In our JAN ISSUE #97, we caught up with Charles Joly, globally acclaimed mixologist where he shared what it was like to create and pour Johnnie Walker Blue Label craft cocktails as the Official Spirit Sponsor of the 75th Emmy® Awards. We kicked off Awards season speaking with him and we wanted to circle back with him as Tequila Don Julio was a proud partner of the Governors Ball, the official after party of the 96th Academy Awards. We wanted to find out about what it was like for him to pour at one of the biggest after parties of the season and he also shared recipes that we can enjoy for the red carpet moments that we enjoy year around!
ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it mean to you to be the official bartender for the Governors Ball, the official post-Oscars after party?
CHARLES JOLY: Each year that we're invited back to create cocktails for this amazing event is an incredible honor. You hear this being referred to as "Hollywood's Biggest Night" quite a bit. We take that to heart! Each of the artists in their respective fields are being recognized for their expertise and passion. For many of the attendees, this may be a once in a lifetime nomination. How cool is it to show up with the celebratory cocktails made just for that night, a superb lineup of tequila and a world class crew of bartenders to help throw the party?!
AM: We always look forward to the Oscars and as many people enjoy hosting their own viewing parties with friends or even if it's solo, how can we make sure that our cocktails are star quality?
CJ: You can definitely sip along with the stars and make these cocktails for your next celebration. While we definitely pull out all the stops, we also always provide easy, at-home recipes for cocktail enthusiasts to make at home.
When it comes to your cocktails, the end result will only be as good as the ingredients you put in. Tequila Don Julio is the perfect foundation for each of the drinks.
Be sure to use fresh juices and take an extra moment to look at simple details: use an attractive glass, use a thoughtful garnish etc.
In the end, taste is wildly subjective. Use my recipes as a guideline, then feel free to adjust to your (and of course your guest's) taste! Don't worry if you don't have every exact ingredient on hand. Get creative and don't be afraid to make little substitutions.
AM: Based on the drinks that you served for the 96th Oscars, what would you suggest that we pair with these drinks as we enjoy them at home?
CJ: The sky's the limit when it comes to food-cocktail pairings. If you'd like to stick with the idea of Mexican flavors, you can't go wrong with a spread of salsas, tacos al pastor and refreshing aguachile.
AM: What did you serve at this year's Governors Ball and which spirit will you be highlighting?
CJ: Tequila Don Julio is in the spotlight! The lineup of bottlings from the brand is more exciting than ever. We'll of course be showcasing the Tequila Don Julio Blanco, which shows the spirit in its purest form. I was also happy to explore cocktails with some newer releases, including Tequila Don Julio Rosado and Alma Miel. The icing on the cake is Tequila Don Julio 1942; everyone's eyes light up when they see this bottle on the bar.
The cocktails are all inspired by the idea of Modern Mexico and range in style from familiar, bright and refreshing (It's Showtime - Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Pineapple-Cilantro, Pink Peppercorn, made by Isra Baron) to sparkling and celebratory (Written in the Stars - Tequila Don Julio Rosado, Guyaba, Watermelon, Rose Champagne) to an elegant Martini (Round of Applause - Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, charred corn & epazote infused vermouth, cacao bitters, charred corn husk-salt rim).
To showcase Tequila Don Julio 1942, I created a special pairing and signature serve. We worked with an artisanal chocolate maker, Sleepwalk Chocolate, to create a truffle with a mole center and 1942 infused cacao nibs. All of this is lightly smoked with palo santo wood in front of the guest.
Here are signature Don Julio recipes below co-created by Charles Joly and Mexico’s Bartender of the Year Israel Barón.
1942 ENCORE
INGREDIENTS
• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio 1942
• Paired with mole-flavored chocolate truffle bite with gold flakes
PREPARATION
First, pour Tequila Don Julio 1942 into a stemmed Sherry glass. On the side, serve the mole-flavored chocolate truffle bite.
ROUND OF APPLAUSE
INGREDIENTS
• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel
• 1.5 oz Herb-Infused Bianco Vermouth
• 10 drops Chocolate Bitters
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters
PREPARATION
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled Coupe glass.
IT'S SHOWTIME
INGREDIENTS
• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
• 1 oz Pineapple Coriander Tincture
• .5 oz Agave Nectar
• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 oz Pineapple Coriander Tincture
• .5 oz Agave Nectar
• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
PREPARATION
Combine Tequila Don Julio, pineapple coriander tincture, agave honey and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain over large ice cube into Collins glass rimmed with salt and pink peppercorn.
WRITTEN IN THE STARS
INGREDIENTS
• 1.5 oz Tequila Don Julio Rosado
• .75 oz Guava Syrup
• 2 oz Organic Watermelon Juice
• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1.5 oz Chilled Rosé Champagne
PREPARATION
Combine Tequila Don Julio Rosado, guava syrup, organic watermelon juice and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a Coupe glass. Top with chilled rosé champagne.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Mark Von Holden, A.M.P.A.S. for Tequila Don Julio
Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see CRAFT COCKTAILS WITH THE STARS | Charles Joly in mag.