Stand-Up Cocktails
Wanda Sykes: Drinking Rules
We got the actress and standup comedian to dish on margaritas and why she has no patience for drinks with dinner.
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What is your signature cocktail? “Margaritas.”
Do you have any advice for mixing up one? “I learned how to make them by drinking a lot of them. I use equal parts fresh lime juice, Patrón Silver Tequila, and triple sec in the spring and summer, and Cointreau in the fall and winter.”
What is your hangover cure? “I just ride it out. A beer and greasy food usually helps.”
Do you believe in the old adage beer before liquor? “Yes, I like to go hard, then scale back. I’d have a martini, then wine with dinner.”
What is the perfect drink to have with meals? “Wine. It drives me nuts when I see someone having a nice meal with a giant piña colada. Wine pairs so well with all types of foods.”
Do you like to have a drink before you go on stage? “I enjoy a glass of wine before a show.”
What about after a performance? “I like a nice chilled glass of Champagne after the show.”
In an episode of the web show While the Water Boils, you talk with host Hannah Hart about hanging out with your wife at home. Do ever make drinks for her? “Yes, she is a drinker, but mostly Champagne and wine. Occasionally I whip up a pitcher of margaritas.”
Does the cast of Black-ish go for drinks after a long day of filming? “No, but I think it’s a good time to start doing it.”
Do you have a favorite film or TV bartender? “Sugar from Banshee and Coach from Cheers.”
What is in your home liquor cabinet? “Pretty much everything—and lots of it.”
Are shots ever appropriate? If so, when? “Sure. When you’re in a rush.”
Do you have a favorite L.A. bar? “If it’s open and I’m with my friends, it’s my favorite bar.”
Watch Wanda Sykes in her new comedy special, What Happened… Ms. Sykes?, which premieres on Oct. 21 on EPIX. You can watch her full episode of the web show While the Water Boils here.
Find the Drinking Rules of other famous tipplers here.
Interview has been condensed and edited.