The Nick & Nora Cocktail

Cinematic Spirits: The Timeless Elegance of Nick & Nora

Nick Charles (played by William Powell) and his affluent wife, Nora (Myrna Loy), emerged as the glamorous couple who not only solved murder cases but also elevated cocktail drinking to cinematic stardom in 1934. Their refreshing, fast-paced escapades unfolded in a series of lively US crime comedies, featuring witty dialogues and, of course, plenty of cocktails.

The iconic Nick & Nora cocktail, a perfected martini (with an optional dash of Orange Bitters), made its debut in ‘The Thin Man,’ a film adapted from Dashiell Hammett’s novel. The movie’s success led to the creation of five sequels, captivating audiences until 1947. In these films, the signature drink is elegantly served in a slightly smaller, stemmed, partly rounded cocktail glass—now famously known as the ‘Nick & Nora glass,’ positioned between a coupe and a traditional Martini glass.

Notably, Nick Charles was the first movie star to request a shaken martini, predating James Bond’s creation of the Vesper Martini.

The Nick & Nora Cocktail Recipe:

– 4cl London Dry Gin
– 2cl dry vermouth
– 2cl sweet vermouth

Bronx Variant: Juice of 1/4 Orange

To prepare, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, shake vigorously, and strain into an iced Nick & Nora glass (or martini glass).

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