Hong Kong-based Bar Leone is set to serve up its signature cocktails at the 98th Oscars Governors Ball with Don Julio Tequila on 15 March. Nimmi Malhotra finds out more.
Diageo-owned Tequila Don Julio has partnered with the Academy Awards Governors Ball – the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official after party, for the ninth consecutive year.
This year, the brand has invited two globally acclaimed mixologists, Charles Joly and Lorenzo Antinori, co-founder of Bar Leone, to create signature cocktails for the star-studded evening.
While Joly is a Governors Ball veteran, it will be Lorenzo Antinori’s first foray into Hollywood and the first time that an Asian bar has been invited.
“Bringing Bar Leone from Hong Kong to Los Angeles for Hollywood’s biggest night is a real honour for us,” says Lorenzo Antinori. His Italian neighbourhood-styled bar, known for its classic cocktails, was named the World’s Best Bar by World’s 50 Best Bars in 2025. It was also crowned Asia’s Best Bar in 2024 and 2025.
Iconic moment
“Working with Charles on these cocktails was a great creative exchange where we took inspiration from the flavours of Mexico and translated them into drinks that feel perfect for this moment. Tequila Don Julio is made for celebrations like this, and we’re proud to be part of such an iconic event with global recognition,” he added.
“The Governors Ball is where every detail matters,” says Charles Joly. The official Oscars after-party will be held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in the same building as the Dolby Theatre, where the 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, 15 March 2026.
The party is expected to host more than 2,000 guests, including Oscar winners, nominees, presenters and performers.
What’s on the menu?
“Having crafted cocktails for this exact moment over the years, I know how important each and every element is, and collaborating with Lorenzo and Bar Leone was an exciting journey that introduced new perspectives that helped to further innovate the Tequila Don Julio bar experience for our best year yet,” Joly added.
The cocktails on pour include Best in Show, a tequila-based highball with Italian aperitif and cucumber, and the Golden Margarita, a savoury take on the Margarita with masa-infused tequila. Joly will be stirring a Maestro’s Martini with Don Julio’s 70 Cristalino tequila and The Sequel, a riff on the Espresso Martini using Don Julio 1942 tequila.
The preparations for the party are underway. Both mixologists are in Los Angeles prepping ingredients for their cocktails, including, by their own account, enough espresso beans to fill a hot tub.
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