Spago Martini & Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Hello there, it's the BF [bracket-happy Editor], hijacking this entry. Thought we'd kick back into gear with something a little different, a cocktail to lead us into one of Chef Jacquie's favorite nights of the year: Oscar night.

For those unaware, Jacquie and I complement each other beautifully in the creative spaces. I worked for musician/music-industry-oriented magazines for roughly a quarter century, am the product of two San Francisco-based jazz pianists, and like to think I opened up her ears a little bit. She, in turn, helped me appreciate movies on an entirely different level. Still remember walking up the aisle after Pulp Fiction, feeling like I'd ridden a roller coaster with her all day. Since we met, I've been a more discerning movie fan.

And Oscar night? It's her Super Bowl.

For over a decade Chef Jacquie had weekend clients who unfortunately kept her busy on those Sunday nights, but now we settle in with appropriate libations and make our picks (ours are below), while trying to prepare ourselves beforehand by seeing as many of the nominees as we can. This year we were both excited to have so many good pictures to review.

For this Oscar ceremony, we're going a couple decades back to a date we had at Spago in Palo Alto, CA, where she ordered the restaurant's eponymous martini, and after started making her own version of it whenever she could.

It's Jolly Rancher good.

So we hope you enjoy this year's Oscars, and here are our picks for some of the major categories. Let us know yours in the comments!

Director
Chef Jacquie: Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood
The BF: Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood

Costume Design
CJ: Jacqueline Durran, Little Women
BF: Mayes C. Rubeo, Jojo Rabbit

Cinematography
CJ: Roger Deakins, 1917
BF: Roger Deakins, 1917

Actress In A Supporting Role
CJ: Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell
BF: Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell

Actor In A Supporting Role
CJ: Brad Pitt, Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood
BF: Joe Pesci, The Irishman

Actress In A Leading Role
CJ: Renée Zellweger, Judy
BF: Renée Zellweger, Judy

Actor In A Leading Role
CJ: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
BF: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

Best Picture
CJ: Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood [but pretty sure 1917 will win]
BF: Joker

NOTES:

• You can use apple vodka instead of pear. If you do this, use pear juice instead of apple.
• Original recipe calls for Vodka infused with both pear and apple. Recipe was adjusted to add pear or apple juice to your desired vodka as that specific combo can be difficult to find. This drink is slightly less boozy because of this. If you want more kick, add more vodka. 
  

Stolen from: Spago's Restaurant [Ed. note: Not literally.]
Number of servings: 2-3 martinis

Ingredients
Cocktail

• ​4 ounces pear-infused vodka
• 2 ounces apple juice 
• 1 ounce tart cherry juice
• Squeeze of fresh lime juice

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

• 2 tablespoons fine granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Lime wedge

Garnish

• Bing or maraschino cherry garnish

Directions
Cinnamon Sugar Rim

1. Place sugar and cinnamon in a shallow wide bowl or plate. The point, use a larger diameter than your glass. Mix well.
2. Wet the rim of your martini glass with a lime wedge. 
3. Dip and roll the rim of the glass into the cinnamon sugar.
4. Set aside.

Cocktail

1. Place vodka, apple juice, cherry juice and squeeze of lime into a 2-cup measuring cup with a spout (make sure it has a defined spout). Give it a stir.
2. Pour into glasses.
3. Add cherry for garnish if using. Viola!

Good to the last drop.