tom cruise cocktail drink

Mixing It Up: Exploring the Iconic Cocktails from the Movie “Cocktail”

• developer on September 19, 2023

“Cocktail,” the 1988 romantic drama film directed by Roger Donaldson, is not just a classic of its time; it’s a celebration of mixology and the art of crafting the perfect cocktail. Starring Tom Cruise as the charming bartender Brian Flanagan, the film takes us on a journey through the world of bartending, love, and friendship. Along the way, it introduces us to several iconic cocktails that have since become staples in the world of mixology. In this article, we’ll delve into the delicious details of these cocktails, their history, and how you can recreate them at home.

The Red Eye

Our journey through the world of “Cocktail” begins with the Red Ey e, a simple yet refreshing cocktail. In the movie, Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) impresses his mentor Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown) by making this drink for the first time.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. tomato juice
• 1 dash of hot sauce
• 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Add vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Shake well.
• Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge and celery stick.

The Red Eye is a classic cocktail, often referred to as a “Bloody Mary Lite.” It’s perfect for those who enjoy the tangy flavors of tomato juice and a hint of spice.

The Woo Woo

Next up is the Woo Woo , a sweet and fruity cocktail that makes an appearance in the film during a beach party scene.

• 1/2 oz. peach schnapps
• 3 oz. cranberry juice
• Add vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice.
• Strain into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry.

The Woo Woo is a delightful and easy-to-make cocktail, making it a favorite at parties and gatherings.

The Jamaican Bobsled

The Jamaican Bobsled is another fun and tropical cocktail featured in the movie. It’s a colorful and flavorful drink that reflects the movie’s beachy vibes.

• 1 1/2 oz. white rum
• 1/2 oz. coconut cream
• 1/2 oz. blue curaçao
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• Crushed ice
• Fill a blender with crushed ice.
• Add white rum, coconut cream, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.

The Jamaican Bobsled is a tropical paradise in a glass. Its vibrant blue color and refreshing flavors make it a hit at beach-themed parties.

• The Last Barman Poet

Named after Brian Flanagan’s poetic ambitions in the movie, The Last Barman Poet is a cocktail that represents the artistry and creativity of bartending.

• 1 1/2 oz. light rum
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
• Lime twist for garnish
• Add light rum, blue curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, and pineapple juice.
• Shake vigorously.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a lime twist.

The Last Barman Poet is a cocktail that pays homage to the creativity and passion of bartenders. Its bright blue color and balanced flavors make it a true work of art.

The Flaming Dr. Pepper

In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Brian Flanagan and Doug Coughlin introduce the audience to the Flaming Dr. Pepper , a daring and fiery cocktail that involves lighting the drink on fire before consuming it.

• 3/4 oz. amaretto liqueur
• 1/4 oz. high-proof rum (overproof)
• 1/2 glass of beer (lager)
• Pour the amaretto into a shot glass.
• Float the high-proof rum on top of the amaretto.
• Fill a beer glass halfway with beer.
• Carefully ignite the amaretto and rum in the shot glass.
• Drop the flaming shot glass into the beer glass.
• Blow out the flame, and drink the cocktail quickly through a straw.

The Flaming Dr. Pepper is not for the faint of heart, but it’s undoubtedly a showstopper at any gathering.

But here is more. Here is a list of cocktails that are either made, mentioned, or play a role in various scenes throughout the film:

• Bloody Mary
• Brandy Alexander
• The Righteous Bison
• Black Russian
• Jamaican Bobsled
• The Frozen Banana Daiquiri
• Planters Punch
• Irish Coffee
• Old-Fashioned
• Vodka Martini
• Amaretto Sour
• Screwdriver
• Tom Collins
• Dry Martini
• Flaming Dr. Pepper

The movie “Cocktail” may be a love story, but it’s also a love letter to the art of mixology and the delightful world of cocktails. Each of the cocktails featured in the film has its unique charm and flavor profile, making them a hit with fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re sipping on a Red Eye, enjoying the tropical vibes of the Jamaican Bobsled, or daring to try the Flaming Dr. Pepper, these cocktails are a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that go into the world of mixology. So, the next time you watch “Cocktail,” consider shaking up one of these iconic drinks to enhance your viewing experience.

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Red Eye Cocktail Recipe

Red Eye Nutrition Facts

C alories:180

P rotein:1g

C arbohydrates:15g

A lcohol:10%

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

• 2 How Red Eye Tastes?
• 3 Interesting facts about Red Eye
• 4 Ingredients 🍾
• 5 Recipe. How to make Red Eye Drink 🍸
• 7 Perfect Pairings
• 8 What you could change in Red Eye
• 10 Additional Information
• 11 Frequently Asked Questions
• 12 More Similar Recipes!

The Red Eye cocktail is said to have originated in the 1960s and gained popularity in the 1980s. It is often associated with the movie 'Cocktail' starring Tom Cruise. This drink is known for its hangover-curing properties and is a favorite among those who enjoy a savory cocktail.

• Origin: 1960s
• Popularity: 1980s
• Movie association: 'Cocktail'

How Red Eye Tastes?

The Red Eye cocktail has a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced mix of tomato juice, beer, and vodka, with a hint of citrus from the lemon.

Interesting facts about Red Eye

• Hangover cure: The Red Eye is known for its hangover-curing properties.
• Savory cocktail: This drink is a favorite among those who enjoy savory cocktails.
• Movie association: The Red Eye gained popularity after being featured in the movie 'Cocktail' starring Tom Cruise.

Ingredients

• Tomato juice : 4 oz(120ml)
• Beer : 4 oz(120ml)
• Vodka : 1 oz(30ml)
• Lemon juice : 0.5 oz(15ml)
• Hot sauce : 1 dash
• Worcestershire sauce : 1 dash
• Ground black pepper : 1 pinch
• Ground white pepper : 1 pinch
• Ground cayenne pepper : 1 pinch
• Ice cubes : 6
• Garnish : Celery stalk:1
• Lemon wedge : 1

A few good options for Red Eye are:

Tomato Juice

An integral part of any Red Eye cocktail, the 4 oz of tomato juice provide the vegetable base and a refreshing yet savory flavor profile. Less tomato juice could make the drink less hearty and more tomato juice could overwhelm the balance of other flavors.

4 oz of beer add a fizzy carbonation and slight bitterness that interacts well with the richness of the tomato. Different beers can alter the taste significantly—a stout could make it richer, while a pilsner keeps it lighter.

The 1 oz of vodka gives the cocktail its kick without overpowering the other flavors. Too much could make the cocktail too boozy, too little and you might question if it's a cocktail at all!

Mary Mitkina

Lemon juice.

At 0.5 oz, the lemon juice adds a zesty freshness and acidity that balances the heavier flavors. If omitted, the drink could become flat in flavor. Substituting with lime juice could add a tropical twist.

A dash of hot sauce introduces a slight heat that warms the palate, enhancing the cocktail's complexity. Too much would overpower, too little would make it tame. Alternately, using a smoky chipotle sauce could give a different heat profile.

Worcestershire Sauce

Another dash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami and depth. Without it, you might miss the subtle savoriness it brings. Some say soy sauce could be an alternative, though the flavor profile will shift.

Ground Black Pepper

Just a pinch to add a quick spicy kick without overwhelming the cocktail. This common seasoning is easy to adjust to taste. No black pepper might leave the cocktail tasting a bit dull.

Ground White Pepper

A pinch of white pepper contributes a mild heat and a different earthiness compared to black pepper. It's less common and can be omitted for a simpler flavor.

Ground Cayenne Pepper

Lastly, a pinch of cayenne turns up the heat for those who like a bit of a challenge in their drink. Without it, the cocktail is more mellow—suitable for a less adventurous palate.

6 ice cubes cool the drink without diluting it quickly, maintaining the integrity of the cocktail's flavor. No ice means a warm and potentially unpleasant cocktail experience.

The celery stalk adds a crunchy, fresh element upon which to munch, while the lemon wedge can be squeezed for additional zest. Without them, the cocktail lacks the final touch that elevates the presentation and flavor.

Recipe. How to make Red Eye Drink

• Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
• Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, and ground cayenne pepper.
• Stir well to combine.
• Top with beer and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.
• Use fresh ingredients : Freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality vodka can make a big difference in the taste.
• Adjust the spices : The amount of hot sauce and pepper can be adjusted according to personal preference.
• Chill the beer : Using cold beer can help to keep the cocktail cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Food pairings.

• Grilled Meats : The savory notes of the cocktail complement the charred flavors of grilled beef or chicken.
• Fried Foods : Fried dishes like fish and chips or fried chicken can be cut through by the tanginess of the tomato and lemon.
• Mexican Cuisine : The heat from the hot sauce and peppers pairs perfectly with tacos or nachos.

Drink Pairings

• Cold, Crisp Lager : Another beer works well if you're inclined to keep the buzz beer-centric.
• Bloody Mary : If you want to stick to a thematic brunch feel, a classic Bloody Mary is a good match.
• Iced Tea : For a non-alcoholic complement, the refreshment of iced tea is a nice balance.

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What you could change in Red Eye

• Tomato juice : Can be replaced with Clamato juice for a different flavor.
• Vodka : Can be substituted with gin or tequila.
• Beer : Non-alcoholic beer can be used as a substitute.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Michelada red eye.

• Swap beer with a Mexican lager and add a salted rim to your glass. Use Clamato instead of plain tomato juice for an oceanic twist.
• Ingredients : Mexican lager, Clamato juice, vodka, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, ice, and a salted rim.
• Taste : Expect a saltier, brinier drink that brings you closer to a traditional Michelada.

Spicy Red Eye Mary

• Double the hot sauce and add horseradish to really kick the spice level up a notch. Incorporate olive brine for a dirty twist.
• Ingredients : Tomato juice, beer, vodka, lemon juice, extra hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, horseradish, olive brine, ice.
• Taste : Spicier, deeper flavors with a tang from the brine. A spicy affair for the bold.

Canadian Red Eye

• Instead of vodka, use Canadian whisky, and add maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Top with a Canadian craft beer.
• Ingredients : Tomato juice, Canadian craft beer, Canadian whisky, lemon juice, maple syrup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, ice.
• Taste : A more complex, slightly sweet and woodsy flavor profile, showcasing Canadian twists.

In case you forgot basics how to make Red Eye

How to stir a drink.

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

How to Garnish?

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you! Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Red Eye

What is the red eye cocktail.

The Red Eye cocktail is a savory drink made with tomato juice, beer, and vodka, and it has a tangy, slightly spicy taste. It has gained popularity in the 1980s and is known for its hangover-curing properties.

What food pairs well with this cocktail?

As the Red Eye cocktail is savory and spicy, it pairs well with a variety of appetizers and main courses. Try it with nachos, wings, a cheese platter, or even a juicy steak.

Is there any non-alcoholic version of Red Eye cocktail?

Yes, there are non-alcoholic versions of the Red Eye cocktail. You can replace the vodka and beer with non-alcoholic alternatives while keeping the rest of the ingredients.

Is the Red Eye cocktail suitable for all types of diets?

Unless you are on a non-alcoholic or low sodium diet, the Red Eye cocktail should be suitable for most diets.

How should the Red Eye Cocktail be served?

The Red Eye cocktail is best served in a highball glass with lots of ice. The glass is typically garnished with a celery stalk and a lemon wedge.

Can I shake the cocktail?

No, it's not recommended. Shaking the cocktail can dilute the flavors and introduce extra air into the drink. The Red Eye is better when mixed gently.

More similar recipes to Red Eye !

Explore new cocktails you'd love.

The Michelada has a unique, tangy taste that combines the flavors of beer, lime, and spices. It is savory, slightly spicy, and has a hint of saltiness. The overall taste is refreshing and invigorating.

Prairie Oyster

The Prairie Oyster cocktail is a savory, rich, and slightly spicy drink with a unique texture. The combination of the raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a velvety and bold flavor profile that is both satisfying and invigorating.

Red Snapper

The Red Snapper is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. It has a rich tomato flavor, balanced by the sharpness of the lemon juice and the heat of the hot sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of umami, while the gin provides a subtle herbal note.

Prairie Fire

The Prairie Fire cocktail has a bold, spicy flavor with a strong kick from the tequila. The hot sauce adds a fiery heat, while the tequila provides a smooth, slightly sweet base. The overall taste is intense, warming, and not for the faint of heart.

The Vampiro cocktail is a complex and flavorful drink that combines sweet, sour, spicy, and salty elements. It has a bold, fruity taste from the orange and lime juices, a spicy kick from the hot sauce, and a subtle sweetness from the grenadine. The tequila adds warmth and depth, while the salt rim balances out the flavors.

Mexican Candy Shot

The Mexican Candy Shot has a sweet and fruity taste from the watermelon liqueur, balanced with the bold and slightly bitter flavor of tequila. The hot sauce adds a spicy kick that lingers on the palate, making this shot a unique and exciting experience.

Boilermaker

The Boilermaker is a strong, robust, and slightly bitter cocktail. The combination of whiskey and beer creates a bold and warming flavor, with the whiskey providing a smooth, rich taste and the beer adding a refreshing, slightly bitter note.

Flaming Dr. Pepper

The Flaming Dr. Pepper has a unique, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is reminiscent of the Dr. Pepper soft drink, with a hint of caramel and a warming sensation from the flaming alcohol.

The Shandy cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The lemonade adds a bright citrusy note, while the beer provides a malty, slightly bitter backbone. The overall taste is light, crisp, and effervescent.

Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.

The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.

Gravel Gertie

The Gravel Gertie is a briny, savory cocktail with a spicy kick from the Tabasco. The combination of vodka, clam juice, and tomato juice creates a rich, umami-laden sip that's both invigorating and bold.

Wasabi Mary

The Wasabi Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail. The wasabi adds a fiery kick, while the tomato juice provides a rich, hearty base. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, and the Worcestershire sauce gives it a complex, umami flavor.

Dirty Martini

The Dirty Martini has a bold, savory taste with a hint of saltiness from the olive brine. It is a strong, slightly bitter cocktail with a smooth finish.

Smokey Martini

The Smokey Martini has a bold, complex flavor profile, with a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly bitter notes. The smokiness from the Scotch whisky is the star of the show, while the dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal undertone. The olive brine brings a touch of saltiness, enhancing the overall depth and richness of the cocktail.

Dirty Martinez

The Dirty Martinez offers a briny, slightly salty taste with a rich herbal undertone from the gin. It's robust, complex, and has a savory finish that lingers on the palate.

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.

White Russian

The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.

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36 Facts About The Movie Cocktail

Written by Nanette Arnett

Modified & Updated: 05 Sep 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Are you a fan of classic movies? If so, then you must have come across a cult favorite from the 80s called “Cocktail.” This iconic film, directed by Roger Donaldson, stars Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, and Elisabeth Shue in lead roles and takes viewers on a wild ride through the world of bartending and love triangles. Released in 1988, “Cocktail” became a massive hit, captivating audiences with its intriguing plot and unforgettable performances. But did you know that there is more to this film than meets the eye? In this article, we will uncover 36 fascinating facts about “Cocktail” that will make you love the movie even more. So grab a drink, sit back , and let’s dive into the captivating world of “Cocktail!

Key Takeaways:

• “Cocktail” was a hit movie in the 80s, starring Tom Cruise as a charming bartender. It inspired people to try new cocktails and showed the ups and downs of the bartending world.
• The movie “Cocktail” had a big impact on pop culture and the bartending industry. It’s still loved today, showing that dreams and perseverance can lead to success.

Box Office Success

The movie Cocktail, released in 1988, was a box office hit, grossing over $171 million worldwide.

Starring Tom Cruise

The film starred the legendary actor Tom Cruise , who delivered a captivating performance as the charming bartender, Brian Flanagan.

Unique Cocktail Recipes

Cocktail introduced a range of unique cocktail recipes , inspiring viewers to try out new drink combinations at their favorite bars.

Setting in New York City

The movie is primarily set in the vibrant city of New York , providing a stunning backdrop for the characters’ journeys.

Iconic Soundtrack

Cocktail featured an iconic soundtrack with memorable songs like “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys , which became an instant hit.

Romantic Drama

The film combined elements of romance and drama, making it an emotional rollercoaster for the audience.

Brian Flanagan’s Journey

The story follows Brian Flanagan as he navigates his way through the ups and downs of the New York City nightlife scene.

Brian and Doug’s Bond

Brian forms a unique bond with his mentor Doug Coughlin, played by Bryan Brown , resulting in both friendship and rivalry.

Themes of Ambition and Success

Cocktail explores themes of ambition and the pursuit of success, as Brian strives to make a name for himself in the bartending world.

Intense Bartending sequences

The film showcases intense bartending sequences, showcasing the skill and flair required to entertain customers behind the bar.

Controversial Love Triangle

The movie introduces a controversial love triangle between Brian, Doug, and Jordan Mooney, played by Elisabeth Shue .

Classic 80s Fashion

Cocktail features fashion trends popular in the 80s, with characters sporting flashy outfits and iconic accessories.

Brian’s Business Venture

Brian embarks on a business venture to open his own bar, facing numerous challenges along the way.

Critically Mixed Reviews

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its entertainment value while others criticized its portrayal of relationships.

Impact on Bartending Culture

Cocktail had a significant impact on the bartending culture , influencing aspiring bartenders to experiment with new cocktail recipes and techniques.

Brian’s Transformation

Throughout the movie, Brian undergoes a transformation, evolving from a naive young man to a seasoned bartender with a renewed sense of purpose.

New York Nightlife Excitement

The movie captures the excitement and energy of the New York City nightlife scene, immersing viewers in its vibrant atmosphere .

Quotes that Became Popular

Cocktail features memorable quotes that became popular, such as “Cocktails and dreams ” and “All the action is in the back.

Tom Cruise’s Cocktail Flair

Tom Cruise’s performance showcased his bartending flair, including impressive bottle-flipping and cocktail shaker tricks.

Success Despite Initially Low Expectations

Despite initial low expectations, Cocktail surpassed box office predictions, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1988.

Masculinity Stereotypes

The film explores masculinity stereotypes, with Brian and Doug embodying different aspects of what it means to be a man.

Strong On-screen Chemistry

The chemistry between Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, and Elisabeth Shue on-screen added to the film’s appeal and believability.

Brian’s Lessons in Life

Through various trials and tribulations, Brian learns valuable life lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of following one’s passion.

Iconic Bar Locations in the Film

Cocktail features iconic bar locations, such as Cell Block and T.G.I. Fridays, which became popular among fans of the movie.

Inspirational Storyline

The movie’s storyline inspires viewers to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles, reminding them that success comes with perseverance.

Brian’s Catchphrase

“Cocktails and dreams” became Brian’s catchphrase throughout the movie, symbolizing his aspirations and ambitions.

Impact on Pop Culture

Cocktail had a significant impact on pop culture, with references to the film appearing in subsequent movies and TV shows.

Realistic Portrayal of the Bartending Industry

The movie provides a realistic portrayal of the bartending industry, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by professionals in the field.

Nominated for Awards

Cocktail was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for “Kokomo.”

Brian’s Love for Jordan Mooney

Brian’s love for Jordan Mooney is tested throughout the film, leading to moments of tension and heartbreak.

Celebrated Director

The film was directed by Roger Donaldson, known for his work in films such as No Way Out and Thirteen Days .

Memorable Climactic Scenes

The movie features memorable climactic scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome.

Sound Editing Achievements

Cocktail received recognition for its outstanding sound editing, enhancing the film’s overall audio experience.

Brian’s Reflective Moments

Throughout the movie, Brian has reflective moments where he contemplates his choices and questions his path in life.

Legacy in Cinema

Cocktail has left a lasting legacy in cinema, serving as a quintessential 80s film and a definitive portrayal of the bartending industry.

Enduring Popularity

Even after more than three decades since its release, Cocktail continues to have a dedicated fan base and remains a beloved cult classic.

In conclusion, Cocktail is a timeless film that has left a lasting impact on audiences since its release. With its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack, this movie continues to be loved by fans all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of drama, romance, or just enjoy a good cocktail, this film has something for everyone. So grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the magic of Cocktail.

Q: When was the movie Cocktail released?

A: Cocktail was released on July 29, 1988.

Q: Who directed Cocktail?

A: The movie was directed by Roger Donaldson.

Q: Who are the lead actors in Cocktail?

A: The film starred Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, and Elisabeth Shue.

Q: Where was Cocktail filmed?

A: The movie was primarily filmed in New York City and Jamaica .

Q: Is Cocktail based on a true story?

A: No, Cocktail is not based on a true story, but rather on the book by Heywood Gould.

Q: What is the runtime of Cocktail?

A: The runtime of the movie is approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes.

Q: Did Cocktail receive any awards?

A: Yes, the movie won the BMI Film Music Award for its iconic soundtrack.

Q: What is the genre of Cocktail?

A: Cocktail is a drama/romance film with elements of comedy.

Q: Can I stream Cocktail online?

A: Yes, Cocktail is available for streaming on various platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix .

Q: Does the movie have any sequels?

A: No, Cocktail does not have any official sequels.

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• Movie quotes

“Cocktail” quotes

“- Doug: [Writing his suicide note to Brian] My dearest Brian, A guy like me looks in the mirror , he either grins, or he starts to fade away. And I haven't seen anything to grin about in a long time. This may not be the most graceful exit, but I know when the bottle's empty. The only thing I'm really going to miss is the conversations we had. At...” (continue) (continue reading) Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“- Bonnie: Please, I don't want to end it this way. - Brian: Jesus , everything ends badly, otherwise it wouldn't end.” Lisa Banes - Bonnie Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“You bitch! Why didn't you just tell me it was a Rum and Coke?!” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“I left a can of Spam in your refrigerator... I hope your Brewers Yeast doesn't take it personally.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“ Relax , your in the perfect job. There's no better way to make it than behind 3 feet of mahogany.” Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“I can't make it to my best friend's old lady.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“- Jordan: Bet I can still spook you. - Brian: No way [she whispers in his ear]. - Brian: Twins? Twins? - Brian: Twins! Drinks are on the house! - Uncle Pat: No! No! - Brian: The bar is open!” Elisabeth Shue - Jordan Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“Coughlin's Law: never show surprise , never lose your cool.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“Your sexy little smile is not gonna work this time.” Lisa Banes - Bonnie

“- Doug: You are in training my son. - Brian: In training for what? - Doug: For stardom . No matter how liberal this world may become, a man will always be judged on the amount of alcohol he can consume, and women will be impressed with it, whether they like it or not!” Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“- Brian: You're offering me a job? - Doug: Uh huh. - Brian: The waitresses hate me! - Doug: You wait till you've given them crabs. Then you'll really know hatred.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“- Brian: Is this our waterfall? - Jordan: No. - Brian: It's terrific. - Jordan: Yeah, it's all right. The name 's Mooney, not Monet.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan Elisabeth Shue - Jordan Mooney

“ Believe me, Bonnie. You are gonna wake up tomorrow morning with a sigh of relief because I'm not there.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

Excuse me, do I have "fuck me" written on my forehead? Lisa Banes - Bonnie

“Too bad you couldn't keep your mouth shut about our sex life! It only gets better.” Gina Gershon - Coral

“Talk is overrated as a means of resolving disputes.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“Days get shorter and shorter, nights longer and longer, before you know it, your life is just one long night with a few comatose daylight hours.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“A Bartender is the aristocrat of the working class.” Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“You see, there are two kinds of people in this world: the workers and the hustlers. The hustlers never work and the workers never hustle...” Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“- Brian: Should we let it breathe? - Doug: It hasn't breathed for fifty years, it's dead. Let's just drink it.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“- Bonnie: I had a premoniton that I was gonna meet someone when I came down here . - Brian: You still got time, you know.” Lisa Banes - Bonnie Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan

“Why is it that all these chicks are always named after inanimate objects?” Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“You know how to make a RedEye?” Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

“- Brian: Listen , I'm sorry I called you a bitch. - Eleanor: Why? I am a bitch.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan Ellen Foley - Eleanor

“- Brian: I'll stick with the brew. - Doug: Beer is for breakfast around here , drink or be gone.” Tom Cruise - Brian Flanagan Bryan Brown - Doug Coughlin

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How to Make an Alabama Slammer

You'll need to track down sloe gin, amaretto, and of course, Southern Comfort.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Ingredients

Southern comfort.

orange juice

• Step  1 Shake all ingredients with ice. 
• Step  2 Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. 
• Step  3 Garnish with an orange slice.

You might know the Alabama Slammer as a shot. Fair. It's a good one (and by good we mean fun ). But have you tried the Alabama Slammer as a cocktail? Its vivid hue and somewhat random ingredient list give the impression it was invented by an undergrad dabbling in chemistry on a Friday night. Southern Comfort, amaretto, sloe gin, and OJ? Sure. You'll need to run to the liquor store to throw it together yourself, and you'll need to throw it together yourself, because you won't find it on many cocktail menus. Especially any cocktail menus printed on fancy cardstock.

But Tom Cruise's character in Cocktail sums it up when he shouts from atop his bar, "Alabama Slamma'!" It's a drink made for having a good time and making sure everyone else in the joint knows it. Enjoy.

A Little Background

Where did the perplexing mixture of sloe gin, Southern Comfort, amaretto, and orange juice first come together? In the South, of course. Cocktail lore traces it back to the University of Alabama, as its name implies. They'd have plenty of Southern Comfort to go around down south in the '70s when the drink was created. (Why someone decided to add sloe gin, a traditionally British liqueur made with gin and sloe berries, and Italian amaretto is another question.) Roll that crimson tide. According to Punch , more people started drinking it after Cocktail paid tribute in 1988, and then when TGI Fridays made it an official pitcher cocktail. Unfortunately, it's no longer on the TGI Fridays menu, which is a shame.

If You Like This, Try These

If you like amaretto, the Amaretto Sour is a drink that you might enjoy. If you like sloe gin, try your hand at a Sloe Gin Fizz . These two cocktails really have nothing in common with the Alabama Slammer except a single ingredient, but like we've said, the Alabama Slammer stands alone. And if you just really like the movie Cocktail and want to stick to a Cocktail -themed drink menu, Tom Cruise also calls out the Sex on the Beach , the Velvet Hammer, the Kamikaze ...

What You Need

Here’s what you need to do an Alabama Slammer justice, beyond what you might be able to dig out of the fridge or cupboard.

Orange Juice

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35 Years After Its Release, the Movie ‘Cocktail’ Shows Us How Far Drinks Culture Has Come

words: Rich Manning

illustration: Danielle Grinberg

In the lead up to the 95th Academy Awards, this week on VinePair we’re celebrating the starring role drinks have played in the most iconic movies in history. Read more about Drinking On Screen here .

“Cocktail” is not a good movie. Critics savaged the Tom Cruise vehicle when it hit theaters in 1988. It “won” Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Movie and Worst Screenplay. Its current Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 58 percent suggests the public perceives the film as a mediocre slice of ‘80s cheese. Most people don’t really need to spend the $3.99 it currently costs to stream the movie. That is, most people.

If you’re in the drinks industry, or if you’re a fan of modern cocktail culture and the bartending industry that makes it possible, “Cocktail” is worth 1 hour and 43 minutes of your time. The movie hasn’t aged too well 35 years after its release, but that’s what makes it interesting. Time has caused “Cocktail” to evolve into a movie that you don’t watch as much as observe if you’re in the know about contemporary mixed drinks. If you simply watch it, it’s terrible. If you observe it, it’s oddly fascinating.

The Duality of ‘Cocktail’

When you stream “Cocktail” and become awash in the glow of its neon opening credits, you’ll naturally observe it through the knowing eyes of the modern bar scene. You already know that the drinks are going to suck and the techniques will be horrific, and they’ll be fun to mock as you sit there with your proper mixed drink made with real ingredients in hand. The movie indeed gives drinks aficionados ample fodder. Cruise’s Brian Flanagan and Bryan Brown’s Doug Coughlin may know how to toss a bottle over their shoulder or slam a Boston shaker onto a bar top in unison, but they don’t know drink specs or use jiggers, fruit juices, or pretty much anything that creates a balanced drink. They free pour every spirit, sometimes three bottles at once. When the movie shifts from New York to Jamaica and Doug asks Brian to make him a Daiquiri after bragging that he taught Brian everything he knows, Brian immediately reaches for a blender instead of a shaker. Granted, they’re in a tropical setting and you can easily predict that he’s going for the blender. But for those who know modern bartenders use the classic Daiquiri recipe as a litmus test of professional skill, this sequence is still cringeworthy, especially since the final result ends up looking like a Mudslide . These things turn the movie into something mildly horrific and slightly comedic, bloated with a bevy of bad beverages.

At some point, though, you’ll remember that “Cocktail” came out in 1988. It may be during the film, or it could be a few hours later when you’re reaching for a snack in the fridge. In some weird way, “Cocktail” provides a window into what the bar scene was like before the work of pioneers like Dale DeGroff, Audrey Saunders, Sasha Petraske, and Julie Reiner helped transform the industry for the better. Cocktail mixers and canned, frozen juices were the weapons of choice behind the stick back then. Craft spirits weren’t a thing, so options were limited at best. In the era’s context, Brian’s goal of franchising a bar chain for suburban shopping malls called Flanagan’s Cocktails and Dreams seems like a legitimate strategy, even if it petrifies our contemporary sensibilities. All of this is enough to make you drop to your knees and thank God and Jerry Thomas that you can enjoy cocktail culture in its present state.

We Need to Talk About Doug

Brian Flanagan is “Cocktail’s” protagonist. Yet Doug Coughlin is the more fascinating character. His jaded cynicism makes him a natural mentor for “young Flanagan,” as he calls Brian throughout the film. He appreciates the good stuff despite his penchant for flair. The last time he and Brian are seen together in the film, they’re working through his bottle of Louis XIII Cognac — a bottle that will set you back at least $3,000 today.

Doug is also problematic. His words of advice — occasionally self-referred throughout the film as “Coughlin’s Laws” — are awful nuggets of anti-wisdom that revolve around misogyny and treating customers like garbage. They sure as hell have nothing to do with making a good drink. Even though “Cocktail” is a work of fiction, it still seems like Petraske’s Rules were needed to cancel out Coughlin’s Laws.

In between his misbegotten mandates, Doug drops some knowledge that initially jumps out as falsehoods if you forget about the film’s context — particularly if you have even passing knowledge of New York City’s bar scene. When Doug says, “This is the Upper East Side, saloon capital of the world,” your brain may start screaming out the names of the critically acclaimed bars in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn.

At the time, however, Doug was spot on. In the ‘80s, the Upper East Side was absolutely the industry’s epicenter, a mélange of establishments that offered the beautiful and the monied ample choices to get their drink and dance on. The scene kept rolling strong through the ‘90s even as the clientele shifted from Wall Street types to the college crowd, thanks in part to gimmicks like cheesy, themed establishments and “ Ladies’ Night s.” Meanwhile, south-of-14th neighborhoods like the East Village and the Lower East Side wouldn’t start gaining acclaim for their bars until places like Angel’s Share and Milk & Honey opened, long after copies of “Cocktail” filled up video rental store shelves. Doug’s lines about the scene may have aged like a long-forgotten bottle of open cream liqueur, but it’s not his fault.

The Business of ‘Cocktail’

There are a few things in “Cocktail” that still hold up today. The beginning of the film showcases the type of money-waving, bar-top-slapping customers who still drive bartenders nuts. Brian’s character arc of a person who fell into the bar scene when other career ambitions fizzled still resonates. Toward the end of the movie, Jordan’s (Elisabeth Shue’s) dad essentially accuses Brian of being a loser because he’s a bartender (i.e., he doesn’t have a “real job”). Such classist viewpoints continue to exist.

The drinks, on the other hand, do not hold up. Most are relics of a time when creamy sweet concoctions with no base spirit and vodka drinks with dirty names dominated the scene. Taste is relative, of course, but if you tend to imbibe in spirit-forward drinks like the Boulevardier or Manhattan , it feels safe to assume that cocktails like the Orgasm, Velvet Hammer, and Friar Tuck will probably be of no interest to you.

There are a few oddities among the cocktails called out in the film. In an odd poem he recites in front of a crowd, Brian references a drink called the “Death Spasm.” One problem: No such drink seems to exist. Googling the drink brings up the Death in the Afternoon cocktail, a potent potable consisting of Champagne and absinthe (or pastis if absinthe isn’t available). It’s possible that Death Spasm was a stand-in for Death in the Afternoon so Brian could use a word that rhymed with orgasm.

Another quirk involves the Angel’s Tit cocktail. Ordering the drink when “Cocktail” came out in 1988 got you a creamy drink consisting of a two-to-one ratio of maraschino liqueur and cream. Ordering it today may get you something better, thanks to an ingenious tweak. Sometime in the 2010s, The Dry Cocktail founder Mikka Kristola updated the recipe when she was bartender at The Varnish in Los Angeles, adjusting the ratios to three-quarters of an ounce each and adding a bar spoon of both Heering Cherry liqueur and Fernet Branca .

Then there’s the Ding-a-Ling, a concoction featuring vodka, peach schnapps, and lemon-lime soda that’s mentioned twice in the film. Searching the drink today will produce images of a radically different beverage. That’s because author Simon Difford created his own cocktail called the Ding-a-Ling in 2022. It features  Del Maguey Vida mezcal , dark rum, Disaronno amaretto, and lemon juice. Judging by the specs, it seems much more interesting than the original.

A Unique Kind of Lasting Legacy

There’s one final observation to be made about “Cocktail” 35 years after its release. It has nothing to do with a crucial scene or a bit of dialogue. It’s an observation that can only be made after the fact. By the time the movie came out, the days of the cocktail bar landscape the movie depicted were already numbered.

In 1987, the year before “Cocktail” came out, DeGroff got behind the stick at the Rainbow Room and kicked off cocktail culture’s ongoing renaissance. It was a slow-growing seed that germinated at a deliberate pace, allowing the Doug Coughlins and Brian Flanagans of the industry a few more years of glory before the 2000s hit. There are still some Dougs and Brians behind the stick today, but they’ve been pushed into a space of far less prominence over the last two decades, thanks to a still-blossoming nationwide network of talented bartenders that give a damn about making a great drink and providing great service to their guests. This, then, may be the main reason why “Cocktail” is an oddly fascinating movie to observe 35 years after its release, even if it is a bad film to watch. It doesn’t necessarily show how bad the bar scene was back in the day as much as it shows how far it’s come.

Published: March 7, 2023

• 35 Years After Its Release, the Movie ‘Cocktail’ Shows Us How Far Drinks Culture Has Come | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/articles/cocktail-movie-drinks-culture/
• wbs_cat Spirit, cocktail culture, craft cocktails, Movies
• Save the Bees With Every Pour of Barr Hill | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/articles/save-the-bees-with-barr-hill/
• Jonah Flicker
• wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Gin, wbs_brand Barr Hill, barr hill gin, bee\'s knees, Cocktail competition, gin, sustainability

“Cocktail” tells the story of two bartenders and their adventures in six bars and several bedrooms. What is remarkable, given the subject, is how little the movie knows about bars or drinking.

Early in the film, there’s a scene where the two bartenders stage an elaborately choreographed act behind the bar. They juggle bottles in unison, one spins ice cubes into the air and the other one catches them, and then they flip bottles at each other like a couple of circus jugglers. All of this is done to rock ‘n’ roll music, and it takes them about four minutes to make two drinks. They get a roaring ovation from the customers in their crowded bar, which is a tip-off to the movie’s glossy phoniness. This isn’t bartending, it’s a music video, and real drinkers wouldn’t applaud, they’d shout: “Shut up and pour!” The bartenders in the film are played by Tom Cruise , as a young ex-serviceman who dreams of becoming a millionaire, and Bryan Brown , as a hard-bitten veteran who has lots of cynical advice. Brown advises Cruise to keep his eyes open for a “rich chick,” because that’s his ticket to someday opening his own bar. Cruise is ready for this advice.

He studies self-help books and believes that he’ll be rich someday, if only he gets that big break. The movie is supposed to be about how he outgrows his materialism, although the closing scenes leave room for enormous doubts about his redemption.

The first part of the movie works the best. That’s when Cruise drops out of school, becomes a full-time bartender, makes Brown his best friend and learns to juggle those bottles. In the real world, Cruise and Brown would be fired for their time-wasting grandstanding behind the bar, but in this movie they get hired to work in a fancy disco where they have a fight over a girl and Cruise heads for Jamaica.

There, as elsewhere, his twinkling eyes and friendly smile seem irresistible to the women on the other side of the bar, and he lives in a world of one-night stands. That’s made possible by the fact that no one in this movie has ever heard of AIDS, not even the rich female fashion executive ( Lisa Banes ) who picks Cruise up and takes him back to Manhattan with her.

What do you think? Do you believe a millionaire Manhattan woman executive in her 30s would sleep with a wildly promiscuous bartender she picks up on the beach? Not unless she was seriously drunk. And that’s another area this movie knows little about: the actual effects of drinking. Sure, Cruise gets tanked a couple of times and staggers around a little and throws a few punches. But given the premise that he and Brown drink all of the time, shouldn’t they be drunk, or hung over, at least most of the time? Not in this fantasy world.

If the film had stuck to the relationship between Cruise and Brown, it might have had a chance. It makes a crucial error when it introduces a love story, involving Cruise and Elisabeth Shue , as a vacationing waitress from New York. They find true love, which is shattered when Shue sees Cruise with the rich Manhattan executive.

After the executive takes Cruise back to New York and tries to turn him into a pampered stud, he realizes his mistake and apologizes to Shue, only to discover, of course, that she is pregnant – and rich.

The last stages of the movie were written, directed and acted on automatic pilot, as Shue’s millionaire daddy tries to throw Cruise out of the penthouse but love triumphs. There is not a moment in the movie’s last half-hour that is not borrowed from other movies, and eventually even the talented and graceful Cruise can be seen laboring with the ungainly reversals in the script. Shue, who does whatever is possible with her role, is handicaped because her character is denied the freedom to make natural choices; at every moment, her actions are dictated by the artificial demands of the plot.

It’s a shame the filmmakers didn’t take a longer, harder look at this material. The movie’s most interesting character is the older bartender, superbly played by Brown, who never has a false moment. If the film had been told from his point of view, it would have been a lot more interesting, but box-office considerations no doubt required the center of gravity to shift to Cruise and Shue.

One of the weirdest things about “Cocktail”‘ is the so-called message it thinks it contains. Cruise is painted throughout the film as a cynical, success-oriented 1980s materialist who wants only to meet a rich woman and own his own bar. That’s why Shue doesn’t tell him at first that she’s rich. Toward the end of the movie, there’s a scene where he allegedly chooses love over money, but then, a few months later, he is the owner and operator of his own slick Manhattan singles bar.

How did he finance it? There’s a throwaway line about how he got some money from his uncle, a subsistence-level bartender who can’t even afford a late-model car. Sure. It costs a fortune to open a slick singles bar in Manhattan, and so we are left with the assumption that Cruise’s rich father-in-law came through with the financing. If the movie didn’t want to leave that impression, it shouldn’t have ended with the scene in the bar. But then this is the kind of movie that uses Cruise’s materialism as a target all through the story and then rewards him for it at the end. The more you think about what really happens in “Cocktail,” the more you realize how empty and fabricated it really is.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

• Tom Cruise as Brian Flanagan
• Lisa Banes as Bonnie
• Laurence Luckinbill as Mr. Mooney
• Elisabeth Shue as Jordan Mooney
• Bryan Brown as Doug Coughlin

Photographed by

• Dean Semler

Screenplay by

• Heywood Gould
• J. Peter Robinson
• Neil Travis

Produced by

• Robert W. Cort

Directed by

• Roger Donaldson

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Cocktail (1988)

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After being discharged from the Army, Brian Flanagan moves back to Queens and takes a job in a bar run by Doug Coughlin, who teaches Brian the fine art of bar-tending. Brian quickly becomes a patron favorite with his flashy drink-mixing style, and Brian adopts his mentor's cynical philosophy on life and goes for the money.

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10 Stirring Facts About Cocktail

One of cinema's greatest guilty pleasures, Cocktail starred Tom Cruise as Brian Flanagan, a young man who unexpectedly achieves some fame as a "flair bartender" in New York City along with his mentor, Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown). Brian eventually takes his bottle-flipping skills down to Jamaica, where he falls for Jordan (Elisabeth Shue), a vacationing artist. Here are some facts about the Tom Cruise staple, in accordance with Coughlin's Law.

1. BRIAN FLANAGAN WAS ALMOST TWICE AS OLD IN THE BOOK.

Yes, Cocktail was originally a novel; it was written by Heywood Gould, and based on the dozen years he spent bartending to supplement his income as a writer. Whereas Tom Cruise's Brian Flanagan is in his twenties, Gould's protagonist was described as a "38-year-old weirdo in a field jacket with greasy, graying hair hanging over his collar, his blue eyes streaked like the red sky at morning." As Gould told the Chicago Tribune , "I was in my late 30s, and I was drinking pretty good, and I was starting to feel like I was missing the boat. The character in the book is an older guy who has been around and starting to feel that he's pretty washed-up." Disney and Gould—who adapted his book for the screen—fought over making Brian Flanagan younger, with Gould eventually relenting .

2. THERE WERE AT LEAST 40 DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE SCRIPT.

The script went through a couple of different studios, and dozens of iterations. According to Gould , "there must have been 40 drafts of the screenplay before we went into production. It was originally with Universal. They put it in turnaround because I wasn't making the character likable enough. And then Disney picked it up, and I went through the same process with them. I would fight them at every turn, and there was a huge battle over making the lead younger, which I eventually did."

Bryan Brown explained that when Cruise came on board, the movie "had to change. The studio made the changes to protect the star and it became a much slighter movie because of it."

Kelly Lynch, who played Kerry Coughlin, was much more forthright about how Gould's vision for the story changed under Disney, telling The A.V. Club :

"[Cocktail] was actually a really complicated story about the ’80s and power and money, and it was really re-edited where they completely lost my character’s backstory—her low self-esteem, who her father was, why she was this person that she was—but it was obviously a really successful movie, if not as good as it could’ve been. It was written by the guy who wrote Fort Apache The Bronx, and it was a much darker movie, but Disney took it, reshot about a third of it, and turned it into flipping the bottles and this and that."

3. FOR A BRIEF SECOND, DISNEY WASN'T COMPLETELY SOLD ON TOM CRUISE IN THE LEAD.

Recounting the kind of story that only happens in Hollywood, Gould told the Chicago Tribune about one of his early meetings with Disney heads Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg. "Someone mentioned that this might be a good vehicle for Tom Cruise," Gould recalled. "Eisner says, 'He'll never do this, don't waste your time, he can't play this part.' And then Katzenberg says, 'Well, he's really interested in doing it,' and without skipping a beat Eisner says, 'He's perfect for it, a perfect fit!' That's the movie business: I hate him, I love him; I love him, I hate him!"

4. BRYAN BROWN'S AUDITION WAS "DREADFUL."

Director Roger Donaldson specifically wanted Bryan Brown to audition for the role of Doug. Brown flew from Sydney to New York and, almost immediately after his 20-plus-hour flight, was sitting in front of Donaldson. "He did the audition and he was dead tired and it was dreadful," Donaldson said . "After he did it I was like, ‘Bryan, do yourself a favor—we’ve got to do it again tomorrow.’ And he said, ‘No, no, I’m catching a plane back tonight.’ I couldn’t persuade him to stay and do it again, so I didn’t show anybody the audition." Instead, Donaldson told the producers and studio to watch Brown's performance in F/X (1986); clearly, they liked what they saw.

5. CRUISE AND BROWN PRACTICED THEIR FLAIR BARTENDING, AND USED REAL BOTTLES ON SET.

Los Angeles TGI Friday's bartender John Bandy was hired to train Cruise and Brown after he served a woman who worked for Disney who was on the lookout for a bartender for Cocktail . Bandy trained the two stars in the bottle-flipping routines , and Gould took Cruise and Brown to his friend's bar to show them the tricks they used to do . Donaldson claimed they used real bottles—and yes, they did break a few .

6. JAMAICA WASN'T KIND TO TOM CRUISE

The Jamaica exteriors were shot on location, where it was cold, and Cruise got sick. When he and Shue had to shoot a love scene at a jungle waterfall, it wasn't pleasant. "It’s not quite as romantic as it looks,” Cruise told Rolling Stone . “It was more like ‘Jesus, let’s get this shot and get out of here.’ Actually, in certain shots you’ll see that my lips are purple and, literally, my whole body’s shaking.”

7. THE FILM SCORE WAS ENTIRELY REWRITTEN IN A WEEKEND.

Three-time Oscar winner Maurice Jarre ( Lawrence of Arabia ) was Cocktail 's original composer, but the producers didn't think his score "fit in" with the story. They particularly didn't like one cue, so they called in J. Peter Robinson to fix it. Donaldson liked what Robinson did so much, that he asked the composer to take over and do the rest of the work. "All this was happening on a Friday," Robinson said . "I was starting another film on the following Monday and told Roger that I was going to be unavailable. 'We're print-mastering on Monday, mate!!' Roger said. So from that point on I stayed up writing the score and delivered it on Monday morning at around five in the morning."

8. "KOKOMO" WAS WRITTEN FOR THE MOVIE.

While it was The Beach Boys, by then minus Brian Wilson, that recorded the song which brought the group back into the spotlight, "Kokomo" was penned by John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas; Scott McKenzie, who wrote “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”; producer Terry Melcher, Doris Day's son; and Mike Love. Phillips wrote the verses, Love wrote the chorus, and Melcher penned the bridge. The specific instructions were to write a song for the part when Brian goes from a bartender in New York to Jamaica. Off of that, Love came up with the "Aruba, Jamaica ..." part .

9. ROGER DONALDSON IS SORRY ABOUT "DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY."

Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" hit number one thanks to its inclusion on the Cocktail soundtrack. The director heard the song on the radio one day while driving to the set. “I heard it and thought it would be perfect for the film," he said . "And suddenly it was everywhere. Sorry about that."

10. THE REVIEWS—INCLUDING TOM CRUISE'S—WERE HARSH.

To conclude his two-star review, Roger Ebert wrote , "The more you think about what really happens in Cocktail, the more you realize how empty and fabricated it really is." Richard Corliss of TIME said it was "a bottle of rotgut in a Dom Perignon box."

In 1992, even Tom Cruise admitted that the movie "was not a crowning jewel" in his career. And Heywood Gould wasn't pleased with it at first either. "I was accused of betraying my own work, which is stupid," Gould said . "So I was pretty devastated. I literally couldn't get out of bed for a day. The good thing about that experience is that it toughened me up. It was like basic training. This movie got killed, and then after that I was OK with getting killed—I got killed a few more times since then, but it hasn't bothered me."

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Rent Cocktail on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

What to Know

There are no surprises in Cocktail , a shallow, dramatically inert romance that squanders Tom Cruise's talents in what amounts to a naive barkeep's banal fantasy.

Critics Reviews

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Roger Donaldson

Brian Flanagan

Bryan Brown

Douglas 'Doug' Coughlin

Elisabeth Shue

Jordan Mooney

Laurence Luckinbill

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Related movie news.

Cocktail (1988)

Tom cruise: brian flanagan.

• Photos (63)
• Quotes (24)

Photos 

Quotes 

[Last Barman poem] 

Brian : I am the last barman poet / I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make / Americans getting stinky on something I stir or shake / The sex on the beach / The schnapps made from peach / The velvet hammer / The Alabama slammer. / I make things with juice and froth / The pink squirrel / The three-toed sloth. / I make drinks so sweet and snazzy / The iced tea / The kamakazi / The orgasm / The death spasm / The Singapore sling / The dingaling. / America you've just been devoted to every flavor I got / But if you want to got loaded / Why don't you just order a shot? / Bar is open.

Bonnie : Please, I don't want to end it this way.

Brian : Jesus, everything ends badly, otherwise it wouldn't end.

Brian : Days get shorter and shorter, nights longer and longer, before you know it, your life is just one long night with a few comatose daylight hours.

[last lines] 

Jordan : Bet I can still spook you.

Brian : No way.

[she whispers in his ear] 

Brian : Twins? Twins?

[to everyone] 

Brian : Twins! Drinks are on the house!

Uncle Pat : No! No!

Brian : The bar is open!

[Flanagan's advice to his unborn child:] 

Brian : If Jordan gives birth to a fine Irish son / There will be Cocktails and Dreams for him one day to run / A business that will yield the financial windfall / To be franchised in every suburban shopping mall. / If a daughter arrives to bless our clan / I guess the shit will finally hit the fan / But this I shall promise thee / I'll never let her marry a guy like me. / Still if our child is the naughtiest of girls or the wildest of young men / I swear I'll be the best dad I can / And never ever get spooked again.

Brian : Coughlin's law: never show surprise, never lose your cool.

Brian : You're offering me a job?

Doug : Uh huh.

Brian : The waitresses hate me!

Doug : You wait till you've given them crabs. Then you'll really know hatred.

Brian : Should we let it breathe?

Doug : It hasn't breathed for fifty years, it's dead. Let's just drink it.

[Jordan is drawing a picture of Brian] 

Brian : So this is your profession.

Jordan : More like my... obsession.

Brian : To pay the rent?

Jordan : Someday it will.

Brian : I'm willing to start at the bottom.

Job Interviewer : You're aiming too high.

Brian : I'm looking for the Manager.

Doug : What's the problem? Did you find a hair in your quiche?

Brian : No, I'm looking for a job.

Doug : Ah, you'd like to put a hair in somebody else's quiche.

Doug : Mighty Casey has struck out.

Brian : The game's not over yet. It wouldn't be any fun if they fell over with their legs in the air, would it?

Brian : I'll stick with the brew.

Doug : Beer is for breakfast around here, drink or be gone.

[Jordan has returned to her father's Park Avenue penthouse to find Brian arguing with him] 

Brian : I think there's a chance for us.

Jordan : Brian, there is no "us." There's too many things about "us" that don't work.

Brian : What about the baby? A kid needs a father.

Jordan : Not one who's not going to be around in a year?

Mr. Mooney : Yeah, with your lifestyle, what kind of a father would you...

Jordan : Dad!

Brian : Listen, I'm sorry I called you a bitch.

Eleanor : Why? I am a bitch.

Brian : Not a goddamned thing any one of those professors says makes a difference on the street.

Doug : If you know that, you're ready to graduate.

Mr. Mooney : You're on your own.

Brian : That's the only way I want it.

Brian : [telling Bonnie he's moving out of her place]  I left a can of Spam in your refrigerator... I hope your Brewers Yeast doesn't take it personally.

Brian : [looking at Jordan's painting]  Is this our waterfall?

Jordan : No.

Brian : It's terrific.

Jordan : Yeah, it's all right. The name's Mooney, not Monet.

Bonnie : I've been thinking about you all day.

Brian : Really? A plane ride home will cure that.

Jordan : What are you doing here?

Brian : I bet you thought you'd never see me again.

Jordan : *Hoped* is a better word!

[first lines] 

Brian : Come on, put it to the floor! Come on! Let's go!

Brian : You wouldn't treat a stray dog like this.

Jordan : A stray dog can be *loyal*.

Brian : I can't *make it with my best friend's old lady.

Kerry Coughlin : Ami I supposed to live with the same man *forever and no one else in my life?

Brian : Yes! It's called *marriage.

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Cocktail 1988

Brian: I am the last barman poet / I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make / Americans getting stinky on something I stir or shake / The sex on the beach / The schnapps made from peach / The velvet hammer / The alabama slammer. / I make things with juice and froth / The pink squirrel / The 3-toed sloth. / I make drinks so sweat and snazzy / The iced tea / The kamakazi / The orgasm / The death spasm / The Singapore sling / The dingaling. / America you've just been devoted to every flavor I got / But if you want to got loaded / Why don't you just order a shot? / Bar is open.

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