The Boozy Lens of Pop Culture: A Sip Through The Media Sphere

April 16, 2024 by
Sunny Madhwani

Strap in and let's take a ride through the boozy byways of pop culture, where the lines between the screen and the bar blur into one, deliciously intoxicating cocktail of trends, tastes, and television triumphs. From the sassy sips of Sex and the City to the viral sensations of TikTok, we're diving glass-first into how movies, TV shows, and everything in between have not just reflected, but actively shaped our drinking culture.

Shaken, Not Stirred: Bond's Martini Mystery

James Bond didn't just trot around the globe in a tux saving humanity; the bloke turned the martini into something revolutionary. "Shaken, not stirred" – come on, even your nan knows that line, and she's not been to the flicks since '63. It's that legendary sip that's had us all believing we could dodge bullets and charm the pants off danger, all while keeping our martini impeccably mixed. Now, Bond's way with a martini isn't just about how he likes his drink; it's a vibe, a signature move that says, "I'm here to kick ass and sip sophistication, and I've just finished kicking ass." This martini magic didn't just stay on screen; it swaggered into bars worldwide, turning everyone into wannabe spies or at least making them think twice about how they order their drinks. Suddenly, the martini wasn't just a drink; it was a statement piece, decked out in mystery, danger, and a dollop of debonair. t's that blend of elegance and edge that's kept the martini not just in the game but at the top of its game, a timeless symbol of what it means to be cool but classy – all thanks to a fictional spy with a very particular drink order.


Cosmopolitans & Sex and the City: The OG Pink Drink Phenomenon

Ah, the Cosmopolitan! Who could forget the way "Sex and the City" turned this cheeky little number into an outright emblem of modern womanhood, friendship, and the rollercoaster ride that is dating in New York City? When Carrie Bradshaw and her posse strutted through NYC, they did more than just parade the latest trends and champion female badassery.


It's like every episode wasn't just serving up a dose of humour, heartbreak, and fashion-forward moments but was also toasting us with that cranberry-tinted glass of sass, making it the go-to bevvy for any girl's night out. So much so, it practically sent cranberry juice and Cointreau sales through the roof and had bartenders worldwide shaking up Cosmos like there was no tomorrow. Talk about a TV show giving a cocktail its wings, eh? It's a classic tale of how a series can sling a drink from the bar top right into pop culture stardom.


Party Rocking with LMFAO: Shots, Shots, Shots!

Remember when "Shots" by LMFAO was basically the anthem for every wild night out? That tune was more than just a banger on the charts; it was the heartbeat of our party days. LMFAO chucked a spotlight on Patron, Jägerbombs, and Kamikaze shots, making them the heroes of the drink menu everywhere. It's like they took a simple "let's grab a drink" and turned it into our rallying cry for the night.

These legends, with their tunes about knocking back shots and popping champagne, perfectly captured the vibe of the late 2000s and early 2010s shenanigans. Their clips? A riot of colour, packed clubs, and a sea of shots that had us all thinking we could dance in slow-mo. They weren't just making music; they were dictating our drink choices, our party choices, making Patron and kamikaze shots the go-to for a generation keen to celebrate. Just goes to show, a catchy tune and a flashy video can totally change the game, making our fav spirits and cocktails the stars of the show.


Emma D'Arcy's 'Stunning' moment: The Negroni Sbagliato's Sparkling Comeback

Emma D'Arcy graced us with their stunning performance as the Mother of Dragons not that long ago - in an interview with Olivia Cooke she mentions her 'drink of choice' is a "Negroni... Sbagliato... with prosecco" in the most mesmerising accent that swooned the whole of TikTok and Instagram. This wasn't just a trendy moment; it was a full-on, hold-your-horses, global cocktail curiosity explosion. Everyone wanted a piece of that Negroni Sbagliato action, proving once and for all that pop culture's got a hell of a punch when it comes to shaping our boozy tastes.



But here’s the kicker - while everyone’s racing to try this celeb-approved concoction, many found out the hard way that a Negroni Sbagliato isn’t your average, sugary newbie drink. Nope. It's got layers. Bitter, earthy, with a splash of Prosecco to add some fizz, this drink’s a bit of an acquired taste, especially if your usual go-to is something a tad sweeter. This whole saga's a classic case of curiosity meets reality. It's a reminder that diving headfirst into the latest viral drink sensation is more than just a chance to clink glasses with the cool crowd; it’s a journey through the wild, wonderful world of cocktails. And sometimes, that journey teaches us that our palates might not be ready for everything Instagram tells us we should love. So, hats off to the adventurous souls willing to give it a whirl, even if it ends with a polite, "Not for me, thanks." It’s all about the ride, discovering new tastes, and maybe finding a new favorite along the way. 


The White Lotus & The Aperol Spritz: Sipping on Satire

The second season of "The White Lotus" has done it again! HBO has delivered yet another round of jaw-dropping Sicilian vistas and those unforgettable one-liners from the iconic Jennifer Coolidge. But let's not skirt around the main character here – the Aperol Spritz. This show hasn't just entertained us; it's gone and dictated our Euro Summer habits, making the Aperol Spritz the unofficial cocktail for anyone looking to add a splash of luxe to their holiday. It's not just a drink; it's a whole mood – courtesy of "The White Lotus." This series has a knack for blending the bitter with the sweet, much like the drink itself, and embedding these experiences into our cultural fabric. And here's a kicker – it turns out, this spotlight on the Aperol Spritz wasn't just for show. Post its cameo in the series, Campari Group's CEO, Bob Kunze-Concewitz, spilled the beans  about the show's magic touch. There was a whopping 50% spike in Aperol sales in the US last year. What's truly fascinating is how effortlessly a TV show can influence our real-life choices, from the destinations we daydream about to the cocktails we order. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and its impact on our tastes and desires.


Mad Men & The Resurgence of the Old Fashioned

Grab a glass and let me take you down memory lane—or should I say, Madison Avenue? "Mad Men" did more than just serve us a slice of 60s ad agency life with a side of existential dread; it also played bartender, reintroducing the world to the Old Fashioned. This wasn't just a prop—it was a statement, blending seamlessly into the show's fabric as Don Draper's charisma. This show, was a time machine, not just to the golden age of advertising but to the glory days of cocktail culture. It put the Old Fashioned back on the map, making it the drink of choice for those looking to sip on a bit of that Draper mystique. Through its meticulous attention to period detail, "Mad Men" didn't just entertain; it educated, turning viewers into connoisseurs of the classic cocktail. It sparked a revival, not just in how we drink, but in how we appreciate the stories behind what's in our glass. In essence, "Mad Men" did for the Old Fashioned what Instagram did for avocado toast, turning it from a forgotten classic into a symbol of sophistication, taste and a nod to the past.

Feed to the Fridge: Influencers & Canned Convenience

Let's dive into the booze cruise of the digital age, where your fave TikTok and Insta stars are swapping selfie sticks for cocktail shakers. You may have stumbled upon Kendal Jenner's 818 or found yourself Googling George Clooney's Casamigos after a scroll session? Well, brace yourself, 'cause we're about to crack open the world of influencer cocktails and those handy-dandy RTDs. In the whirlwind that is social media, influencers like the Nelk Boys, Barstool Sports, and Tana Mongeau among so many more aren't just setting trends; they're literally mixing them into our drinks. We're talking canned cocktails and spiked seltzers that are as easy to crack open as they are to enjoy. This isn't just about slapping a famous face on a can; it's about the sheer, unadulterated convenience of it all, paired with a dose of "look at me, sipping on the same bevvy as my online idol."

It's clear as a vodka shot that social media's become the world's trendiest bartender, dishing out what's hot and what's not. These RTDs are more than just a drink; they're a lifestyle accessory, a shortcut to cool, and a nod to our collective yearning for something quick, quality, and Instagrammable.

The BORG Blueprint

Ah yes, Black Out Rage Gallon, a college party's best accessory. Before we dive into the thick of it, let's get one thing straight: we're not here to endorse slamming down drinks until the world spins especially not at the volume of a BORG. So what is a BORG? The easiest and "healthier" way of consuming a ton of booze while still being hydrated and without the overly sugary aspects of a pre-mix RTD's or slapping a goon bag. A BORG is essentially your DIY party-in-a-jug: mixing alcohol, half a gallon of water, with a dash of electrolytes and your choice of flavourings to keep the party rolling without hitting the deck too early. Think of it as a communal cocktail jug on steroids, designed to be shared (responsibly, mind you) amongst your crew, but most important your BORG jug is not complete without naming your buddy for the night. 

It all kicked off in the nooks and crannies of college life, where the BORG became the go-to for a wild night out. But thanks to TikTok, it's not just a local fad; it's a global shoutout to youth culture and the magic of going viral. The #BORG hashtag is a rabbit hole of creativity, showing off how today's young guns are taking pre-drinks to a whole new level, all while bonding over their concoctions and ingenious names online. 


In Conclusion

We've taken a rollicking ride through the boozy underbelly of pop culture, proving that our favourite flicks, shows, and even the odd viral TikTok moment do more than just entertain—they're busy brewing up trends in our drinking culture. These screen gems have left a lasting impression on our bar orders and party playlists. So, what's the takeaway from this spirited journey through pop culture's liquor cabinet? It's that while trends come and go, stirred by the hands of our screen and social media idols, the real joy of drinking is in the discovery—finding that new favorite or revisiting a classic with a fresh twist. So here's to the next pour, the next showstopper sip that jumps from screen to glass, reminding us that life, much like a well-mixed drink, is all about savouring the blend of the unexpected and the familiar.