The Cocktail Couple: Playing matchmaker at the Emmys

Playing matchmaker to the 2014 Emmy-nominated characters might seem like a daunting task; there are many factors to consider, such as age, location, time period, etc.

But the Cocktail Couple loves matchmaking. In fact, we take full credit for three really strong marriages, so we felt qualified to see how our skills held up when applied to the celebrity world.

Below are the four couples we'd put together from the Emmy-nominated characters and the cocktails they would drink during their encounters.

Mr. Carson ("Downton Abbey") and Red ("Orange is the New Black") 

Although Mr. Carson would never, ever break a single rule, much less land in prison, he’d be shocked about the similarities he has to Russian-born Red. Both have extremely strict standards and tough exteriors. However, you often see their softer sides. He is very fatherly towards Mary, while she is the Mother Hen at Litchfield Prison.Upon her release, we think she would find herself at Downton and introduce the Butler to a ...

Moscow Mule (as made by Libby’s)

• ¼ cup vodka
• ½ cup chilled ginger beer 1 tbs fresh lime juice
• 1 spring mint
• 1 slice lime

In a copper mug (or cocktail glass), pour vodka over ice. Add lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice.

Don Draper ("Mad Men") and Virginia Johnson ("Masters of Sex") 

This might seem obvious. Of course, Draper would want to take Johnson out for drinks. He likes beautiful women and sex. She’s not only gorgeous, but she's also totally knowledgable about sexual desires. There’s also the fact that Draper marries his assistant and Johnson was an assistant when she married her boss. They would meet somewhere swanky and discreet. While everyone knows Draper drinks anything, for this rendezvous they would both have ...

Between The Sheets 

• ¾ oz. brandy
• ¾ oz. light rum
• ¾ oz. triple sec
• ½ oz. lemon juice
• Lemon twist for garnish

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.

Piper ("Orange is the New Black") and Amy Farrah Fowler ("The Big Bang Theory") 

Amy is not having her physical needs met by Sheldon and has a thing for blondes (i.e. Penny), so a blind date with Piper could be the perfect solution. Piper is attracted to smart people, and in her current situation, she has limited options. Amy suffers from night terrors and Piper is living in terror. Amy would be willing to visit Piper at Litchfield Prison and sneak in:

Quantum Theory Cocktails (as interpreted by Erin at The Shore Diner)

• ¾ oz. light rum
• ½ oz. chartreuse (herbal liqueur)
• ¼ oz. orange liqueur
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• splash of sweet and sour mix
• lemon peel and cherry (for garnish)

In a shaker with ice, pour rum, herbal and orange liqueur. Shake, then add the pineapple juice. Top it off with sweet and sour mix. Pour over ice into a Collins glass and garnish with lemon and cherry.

Francis Underwood ("House of Cards") and Lady Mary ("Downton Abbey") 

Lady Mary has many similarities to Frank’s current wife, Claire. They're both great beauties with a calm demeanor and extreme intelligence, and they both know exactly what they want out of life. So naturally, Frank would be drawn to Mary. And now that Mary is single, and Frank has a somewhat open marriage, the timing is right for these power-hungry individuals to join forces. Not to mention, Frank and Mary have both been involved in someone's death (although Mary’s wasn’t by choice). They would have drinks in the Oval Office and sip on ...

Deep Dark Secrets (as made by Hyde Park Steakhouse) 

• ½ oz. dark rum
• ½ oz. aged rum
• ½ oz. coffee liqueur
• ½ oz. heavy cream

In a shaker half filled with ice cubes, combine all of ingredients. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.The real actors nominated will most likely be sipping Moet during the award show, but that doesn’t mean we can’t imagine their characters slipping away together. Regardless, we will be watching and wish them all the best of luck.

Cheers!