Tequila Don Julio returns to the 2025 Oscars Governors Ball with mixologist Charles Joly and Handshake Speakeasy, serving A-list cocktails with purpose.
As the 97th Academy Awards rolled out the red carpet in Los Angeles, one thing was clear — the stars may have shimmered in couture, but the real sparkle came from the glasses in their hands.
For the eighth year running, Tequila Don Julio returned as the official spirits partner of the Governors Ball, the Oscars’ legendary afterparty — this time teaming up with globally acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly and the award-winning Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City. Together, they delivered a cocktail experience that turned Hollywood’s biggest night into a spirited tribute to Modern Mexico.
“Each cocktail gets the star-studded treatment with Tequila Don Julio at the foundation,”
Charles Joly
“offering depth and complexity combined with elegance and refinement that makes each drink worthy to toast the night with.”
The Art of the Afterparty: A Taste of Modern Mexico
If the Oscars are Hollywood’s highest honor, then the Governors Ball is its most exclusive celebration — and this year, Joly and Handshake Speakeasy made sure every sip deserved an award of its own.
The mixology dream team spent weeks crafting and scaling a luxury cocktail menu using four Tequila Don Julio expressions — from crisp Blanco to rare 1942 — bringing to life signature serves like:
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Golden Age Gimlet (Tequila Don Julio Blanco, pineapple, lime, vanilla)
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The Clear Winner (Tequila Don Julio Reposado, grapefruit, hibiscus, tamarind)
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Standing Ovation (Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel)
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The Class Act (Tequila Don Julio 1942)
Preparing for the night’s demands was no small feat — 1,200 limes, 1,000 apples, and 25,500 espresso beans went into service for the afterparty’s A-list guests.
“This occasion is often referred to as Hollywood’s Biggest Night, and we take that to heart,”
Joly
“It’s an incredible honor for us to show up with celebratory cocktails made just for that night.”
Sip Like the Stars: Don Julio at Home
For those watching from home (and yes, wearing your best sweats can count as red carpet attire), Tequila Don Julio shared recipes so fans can shake up their own Oscars-worthy cocktails:
Golden Age Gimlet
By Handshake Speakeasy
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1½ oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
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1½ oz fresh pineapple juice
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¾ oz fresh lime juice
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½ oz vanilla syrup
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with an olive.
The Clear Winner
By Charles Joly
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1½ oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado
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½ oz fresh lime juice
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¾ oz fresh grapefruit juice
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1 oz tamarind syrup
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1½ oz hibiscus tea
Shake with ice and strain into a Collins glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with citrus.
(Yes, that means you can host your own Governors Ball — minus the paparazzi.)
More Than a Party: Don Julio’s Love Letter to Los Angeles
This year’s celebration carried a deeper message. In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Tequila Don Julio pledged $500,000 toward recovery and relief efforts through the Tequila Don Julio Fund.
As part of this commitment, the brand partnered with Mexican artists to create three original works of art — each a love letter to Los Angeles — auctioned on Charitybuzz.com, with proceeds benefiting Another Round Another Rally’s Disaster Relief Fund for hospitality workers affected by the fires.
It’s a gesture that perfectly reflects Don Julio’s ethos — craftsmanship, community, and celebration with conscience.
Legacy in a Glass
Founded in the Highlands of Jalisco by Don Julio González, the brand that revolutionized the tequila industry remains the original luxury spirit of Mexico. Its legacy bottles — including Don Julio Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Alma Miel, 1942, and Ultima Reserva — have become the standard of excellence in bars and collections around the world.
So whether you’re sipping a Golden Age Gimlet in West Hollywood or toasting a “Clear Winner” in Berlin, Tequila Don Julio continues to bridge cultures — one pour, one celebration, and one perfect cocktail at a time.
For more information, visit www.DonJulio.com or follow @DonJulioTequila on Instagram.
Mini FAQ
Q: Who created the cocktails for the 2025 Oscars Governors Ball?
A: Globally acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly collaborated with Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy, winner of “World’s Best Bar 2024.”
Q: What were the featured Tequila Don Julio cocktails?
A: Highlights included the Golden Age Gimlet, The Clear Winner, Standing Ovation, and The Class Act, each using different Don Julio expressions.
Q: How is Tequila Don Julio supporting Los Angeles wildfire relief?
A: Through the Tequila Don Julio Fund, pledging $500,000 and auctioning artwork on Charitybuzz.com to benefit Another Round Another Rally’s Disaster Relief Fund.
A Toast to Craft, Culture, and Cinema
The Governors Ball has always been where Hollywood lets its hair down — and this year, Tequila Don Julio raised the bar, literally and figuratively. Blending heritage, innovation, and heart, the brand proved once again that luxury isn’t about exclusivity — it’s about authenticity.
So here’s to the winners, the dreamers, and every toast that celebrates both. Salud!
