The Life of a Showgirl… in a Glass: 3 Cocktails + Mocktails Inspired by Taylor Swift's New Album
- Christianne Klein
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl feels like a fully realized Swift in her adult era - orange is her new red. The album radiates confidence, theatricality, and a sense of arrival, as if she’s leaning into every shade of who she is without apology. We especially love standouts like The Fate of Ophelia, Eldest Daughter, Cancelled!, and the dazzling title track Life of a Showgirl. Swift has become more assured in both her writing and her skin with every era, and this might just be her most elegantly rebellious album yet.
So if you’re listening to the new album right now (like we are) or inviting a few friends over this weekend, here are three Taylor Swift-inspired The Life of a Showgirl cocktails - and their zero-proof pairings - to elevate the experience:
1. The Showgirl Spritz
A sparkling orange aperitivo that captures the energy of Swift’s latest (blood) orange era.
Cocktail Ingredients:
1.5 oz Aperol
1 oz blood orange juice
3 oz prosecco
Splash of soda water
Garnish: orange twist + pinch of edible glitter
Mocktail Ingredients:
2 oz blood orange juice
2 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling apple cider
Splash of soda water
Garnish: orange twist + edible glitter
Extra flair tip: Sugar the rim or use sparkling sugar for a stage-ready finish that shimmers under the lights.
Why it works: Bright, bubbly, and eye-catching - sequins and feathers in a glass, with just enough sparkle to feel like you’re front row at the show.
2. Cancelled Sour
A dark twist on a whiskey sour, inspired by the fierce edge of Cancelled! We like our whiskey sour too, Taylor.
Cocktail Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
½ oz amaro (I use Cynar)
Egg white (optional, for froth)
Garnish: charred lemon wheel
Mocktail Ingredients:
2 oz chilled brewed black tea
1 oz lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
½ oz non-alcoholic amaro or pomegranate molasses
Aquafaba (optional, for froth)
Garnish: charred lemon wheel
Why it works: Tangy, smoky, and unapologetically bold - a drink with the same “luxury IDGAF” energy Swift channels on the track, whether you pour the bourbon or not.
3. Elizabeth Violet
An ode to Hollywood glamour and Taylor’s track Elizabeth Taylor, this cocktail is as timeless as it is dazzling. No need to cry your eyes violet when you're drinking this delicious floral cocktail.
Cocktail Ingredients:
2 oz gin
½ oz crème de violette
½ oz elderflower liqueur
¾ oz lemon juice
Top with Champagne
Garnish: edible violet or rose petal
Mocktail Ingredients:
2 oz non-alcoholic gin (or lavender-infused lemonade)
½ oz violet syrup
½ oz elderflower cordial
¾ oz lemon juice
Top with sparkling grape juice
Garnish: edible violet or rose petal
Why it works: Elegant, sparkling, and violet-hued - pure star power in a coupe glass, whether you’re drinking with bubbles or botanicals.
Whether you’re having a solo listening session or hosting a Life of a Showgirl party with friends, these cocktails and mocktails set the mood. Just like the album, they balance fun, drama, and a little backstage vulnerability - with plenty of white diamonds, sparkle, and sequins.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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