The cocktail menu at this year’s Governors Ball was the result of a creative partnership between Bar Leone of Hong Kong—renowned as one of the world’s top bars—and acclaimed American mixologist Charles Joly. Their collaboration produced a selection of drinks that combined refined sophistication with inviting flavors, ensuring Hollywood’s elite enjoyed cocktails that were both opulent and accessible.

A Collaboration Rooted in Global Bar Culture

Tequila Don Julio has been synonymous with landmark celebrations for years, and its role at the Governors Ball highlights the brand’s enduring partnership with both the Academy and the world of craft cocktails. For the 2026 event, Don Julio welcomed Bar Leone —the Hong Kong bar inspired by Rome and founded by Lorenzo Antinori —to introduce its “cocktail popolari” approach to Hollywood’s most exclusive post-Oscars gathering.

Bar Leone, celebrated for its emphasis on timeless cocktail structure, balance, and genuine hospitality, brought two standout signature drinks to the event—crafted to be both festive and easy to enjoy amid the energy of a star‑studded evening. Complementing these, renowned mixologist Charles Joly contributed two more original cocktails. With his extensive experience designing drinks for major awards ceremonies, Joly was the perfect collaborator for Hollywood’s biggest night.

The Cocktails Served at the Governors Ball

The menu featured four distinctive cocktails, each highlighting a different expression of Don Julio tequila and a unique creative point of view.

Best in Show, crafted by Bar Leone, is a lively highball cocktail featuring Tequila Don Julio Blanco as its base. Blending Italian aperitif, cucumber, citrus, and sparkling water, this drink delivers a crisp, invigorating taste—perfect for maintaining a festive spirit throughout the evening, all while offering a refreshing and aromatic profile.

Another standout from Bar Leone, the Golden Cut Margarita presents a savory, layered twist on the traditional margarita. Featuring Tequila Don Julio Reposado as its base, this cocktail introduces masa‑infused gin and bitters, imparting toasted grain nuances that enhance the tequila’s signature warm agave flavor. The outcome is a margarita that feels both classic and distinctively refined.

Crafted by Charles Joly, the Maestro Martini elevates Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino in a sophisticated martini presentation. Enhanced with bianco vermouth and nuanced aromatics, this cocktail emphasizes the refined character and clarity of cristalino tequila while paying homage to the classic martini style.

Completing the lineup of spirited drinks is The Sequel, a luxurious cocktail inspired by coffee and featuring Tequila Don Julio 1942 at its core. Crafted with cold-brew coffee and warming spice accents, this cocktail offers a decadent option for the evening’s final moments—perfect for those seeking an indulgent finish to the night’s celebrations.

An Inclusive Finale: After Glow (Non‑Alcoholic)

Reflecting the Governors Ball’s commitment to inclusive hospitality, Charles Joly introduced After Glow —a non-alcoholic cocktail thoughtfully crafted to offer the same celebratory spirit and complexity as the event’s alcoholic drinks. Featuring carefully layered flavors and a sophisticated texture, After Glow allows guests who prefer not to consume alcohol to share fully in the evening’s festivities.

Celebrating Craft on Hollywood’s Biggest Night

Together, these cocktails reflect the shared values of <brand>Tequila Don Julio</brand>, Bar Leone, and Charles Joly: respect for tradition, precision in execution, and an understanding that great drinks are ultimately about bringing people together. At the Governors Ball, that philosophy translated into a cocktail program worthy of the silver screen—one that celebrated not just cinematic achievement, but the global craft behind every perfectly poured glass