The 2025 Tony Awards Watchers' Guide to Food and Drink

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Broadway fan. I love the musicals, the plays, the costumes, the performers, the sets, the scores, the dancing...the whole nine yards. Which means that the annual Tony Awards celebration is always "Must See TV" in my house, so you know exactly where I'll be this Sunday night at 6:30pm when the red carpet coverage begins. But what fun is watching a red carpet event without snacks and cocktails to go with it? In the past, I've put together a list of themed cocktails inspired by the various nominated productions. But this year I've decided to branch out a bit, and I'm suggesting a collection of both food and drink recipes that have a connection to the nominated productions! Due to the huge number of nominated shows, I am limiting my suggestions to the shows with at least 5 nominations, although the rest of the nominated shows are listed at the end. 

Best wishes to all the nominees and to the entire Broadway community as we all raise a glass to them on Sunday night!

Cheers from me and Elaine!

Buena Vista Social Club (10 nominations)

Synopsis: Set in Havana, Cuba, the show follows four well-known musicians from the 1950s through the 1990s, examining the effect of communism and Fidel Castro's political leadership on the Cuban music scene. 

Nominations: Best New Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Saheem Ali), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Natalie Venetia Belcon), Best Book of a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Arnulfo Maldonado), Best Choreography (Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck), Best Orchestrations (Marco Paguia), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Dede Ayite), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tyler Micoleau), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Jonathan Deans)

The Cocktail: Cuba Libre 

Given the setting, clearly a Cuban cocktail is in order here. And since the Cuba Libre is considered to be a symbol of Cuba’s resilience, independence and joie de vivre, this simple but classic cocktail is a perfect match for the show.

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in 2 ounces of rum and 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice, then top with club soda, gently stir to combine, and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge. 

The Snack: Cubano Bites

The traditional Cuban sandwich, often called simply a Cubano, consists of ham, roast pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread, buttered and pressed in a plancha, or sandwich press. This recipe includes directions on making your own roast pork, as well as several substitutes for Cuban bread (which is often hard to find outside of Florida), and instructions on using a skillet rather than a plancha to press the sandwich. Cut the full-sized sandwich into smaller pieces and skewer each with a frilled toothpick for a snack-sized version. 

Dead Outlaw (7 nominations)

Synopsis: A small-time criminal in the late 1800s is shot dead at age 31, and his unclaimed corpse becomes a touring sideshow attraction, appearing in wax museums, movies, and an amusement park ride.   

Nominations: Best New Musical, Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Andrew Durand), Best Direction of a Musical (David Cromer), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Julia Knitel), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Jeb Brown), Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna)

The Cocktail: Zombie 

The Zombie is another classic, rum-based cocktail, and one which seems an obvious choice for a show whose title character is, in fact, dead (despite singing several numbers). There are many variations of this drink, some significantly more complicated than others, but the recipe below uses a minimum of ingredients, and nothing too unusual or hard to obtain. 

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce dark rum, 1 ounce white rum, 2 ounces lime juice, and 5 ounces pineapple juice. Shake hard until well chilled. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice (a hurricane glass is great, if you have one) and add 1 teaspoon grenadine. Garnish with mint sprigs and/or a cherry and orange wedge on a skewer. 

The Snack: Cowboy Nachos

Anything western-themed requiring snacks says "nachos" to me. The best thing about nachos is that you really don't need a recipe. Layer your favorite kind of tortilla chips on a large serving platter, than top with your preferred combination of chili, taco beef or chicken, refried beans, black beans, chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and avocado chunks or slices, then top with a generous layer of shredded cheese, microwave for a minute or throw in a hot oven until crispy, and serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and salsa verde for dipping. 

Death Becomes Her (10 nominations)

Synopsis: Based on the movie of the same name, this this dark musical features two lifelong "frenemies" who discover a potion that grants them eternal youth and beauty. If only they had heeded the advice to take care of their bodies. 

Nominations: Best New Musical, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard), Best Direction of a Musical (Christopher Gattelli), Best Book of a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Derek McLane), Best Choreography (Christopher Gattelli), Best Original Score (Julia Mattison and Noel Carey), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Paul Tazewell), Best Lighting Design of a Musical  (Justin Townsend)

The Cocktail: The Vanity

The two main characters in this show will do anything - anything - to keep their youth and looks forever, so naturally a cocktail called the Vanity is the way to go. There are a number of cocktails called the Vanity, but this one includes a combination of blue curacao and grenadine that creates a dark color in the glass that suits the dark comedy of the show. 

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce gin, 1 ounce blue curacao, 1/2 ounce grenadine, 1 ounce lemon juice, and 1-1/2 ounces pineapple juice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass of fresh ice. 

The Snack: Garlic Bread Twists

These savory breadsticks are twisted around, just like Madeline's head after she falls down the stairs. The linked recipe is topped with garlic, melted butter, and parmesan, but don't be afraid to serve them with additional garlic butter or other dipping sauces. After all, you only live once...don't you? 

Floyd Collins (6 nominations)

Synopsis: A young Kentucky man gets trapped exploring a cave in the winter of 1925, and the attempts to rescue him hit the national news. He is eventually cut off by a cave-in and dies alone.  

Nominations: Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Jeremy Jordan), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Taylor Trensch), Best Musical Revival, Best Orchestrations (Bruce Coughlin), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Scott Zielinski and Ruey Horng Sun), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Dan Moses Schreier)

The Cocktail: Tom Collins

The recipe for a Tom Collins was first published in 1882, so both the name and the date are right for this show. 

To a tall (Collins) glass filled with ice, add 2 ounces dry gin, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup, the top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry. 

The Snack: Resurrection Rolls

Floyd's story was resurrected by this musical, but these little sweet treats, which are made by wrapping crescent roll dough around a marshmallow dipped in butter and cinnamon sugar, resemble a cave, the setting of a large part of this show. Check out the simple recipe here. 

Gypsy (5 nominations)

Synopsis: The story of the dreams and efforts of the ultimate stage mother to get her two daughters into show business.

Nominations: Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Audra McDonald), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Joy Woods), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Danny Burstein), Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography (Camille A. Brown)

The Cocktail: Mama Rosita

The character of Mama Rose appears ladylike, but we discover she has been somewhat battered by life. Similarly, the Mama Rosita cocktail is a delicate drink that is created by mashing raspberries to a pulp. 

In a cocktail shaker of ice, mash up 5 or 6 fresh raspberries, then add 3/4 oz rose syrup and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and stir. Add 1 oz of prosecco (or other sparkling wine) and allow to sit for a minute or to, to chill. Strain into a cocktail glass of fresh ice and add 4 more oz prosecco, then stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel. 

The Snack: Cracker Jacks

The carnival atmosphere of this show makes me think of Cracker Jacks, that delightful combination of caramel corn and peanuts. You can buy it by the box, complete with a toy at the bottom (which you could say corresponds to the gem of an 11 o'clock number in this show, Rose's Turn), or make it at home with this easy recipe. 

The Hills of California (7 nominations)

Synopsis: The four Webb sisters return to their childhood home in the summer of 1976 to be with their dying mother, interweaving this present-day reunion with flashbacks to the 1950s, when their single mother forced them to become a singing act, in pursuit of fame and an escape.

Nominations: Best New Play, Best Leading Actress in a Play (Laura Donnelly), Best Direction of a Play (Sam Mendes), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Rob Howell), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Natasha Chivers), Best Costume Design of a Play (Rob Howell), Best Sound Design of a Play (Nick Powell)

The Cocktail: Four Sassy Sisters

The first time I ever heard of ginger beer was in C.S. Lewis' book "The Magician's Nephew," part of the Chronicles of Narnia series. In the book, two young neighbors create a secret hiding place in the attic between their connected houses, with Lewis saying of one, "She had often drunk a quiet bottle of ginger-beer in there: the old bottles made it look more like a smugglers' cave." So ginger beer makes me think of childhood, imagination, and England. The Four Sassy Sisters, made from vodka, several juices, and ginger beer, seems like a good match for this show with its flashbacks to childhood dreams. Make a whole pitcher and find 3 other sisters to share it with you. 

In a pitcher of ice, combine 1 cup vodka, 3/4 cup cranberry juice, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 3 ounces Grand Marnier (or triple sec), and 2 7-ounce bottles of ginger beer. Stir gently, then pour into four glasses with ice. 

The Snack: Pigs in a Blanket

If our cocktail represents the sisters' childhoods during the flashback 1950s scenes, our appetizer should be represent the "present-day" 1970s of the adult sisters. And what could be more 1970s than pigs in blankets? Buy them ready-made and frozen, or use this recipe to bake your own. Dip in honey mustard or blue cheese, or serve with Cheez-Whiz for the ultimate '70s snack. 

John Proctor is the Villain (7 nominations)

Synopsis: This reimagined take on Arthur Miller's play The Crucible is set in a high school in rural Georgia at the height of the #metoo movement. It explores themes of power, trust, and accountability, as the students grapple with accusations of sexual misconduct and their teacher's perceived heroism. 

Nominations: Best New Play,  Best Leading Actress in a Play (Sadie Sink), Best Direction of a Play (Danya Taymor), Best Featured Actress in a Play (Fina Strazza), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Gabriel Ebert), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Natasha Katz and Hannah Wasileski), Best Sound Design of a Play (Palmer Hefferan), 

The Cocktail: The Salem Witch

With the show being inspired by the setting of the Salem Witch Trials, the Salem Witch seems an appropriate choice of cocktail. And, like the play, it is a mix of sweet and sour. 

Fill a tall glass with ice, then add 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz Midori (or other melon liqueur), and a splash of lime juice. Add sweet and sour mix until the glass is about 2/3 full (about 1/4 cup), then top with soda water. Stir gently to mix, then add a splash of grenadine right before serving. 

The Snack: Deviled Eggs

No social event in Georgia would be complete without someone bringing deviled eggs, and of course the "devil" theme also ties in nicely to the show. Make your favorite recipe, or choose this Southern classic recipe which uses mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill relish, and a dash of paprika. 

Just in Time (6 nominations)

Synopsis: A jukebox musical telling the life story of American pop singer Bobby Darin. 

Nominations: Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Jonathan Groff), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Gracie Lawrence), Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Derek McLane), Best Orchestrations (Andrew Resnick and Michael Thurber), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Catherine Zuber), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Peter Hylenski)

The Cocktail: Manhattan

Although the musical covers Darin's life throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the setting is a 1960s nightclub, which simply begs for a Manhattan. Not only was the Manhattan incredibly popular in the 1960s, its smoky flavor evokes a smoky nightclub. 

In a cocktail shaker of ice, combine 2 ounces rye whiskey, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Shake gently and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry. 

The Snack: Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

The 1960s were the time of stuffing vegetables - peanut butter-stuffed celery, crab-stuffed mushrooms, cream cheese-stuffed cucumbers - and cherry tomatoes are a delicious and stuffable option. This recipe combines the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes with the unctuousness of cream cheese and mayonnaise, the crunch of cucumber, and the savory tang of green onion and fresh dill. 
 

Maybe Happy Ending (10 nominations)

Synopsis: Set in Seoul in 2064, two retired "Helperbots" discover love and connection amidst their limitations. The story explores themes of relationships, love, and mortality as the robots navigate their own obsolescence and the possibility of finding a happy ending, even as robots. 

Nominations: Best New Musical, Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Darren Criss), Best Direction of a Musical (Michael Arden), Best Book of a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Dane Laffrey and George Reeve), Best Orchestrations (Will Aronson), Best Original Score (Will Aronson, Will Aronson and Hue Park), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Clint Ramos), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Ben Stanton), Best Sound Design of a Musical  (Peter Hylenski)

The Cocktail: The Happy Ending

This variation of an espresso martini adds Frangelico and Grand Marnier to add a little sweetness to the bitterness of the espresso and cocoa powder. So it starts a bit bitter, but ends up sweet...maybe? It also seems appropriate that the recipe serves two, so you need someone to share it with. 

Cool 2 shots of espresso, then pour into a cocktail shaker with ice, along with 1/4 cup half and half, 1/4 cup Frangelico, and 1/4 cup Grand Marnier. Shake well, then strain into two chilled coupes or martini glasses and dust with cocoa powder. 

The Snack: Beef Wellington Bites

Helperbots would go all out on a fancy appetizer, so serve these delicious Beef Wellington Bites, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary and served with a horseradish dipping sauce. Definitely happy ending. 

Oh, Mary! (5 nominations)

Synopsis: This campy play spoofs the lives of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, depicting Mary as a frustrated alcoholic cabaret singer married to a closeted Lincoln.  

Nominations: Best New Play, Best Leading Actor in a Play (Cole Escola), Best Direction of a Play (Sam Pinkleton), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Conrad Ricamora), Best Costume Design of a Play (Holly Pierson)

The Cocktail: Lady Lincoln

Since the play centers around Mary rather than Abraham, the Lady Lincoln seems to be called for here. Like Mary, it's sweet but with an underlying sharpness, a little frothy, and stronger than you expect. Also, plenty of alcohol. 

Muddle 3-5 sprigs of mint in a cocktail shaker, then fill with ice and add 1-1/2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur, 3/4 ounce blackberry puree, and 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an additional sprig of mint. 

The Snack: Gingerbread Cookies

During a debate with Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln once recounted a story of his mother baking gingerbread cookies using sorghum, and sharing them with a neighbor. No doubt he would have asked Mary to bake them for him. This recipe makes soft and chewy cookies that are delicious without icing, but even more delicious when decorated with royal icing. Also, since it IS Mary's story, I recommend making gingerbread girls, not boys. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray (5 nominations)

Synopsis: A re-staging of the Oscar Wilde classic of the same name, in which a young man makes a deal with the devil to remain forever youthful while his portrait ages in his place, reflecting his moral decline. In this production, all 26 roles are played by a single actress. 

Nominations: Best Leading Actress in a Play (Sarah Snook), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Marg Horwell and David Bergman), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Nick Schlieper), Best Costume Design of a Play (Marg Horwell), Best Sound Design of a Play (Clemence Williams)

The Cocktail: The Oscar Wilde

Just as this production is a variation on a classic, the Oscar Wilde is a variation on a classic Old Fashioned, adding Guinness to the usual bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters.  

In a mixing glass of ice, combine 3 ounces bourbon, 2 ounces Guinness, one ounce simple syrup, and a dash of bitters. Stir an strain into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube or ball. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a cherry. 

The Snack: Rainbow Pinwheels

I imagine that Sarah Snook must be a whirling dervish backstage as she changes between such a wide range and number of characters. The spirals in these rainbow pinwheels represent that wild spin, as well as the colors of the rainbow, which can be thought to represent Wilde himself. 

Purpose (6 nominations)

Synopsis: A prominent Black family rooted in politics and public service grapples with their legacy and personal struggles. The play addresses issues of sexuality, authenticity, legacy, and the weight of the past. 

Nominations: Best New Play, Best Leading Actress in a Play (LaTanya Richardson Jackson), Best Leading Actor in a Play (John Michael Hill, Harry Lennix), Best Featured Actress in a Play (Kara Young), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Glenn Davis)

The Cocktail: Chicago

Since the play is set in Chicago and features timeless issues (family conflicts, political conflicts, personality conflicts, cultural conflicts), what better cocktail than a classic from Chicago, the Chicago cocktail? Referenced in a newspaper as far back as 1866, an updated version was created in 2006. 

In a mixing glass of ice, stir together 1-1/2 oz brandy or cognac, 1 dash curacao (or Grand Marnier), and 1 dash Angostura bitters. Strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with fine sugar and top with champagne, prosecco, or any kind of sparkling wine. 

The Snack: Deep Dish Pizza 

Continuing with the Chicago theme, what's more Chicago than pizza? Order one from your favorite pizzeria, or make your own with this recipe. Just make sure it's deep dish!

Stranger Things: The First Shadow (5 nominations)

Synopsis: A prequel to the television series "Stranger Things," the play shows us life in Hawkins in 1959 for younger versions of familiar characters like Hopper, Bob, and Joyce.  

Nominations: Best Leading Actor in a Play (Louis McCartney), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Miriam Buether and 59), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Jon Clark), Best Costume Design of a Play (Brigitte Reiffenstuel), Best Sound Design of a Play (Paul Arditti)

The Cocktail: Dark Shadow

A little bitter, a little nutty, and very dark, this cocktail seems ideal for pairing with this show. It takes a little preparation, but I think it's worth it. 

Begin by making your black vodka 12-24 hours before using: To a 750-ml bottle of vodka, add 10 drops of red food coloring, 10 drops of blue food coloring, and 8 drops of green food coloring, then close tightly, shake well, and chill overnight. To a cocktail shaker of ice, add 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1/4 oz Frangelico, and 1 oz black vodka. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with red sanding sugar. 

The Snack: Bacon-Wrapped Spam Bites

Stay with me here: Our theme with this show is a little bit weird, a little bit terrifying, very late '50s, and unexpectedly terrific. Trust me when I tell you that this vintage recipe ticks all those boxes. (Also, you can wimp out and make it with ham instead of Spam if you prefer.)

Sunset Boulevard (7 nominations)

Synopsis: A fading silent film star obsessed with making a comeback enlists the help of an up-and-coming young screenwriter, but their relationship turns into tragedy. This stylized revival incorporates large-screen projections including live camera work, and plenty of smoke and lighting effects. 

Nominations: Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Nicole Scherzinger), Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Tom Francis), Best Direction of a Musical (Jamie Lloyd), Best Musical Revival, Best Orchestrations (David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Jack Knowles), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Adam Fisher)

The Cocktail: Divatini

There is a cocktail called the Sunset Boulevard, but that was a little too easy. Considering that Norma Desmond is pretty much the diva to end all divas (she was the first, after all, to announce, "Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup!"), going with the diva theme made more sense. 

To a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 oz limoncello, 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz ruby red grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz cranberry juice, and 1/2 oz lemon juice. Shake hard and strain into a chilled martini glass, then garnish with a twist of lemon. 

The Snack: Lobster Roll Bruschetta

"Elegant" and "decadent" are both words that Norma appreciates, and she's never one to be put off by a price tag. So serve these delicious and expensive Lobster Roll Bruschetta on Tony Night, and your guests will thank you for it. 

Here are the remaining nominated shows:

BOOP! The Musical (3 nominations)

Nominations: Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Jasmine Amy Rogers), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Costume Design of a Musical (Gregg Barnes)

English (4 nominations)

Nominations: Best New Play, Best Direction of a Play (Knud Adams), Best Featured Actress in a Play (Tala Ashe, Marjan Neshat), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Marsha Ginsberg)

Eureka Day (2 nominations)

Nominations: Best Featured Actress in a Play (Jessica Hecht), Best Play Revival

Glengarry Glen Ross (2 nominations)

Nominations: Best Direction of a Play (Patrick Marber), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Bob Odenkirk) 

Good Night and Good Luck (5 nominations*)

Nominations: Best Leading Actor in a Play (George Clooney), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Heather Gilbert and David Bengali), Best Sound Design of a Play (Daniel Kluger), Best Costume Design of a Play (Brenda Abbandandolo)
[Note: I had originally mid-credited Brenda Abbandandolo as the Costume Designer for Stranger Things, so Good Night, and Good Luck should actually have been included in the multiply-nominated groups above. My apologies!]

Operation Mincemeat (4 nominations)

Nominations: Best New Musical, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Jak Malone), Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts), 

Our Town (1 nomination)

Nominations: Best Play Revival

Pirates! The Penzance Musical (1 nomination)

Nominations: Best Musical Revival

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical (2 nominations)

Nomination: Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Justina Machado), Best Original Score (Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez)

Romeo + Juliet (1 nomination)

Nomination: Best Play Revival

The Roommate (1 nomination)

Nominations: Best Leading Actress in a Play (Mia Farrow)

Smash (2 nominations)

Nominations: Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Brooks Ashmanskas), Best Choreography (Joshua Bergasse)

Swept Away (1 nomination)

Nominations: Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Rachel Hauck)

A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical (1 nomination)

Nominations: Best Leading Actor in a Musical (James Monroe Iglehart)

Yellow Face (3 nominations)

Nominations: Best Leading Actor in a Play (Daniel Dae Kim), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Francis Jue), Best Play Revival

I'll see you on Facebook on Sunday night with some live commentary, and no doubt there will be a red carpet blog to follow on Monday or Tuesday!