NEW YORK – In the refined, low-lit ambiance of Casa Cipriani in New York, global pop sensation Dua Lipa recently traded the stadium stage for the mixologist's bar, offering an intimate look at the intersection of her palate and her playlist. The Vogue feature serves as a sensory map of Lipa's career, as she meticulously crafts six unique cocktails, each serving as a liquid tribute to the songs and icons that have shaped her trajectory from a London hopeful to a diamond-certified powerhouse. The session was less about the mechanics of bartending and more about the "universal language" of music, illustrating how a specific rhythm or a collaborative memory can be distilled into a single, thoughtfully prepared glass.
The journey began with a nod to sophisticated nostalgia: the Dirty Vodka Martini. As she balanced the sharp bite of vodka with the salty depth of olive juice, Lipa credited her parents' musical taste for the inspiration, specifically Sade’s timeless "Smooth Operator." She reflected on how the smooth, jazzy textures of the track played constantly during her childhood, embedding a sense of classic elegance into her artistic DNA. By pairing the drink with Sade, Lipa highlighted the importance of foundational influences—the music that exists before one ever picks up a microphone but remains a permanent fixture in their creative psyche.
Transitioning from the classics to her own discography, Lipa introduced a modern, energizing twist on the White Russian. Drawing inspiration from her high-octane track "Houdini" off the Radical Optimism album, she modernized the cocktail by incorporating a concentrated espresso shot topped with a silky cold foam. In a bold move that mirrored her own penchant for sonic experimentation, she added a dash of Sambuca, creating a drink that is as layered and mysterious as the song itself. For Lipa, the cocktail represents the kinetic energy of her current era, a "second wind" distilled into a glass that balances the weight of cream with the sharpness of caffeine.
The narrative took a turn toward the legendary as she moved to the Whiskey Highball, a drink she paired with Elton John’s "Bennie and the Jets." The choice was deeply personal; she recounted the surreal experience of performing the iconic song alongside Sir Elton during a high-profile charity event. That initial stage connection eventually blossomed into the global chart-topper "Cold Heart," a collaboration that bridged two generations of British pop. The Highball, known for its longevity and refreshing simplicity, serves as a fitting metaphor for a partnership that revitalized a classic sound for a new, digital-first audience.
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As the evening progressed, the mood shifted toward the vibrant energy of the dance floor with a Paloma, paired with the Eurythmics’ "Sweet Dreams." Lipa noted that both the grapefruit-based cocktail and the synth-pop anthem serve a similar function in her social life: they provide a revitalizing surge during a long night out. This pairing underscored her belief that music and mixology are both tools for mood regulation, capable of shifting the atmosphere of a room with a single beat or a splash of citrus.
The international scope of her life was highlighted through the Basil Smash, a cocktail she associated with Britney Spears’ "Toxic." Lipa shared memories of this specific drink becoming a staple during a summer festival in Kosovo, her ancestral home. While sipping the herb-infused concoction, she took a moment to praise Britney Spears as a transformative figure in the industry, citing "Toxic" as a masterclass in pop production. The drink, much like the song, is a blend of sharp, unexpected flavors that have become an enduring part of her personal and professional landscape.
The session reached its climax with the quintessential Margarita, a drink Lipa dedicated to Madonna and her haunting track "Frozen." This pairing allowed the singer to reflect on one of the most remarkable chapters of her career: collaborating with the Queen of Pop and Missy Elliott during the height of the global pandemic. Working on the Club Future Nostalgia project while the world was in isolation was, for her, a surreal and grounding experience. The Margarita, a drink often associated with celebration and release, became a tribute to the resilience of artists who found ways to create and connect even when the stages were dark.
Ultimately, the feature at Casa Cipriani was an exercise in finding balance. Dua Lipa used the quiet act of crafting cocktails to explain how she navigates the transition from the "work" of a global tour to the "personal life" of a young woman in New York. By treating music as a universal language that can be paired with something as simple as a drink, she reminded her audience that even for an artist of her magnitude, the greatest joys are often found in the small, reflective moments where a favorite song meets a favorite glass. It was a testament to a career built on respect for the past, enthusiasm for the present, and a constant, radical optimism for what comes next.
