The “Andy Warhol” Cocktail: A Pop Art Sip Worth Pouring

There’s a cocktail out there that wears its inspiration on its sleeve: the Andy Warhol. Just like the artist after whom it’s named, this drink is stylish, a little unexpected, and rooted in creative flair.

What It Is

Here’s the classic version of the recipe:

• 1½ oz Cognac (e.g., Martell VS)

• ½ oz Benedictine liqueur

• ⅓ oz Lillet Blanc

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• Garnish: flamed orange zest

Instructions: Stir all ingredients over ice, strain into a coupe or similar glass, then flame the orange peel over the drink for aromatic flair.

Origins & Who Created It

• The drink is credited to Grant Dingwall, a bartender from New Zealand (specifically Auckland) working at the bar “Cartel”.

• According to one source, it was first documented in 2009 by cocktail author Gaz Regan. “The Andy Warhol cocktail … emerged from New Zealand and was first written about by Gaz Regan in 2009.” 

• Dingwall modestly noted that “it’s probably already been invented,” suggesting that the combination might have existed in some form before but that he published his version.

Why The Name

By naming the cocktail “Andy Warhol,” the creator invokes the spirit of Warhol’s pop‑art aesthetic, bold yet refined, familiar yet unexpected. Using Cognac and classic French‑style liqueurs gives the drink a certain elegance, while the flamed orange twist adds a gesture of dramatic flair. It’s a drink that nods to high style and a bit of underground edge, much like Warhol’s own work.

Serving Notes & Style Tips

• Opt for a quality VS or VSOP Cognac to give the cocktail a proper foundation. The depth of the brandy balances the herbal Benedictine and the delicate Lillet Blanc.

• Stirring rather than shaking helps maintain clarity and smoothness, fitting for a stylish sip.

• The flamed orange peel isn’t just decorative,  it adds aromatic citrus oil and a bit of theatre. If you’re comfortable, flame the zest right over the glass so the oils mist onto the surface.

• Serve in a chilled coupe or similar elegant glass to honor the drink’s aesthetic.

• Because the drink leans into classic spirits rather than overtly sweet mixers, it’s well suited for someone who enjoys a refined cocktail, perhaps after dinner or at an art‑inspired gathering.

Fun Fact

Despite being named after one of the most famous figures of 20th‑century art, the drink’s development is relatively recent (2000s era), making it a modern tribute rather than a vintage classic.