DREAMING OF A PINK CHRISTMAS: Paris Hilton

As they say in Paris (France), Paris (Hilton) lives la vie en rose. The party girl is a sucker for all things big and pink, even going so far as to have her limo’s bodywork custom-sprayed a shocking shade of bubble gum. The bigwigs at Bentley weren’t exactly tickled pink, reportedly worried about what this says about their brand. Bimbomobile?  Mauritian rum Pink Pigeon’s new Christmas recipe, meanwhile, is a seasonal sip to put anyone in the pink. Driving under the influence, whatever the season, is a red card offence. Eh, Paris?   

Make it...  

50 ml Pink Pigeon rum

25 ml freshly squeezed orange juice

15 ml Fratello hazelnut liqueur

Dash of bitters.

Shake with ice. Strain into a martini glass

Drink it… at Drunken Monkey, London E1www.thedrunkenmonkey.co.uk The Viper Rooms, Sheffield  http://sheffield.theviperrooms.co.uk and the Liars Club, Manchester  www.theliarsclub.co.uk  

MOJITO ROYALE: Johnny Depp

After some pretty rum reviews, Depp’s new film hasn’t done great box office on either side of the Atlantic. The Rum Diary may be a flop, but rummy mojito remains the UK’s most popular cocktail. Why not raise a glass to a return to form with this souped-up version, Johnny? That’s assuming you haven’t vowed never to touch rum again.

Make it...  

In a tall glass, muddle fresh mint, 1 tsp sugar and 15 ml squeezed lime juice. Add 60ml sparkling water, then ice cubes followed by 60ml Havana Club 7-year-old and 60 ml Champagne. Stir.

Drink it… at Jake Burger’s bars The Portobello Star in London http://portobellostarbar.co.uk

and Jake’s in Leeds http://jakesbar.co.uk or with Brugal Añejo rum at Tigerlily, Edinburgh

www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk

BRIEF ENCOUNTER: Hugh Grant

For happy non-couple Hugh Grant and Tinglan Hong, a brief encounter begat a baby daughter (Hu-Hong?). Mummy might also wish to toast her additional good fortune - the swanky Fulham house Grant reportedly moved her into. While the cocktail might also resonate with Boris Broom-Cupboard-Becker, all the anguished heroine (played by Celia Johnson) of 1945 weepie Brief Encounter got to drink was a lousy cuppa at Milford Junction's buffet.

Make it...  

35ml  Absolut vanilla vodka 

35 ml rhubarb liqueur 

10 ml fresh lemon juice

20ml lavender honey. 

Shake and top with 60 ml Champagne

Drink it… at Oxo Tower SE1 and other Harvey Nichols bars in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Leeds www.harveynichols.com  

AVIATION: Angelina Jolie

Having obtained her pilot’s licence, Angelina is reportedly keen for son Maddox to familiarise himself with the cockpit(t) controls too. After looping the loop and other daring blue sky adventures, the A-list aviatrix might unwind with a back-in-fashion Aviation, a gin sour, originally created at New York’s Wallick Hotel in 1911. Maddox will have to wait a while yet to fully savour either thrill; he’s only 10. 

Make it:  

2 oz Plymouth gin

½ oz lemon juice

¼ oz maraschino liqueur

Dash of crème de violette (optional)

Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass, add cocktail cherry garnish.

Drink it: at Apotheca, Manchester www.apothecabar.co.uk  or Bar 45 at 45 Park Lane, 

the swish new Mayfair hotel Brangelina recently stayed at http://www.45parklane.com/bar-45