coconut with Thai pandan leaves, representing the serene beaches of Koh Samui from Season 3.
Bridgerton & Tanqueray: When Gin Goes Full Regency
Bridgerton and Tanqueray threw out the tea and turned teatime into T-Time, a Regency-inspired gin fest starring Joe Jonas, Jonathan Bailey, and comedian Phoebe Robinson. The campaign made gin feel indulgent, playful, and right at home in the opulent Bridgerton universe.
Emily in Paris: When a TV Drink Becomes a Real-Life Best Seller
Emily in Paris is basically an Instagram feed in show form, so it makes sense that its signature cocktail, the Kir Royale, became a must-have in real life. The show’s collaboration with Chamère turned the drink into a ready-to-drink product, while Lillet launched Emily in Paris-branded bottles, letting fans sip their way into Parisian fantasy.
Hollywood’s Cocktail Takeover: From Aviation Gin to Baileys
TV isn’t the only place where drinks steal the show. Ryan Reynolds built Aviation Gin into a blockbuster brand through Deadpool, while Baileys has shifted from a holiday drink to a stylish, year-round cocktail ingredient through clever integrations.
Venue Idea: A cinema cocktail series with signature drinks inspired by cult films and TV moments. A negroni sbagliato for House of the Dragon fans?
What This Means for Your Venue
- Drinks are storytelling. The best menus don’t just list cocktails—they create an experience.
- Fandoms drive foot traffic. Tap into what people are already obsessed with and make it drinkable.
- Make it interactive. Guest takeovers, limited-edition menus, and themed nights turn passive watching into active participation.
So, what’s next? A Succession-inspired power brunch? A Peaky Blinders whiskey night? (Oh wait, that’s already a thing.) One thing’s for sure—TV isn’t just something people watch anymore. It’s something they drink, live, and experience.
