World Burlesque Day is an annual event celebrated on April 26th to recognize and celebrate the art of burlesque. Burlesque is a form of theatrical entertainment that originated in the 19th century, characterized by humor, satire, and parody. Today, burlesque is often associated with striptease and has evolved into a form of performance art that celebrates body positivity, diversity, and empowerment. World Burlesque Day aims to raise awareness of burlesque as an art form and to promote its acceptance and appreciation worldwide. It is celebrated with burlesque performances, workshops, and events held in different parts of the world.
Many burlesque-themed events and parties often feature cocktails that are inspired by the glamour and sensuality of burlesque performances.
Burlesque Martini
- 2 oz gin or vodka
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Raspberries (for garnish)
To make the cocktail, fill a shaker with ice cubes, gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and raspberry liqueur. Shake well until the ingredients are well mixed and chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a few raspberries.
Showgirl
- 4 oz champagne
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
- Orange twist (for garnish)
In a champagne flute, pour the orange liqueur and pomegranate juice. Top with champagne, and garnish with an orange twist.
The Temptress
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz lime juice
- 3/4 oz agave nectar
- 1 dash hot sauce
- Jalapeño slice (for garnish)
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño.
Burlesque Bubbly
- 2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 4 oz champagne
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
In a champagne flute, pour the elderflower liqueur and top with champagne. Add a few ice cubes, and garnish with a lemon twist.
French 75
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz champagne
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.
The Velvet Hammer
- 2 oz coffee liqueur
- 2 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Ice cubes
- Cocoa powder (for garnish)
In a shaker with ice, combine the coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and heavy cream. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder.
The Dirty Shirley
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
In a glass with ice, combine the vodka and grenadine. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
The Red Velvet Martini
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz raspberry liqueur
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Ice cubes
- White chocolate shavings (for garnish)
In a shaker with ice, combine the vodka, raspberry liqueur, and cranberry juice. Add a few drops of red food coloring for a vibrant red color (optional). Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with white chocolate shavings.
Cherry Bombshell
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz cherry liqueur
- 1/4 oz agave nectar
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Cherry (for garnish)
In a shaker with ice, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, cherry liqueur, agave nectar, and orange bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.
The Seductress
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Edible flower (for garnish)
In a shaker with ice, combine the rum, lime juice, honey syrup, elderflower liqueur, and bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an edible flower.
The Naughty Librarian
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz green chartreuse
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- Lime twist (for garnish)
In a shaker with ice, combine the gin, green chartreuse, lime juice, and honey syrup. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime twist.
Burlesque Blossom
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/4 oz lavender syrup
- Edible flower (for garnish)
In a shaker with ice, combine the gin, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and lavender syrup. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an edible flower.