ON THE GRAPEVINE

BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS

If you love the idea of a dress code pegged to happy hour, you can now match your favourite designer to a tipple tailored to their style.

“Much like the outfits we choose to wear, the cocktails we choose to drink can say a lot about who we are and what we’re trying to communicate to the world,” Jennifer Croll writes in her new book, Dressed To Swill: Runway-Ready Cocktails Inspired By Fashion Icons.

Here are three favourites to get your stylish party started.

1. The Vivienne Westwood

“Fashion’s punk godmother Dame Vivienne Westwood knows how to raise hell. The ground-breaking designer helped create a subculture with her provocative clothing. Westwood’s cocktail is green, much like her politics.” Ingredients: 2 shots Hendrick’s Gin, 1 shot matcha syrup, 1 shot fresh lemon juice, 1 egg white. Lemon twist to garnish.

Method: Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish.

2. The Alexander McQueen

“The controversial creative impulses of Alexander McQueen made an indelible mark on fashion during his too-short reign as the industry’s most beloved provocateur. The cocktail he inspired contains Scotch and a healthy dose of nonconformity.” Ingredients: One-and-a-half shots single malt Scotch, half shot creme de cassis, half shot fresh lemon juice, 3 shots ginger beer. Lemon wedge to garnish.

Method: Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients except ginger beer and shake. Strain into a large rocks glass filled with ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish.

3. The Coco Chanel

“The founder of the house of Chanel created a streamlined ideal of chic that has lasted to this day. Her cocktail includes ample champagne, alongside the French fortified wine Lillet and the French liqueur creme de violette.”

Ingredients: Half shot creme de violette, half shot chilled Lillet Blanc, 4 shots chilled champagne. French lavender sprig to garnish.

Method: Pour creme de violette and Lillet Blanc into a coupe glass, top with champagne, and garnish.