by Liz Locke

If you’re in the mood for a thriller full of double and triple-crosses that doesn’t take itself too seriously, look no further than the Stanley Donen classic, Charade. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, this film has more twists than a Chubby Checker song. Who can you trust? In the world of Charade - absolutely no one.

I must admit, this picture is not at all what I expected from Hepburn and Grant. It begins with a man being thrown to his death from a train, and the body count rises from there. However, the sexy banter between the two stars keeps this from becoming too macabre, and Hepburn’s refined wardrobe is somehow reassuring. Can anything bad ever really happen to a woman strolling through Paris in a Givenchy coat and pillbox hat? I daresay not.

If you’re looking to imbibe, I’d suggest pairing Charade with a Sidecar. This cocktail makes Cointreau the shining star, and you’ll enjoy its sweet, citrusy taste as you watch Cary Grant try to balance an orange on a woman’s ample cleavage. Talk about a fun party game! Who needs charades when you’ve got sexy fruit shenanigans? Cheers!

Sidecar

1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Cognac
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon Wedge
Sugar

Prepare glass by running a lemon wedge around the edge, then dip in granulated sugar. Combine Cointreau, Cognac, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, then strain into prepared glass.

For more movie and cocktail duos, head over to cinemasips.com.