Caoimhe Chats

Tony Cocktail Party

Musical theatre is one of my greatest passions. Even as I write this, I am listening to the soundtrack of musical 'Dogfight'. Some could say I am obsessed.

I have always loved musical theatre. Among my favourite CDs as a toddler was the Les Miserables soundtrack and it remains a firm favourite to this day.

There's something about live theatre, especially when music is involved. Being on stage is one of my favourite things but I also enjoy leaving it up to the professionals of the West End and Broadway.

For many with a love for musical theatre, the Tonys are a highlight of the year.

The Tonys are an annual awards ceremony to celebrate Broadway's live theatre scene.

Myself and a group of my friends decided to celebrate this year's 68th Tony Awards by watching them together with a Chinese takeaway and cocktails.

We decided to invent (or rename) a cocktail with the theme of the Tonys and so I thought I would take to my blog to share three of the cocktails we enjoyed while watching this year's Tonys.

The Cabaret

My own cocktail was called The Cabaret. Cabaret was nominated this year in the categories for best performance by an actor and an actress in featured roles in a musical.

This cocktail consisted of Peach Bellini and Cranberry and Raspberry juice. The story behind it? ... Well, in Cabaret Herr Schultz is very fond of 'Schnaps'. When I think of 'Schnaps', I automatically think of Peach Schnapps and so that's what I set out to buy. While I couldn't find Peach Schnapps exactly, I though Peach Bellini would do. (to be quite honest I haven't a notion whether there's any difference between the two or what Peach Bellini is exactly but it looked pretty) As many of you may know, Cabaret is set in Germany and I happened to be shopping in Aldi, a German shop. I decided to buy some Cranberry and Raspberry juice in Aldi which I manipulated as being relevant to Cabaret as it was bought in a German shop. (that works right?!)

I didn't pay much attention to measurements, just dividing the Bellini out evenly and topping the glasses up with the Cranberry and Raspberry juice and ice. As simple as this cocktail was, I was so impressed. It was the perfect summer's evening drink - so fruity and refreshing. I'd definitely recommend it, even if you don't call it 'The Cabaret' yourself!

Thinking of adding 'cocktail maker' to my CV?!

The Tony Tipple

My friend Brandon's cocktail was a renamed gin and tonic. Not many of us were regular drinkers of gin and so it felt quite sophisticated to be having a G&T!

Brandon garnished his Tony Tipple with lime and when squeezed into the cocktail, it made for another suitable summer drink.

While I can't see myself becoming a regular G&T drinker, it was a nice change and a sophisticated twist to our Tony night!

Unlike me, Brandon actually is a bar-man!

Cranston's Meth

Not half as dubious as it sounds, Lauryn's cocktail was inspired by Bryan Cranston. He won this year's award for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play for his undertaking of the role of Lyndon B. Johnson in 'All the Way'. To celebrate Cranston's Broadway debut, Lauryn was inspired by his highly-acclaimed role in the TV show, 'Breaking Bad'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N0nkTJhfb8. As a manufacturer and seller of meth in the show, Lauryn decided to include blue Mickey Finns in her cocktail. Mixed with a small measure of Mickey Finns was lemon and lime soda. Lauryn's final touch was a lollipop and ice.

This cocktail was definitely another example of a fun cocktail perfect for relaxing in the summer sun .. or in our case in front of the TV as we watched the Tonys! I loved the imagination behind this one!

Oh so professional!

So that was probably a completely unhelpful-I-knew-all-of-this-already blog post about cocktails. I never really set out to inform, just to show how fun a themed cocktail night with friends can be!

In terms of the actual Tonys, I had to share with you the highlight of the night. 'Beautiful' is a Broadway musical based on the life of the awe-inspiring Carole King. When she appeared on stage to introduce a performance by the cast of 'Beautiful' myself and my friends went crazy! The performance did not let us down. Accompanied by Carole King herself, Jessie Mueller and the cast performed 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' and 'I Feel The Earth Move'. I have attached the link to the performance below because this is honestly something that everyone has to see. It's FLAWLESS! Our night was then made when Jessie Mueller picked up the award for best performance by an actress in a lead role in a musical.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N0nkTJhfb8

I have attached below some other pictures of our Tony Cocktail Party. I absolutely love my friends and our common love for all things musical!

Caoimhe xoxo