If you’ve been dipping into the liquor cabinet lately, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone – perfumers have been doing the exact same in the name of fresh, sparkling fragrances. With notes borrowing from some of the most popular cocktails, the latest crop of colognes sound like they’d fit in just as well on a bar as they would on a vanity. The interplay makes perfect sense – after all, colognes and cocktails have mixology in common; they’re carefully concocted to strike beautiful balance between all the ingredients (or notes) inside. But just like it’s important to not overdo it with your cocktail of choice in real life, these fragrances are also best consumed in moderation – with strong, spirited scents such as limoncello and blue curacao, a single spritz should be enough to take the edge off. However, just like with our favourite alcoholic drops, we’re all for building up an impressive collection, and with no fear of hangover necessary you needn’t limit yourself to just one – there’s no reason why you can’t smell like a mix of mimosas and margaritas – mixing your liquors is only a bad thing if there’s, well, actual liquor involved. Bottoms up.
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If you’re in the mood for… champagne
Yves Saint Laurent Yvresse Eau de Toilette
Mark Twain once said “too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right” and we wholeheartedly agree, especially when the bubbly beverage comes in fragrance form. YSL’s take on it is as sparkling as the drink itself with a fresh mix of litchi, nectarine and violet worth raising a flute for.
If you’re in the mood for… a mimosa
Prada Les Infusions Mimosa Eau de Parfum ($210, davidjones.com.au)
Mimosas may count as a socially acceptable way to enjoy booze at breakfast, but in the name of balance we’ll be saving the alcoholic options for the weekend and spritzing on a mimosa-inspired scent to add a thrill to our 9-5. It’s light, refreshing and leaves you smelling like you’ve bathed in citrus and champagne in the chicest way possible.
If you’re in the mood for… a cosmopolitan
Demeter Cosmopolitan Cocktail Perfume ($18.40, fragrancex.com)
As Carrie Bradshaw knows better than anyone, sometimes you just need a cheeseburger, large fries and a Cosmopolitan. In the case your local drive-thru isn’t serving cosmos, keep this Demeter splash handy in your purse for a quick kick – it’s a lime-orange-cranberry cocktail concocted to smell just like the real thing.
If you’re in the mood for… a margarita
If you’re down to take your day on with a grain of salt, a wedge of lime and a shot of tequila, we’ve got the fragrance for you. With freesia, mandarin and of course, a splash of margarita, Playboy’s energetic eau smells sensual, confident and powerful, just like you would feel a few margs in. Cheers to that.
If you’re in the mood for… a mojito
Calvin KIein CK One Summer 2018 Eau de Toilette ($59, priceline.com.au)
Mojitos and fragrance are mint to be (forgive us). If you’re spending your rainy morning commute picturing yourself sun-drenched on the sand, mojito in hand, Calvin Klein’s cult-favourite summer-inspired drop is your ticket to paradise. It’s got the sweet yet herbaceous vibes that you love mojitos for, but the perfume version comes minus the vodka headache, so you needn’t pack any painkillers.
If you’re in the mood for… a blue lagoon
Beyoncé Parfums Pulse Eau de Parfum
Bey’s take on Blue Curacao is so damn good we have to wonder whether this very cocktail was her daughter Blue’s namesake. The scent is inspired by a liqueur created with dried peels of a bitter orange, so it’s sweet and citrus-y with a bolder bite. Created to exude sensuality and strength, it’s tangy and tantalising, but it won’t actually get you tipsy.
If you’re in the mood for… limoncello
Byredo Oud Immortel Eau de Parfum ($297, mecca.com.au)
When life hands you lemons… make limoncello your signature scent. Just like a great glass of its inspiration, Byredo’s limoncello splash is supposed to be savoured – it opens with zesty lemon, develops with patchouli, and then dries down to a mossy tobacco blend. Sit back and enjoy the sensory journey; this time you’ll be able to remember every minute of it.
Want to try Prada one!
The Byredo fragrance sounds lovely 🙂
Awesome that there are perfumes that smell like drinks.
I too love Beyonces perfumes affordable and smell great.