On the hit TV show Mad Men, the characters were no strangers to indulging in a variety of drinks, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and indulgence. While the characters often appeared to be drinking alcohol, it was actually cleverly substituted with non-alcoholic alternatives to maintain the authenticity of the scenes without the actors consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
One iconic drink that frequently made an appearance on the show was the Old-Fashioned. Don Draper, the show's protagonist, was often seen sipping on this classic cocktail. However, to ensure that the actors were not actually consuming alcohol during filming, the Old-Fashioned was made with flat Coca-Cola instead of whiskey. This substitution allowed the drink to resemble the real thing without the fizziness that would give away its non-alcoholic nature.
Another common sight on Mad Men was bottles of gin and vodka. These clear spirits were actually replaced with plain water to maintain the appearance of authenticity. While the characters would pour themselves a seemingly stiff drink, it was actually just water in the bottle. This clever substitution allowed the actors to maintain the appearance of enjoying their favorite spirits without actually consuming alcohol on set.
Throughout the show, the characters were often seen engaging in social drinking, whether it be at bars, restaurants, or even in the office. Whiskey, bourbon, and other spirits were frequently poured into glasses and sipped on, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and indulgence. However, it is important to note that the actors were not actually drinking alcohol during filming.
It is worth mentioning that the drinking culture depicted on Mad Men was a reflection of the time period in which the show was set. During the 1960s, drinking was more socially acceptable and commonplace in both professional and social settings. This was a time when the martini lunch was not uncommon, and alcohol consumption was often seen as a way to cope with the stresses of daily life.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I can appreciate the attention to detail that went into creating the illusion of alcohol on the show. It is not uncommon in the entertainment industry to use non-alcoholic substitutes during filming to ensure the safety and well-being of the actors. This allows them to fully immerse themselves in their characters without the potentially harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
The characters on Mad Men were often seen drinking a variety of alcoholic beverages, but these were cleverly substituted with non-alcoholic alternatives during filming. Old-Fashioneds were made with flat Coca-Cola, while bottles of gin and vodka were filled with clear water. This attention to detail allowed the actors to create an authentic drinking experience without actually consuming alcohol.