52 Celebratory Drinks for Damian Lewis

Today Damian Lewis turns 52! Happy Birthday Damian, from the Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team and all the fandom around the world! Every January the Team begins contemplating what we can do differently to celebrate Damian’s birthday in February and year after year we strive to be creative and unique. But I kid you not, last year when we organized the 51 Birthday Cakes we immediately knew what we would do this year. With our idea set in motion the goal remained the same: to bring a smile to Damian’s face. What better way to do that than to gift him 52 drinks! We planned, conspired and mobilized the fandom in the back channels of Twitter, Instagram or Facebook DM’s, as well as e-mail, to accomplish this secret project.

The task was simple – if Damian were a drink, what would he be? Fans shared their drink of choice and a virtual toast to the birthday boy and now we’re sharing it with all of you. The possibilities were endless, from cocktail to mocktail, hot or cold, traditional or creative, a national drink, a favorite wine, tea, or beverage, or a cocktail of their own creation inspired by a favorite film/theatre/television show or a character Damian played.

The project was easy, fun and most importantly, our mixologists could drink the result! Read along with us as we share photos of each drink, the bartender’s name and location, ingredients and theme. Oh, and there is a surprise at the very end waiting for you. On behalf of the entire Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team, we want to thank all those who participated.

Welcome to the Fan Fun Pub, a virtual drinking establishment!

Beverage #1

Name of Drink: Comfort Drink for a “Winters” Day
Mixologist’s Description: My choice was easy – a cup of hot cocoa. Ingredients include 2 tbsp. Hershey’s  cocoa, 2 tbsp. sugar, 1 cup milk, ¼ tsp. vanilla extract, a dash of salt and whipped cream to taste. Of all Damian’s work, Band of Brothers is in a class by itself. As he said himself, he “represented” Major Richard Winters in that production, and did a magnificent job with it. The World War II era has always been of great interest to me, probably because I have a few childhood memories of it. As I have mentioned before, I met Major Winters in 2004, attended his memorial service in Hershey, PA in March 2011 and have visited his grave several times. In my opinion, to fully appreciate the range of Damian’s ability, one must watch him in Band of Brothers; it is unlike anything else he has done.
Bartender’s Name: Connie
Barista’s Location: Native Pennsylvanian living in New Jersey – USA

Beverage #2

Name of Drink: Brody’s Tea
Mixologist’s Description: Who remembers the Yorkshire Gold from Homeland? It was not only the tea that Brody drank but also it was at the heart of a major plot twist in Season 1 Episode 7 The Weekend, one of the best episodes of the entire series?

Carrie: So, I know I have oatmeal– Maybe frozen O.J., but no Yorkshire Gold out here in the sticks, sorry.
Brody: What?
Carrie: Ugh– Knowing my dad, we’re probably looking at Folgers. And I’m not kidding.
Brody: How do you know the tea I drink?
Carrie: I don’t know. You probably had it at Langley.
Me: Ha! You’re busted, Carrie!

So here you go, Damian! I toast you with a tribute to my all-time fictional character Nick Brody’s all-time favorite tea 😀 Happy Birthday! Make it count!
Bartender’s Name: Damianista of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Durham, North Carolina – USA

Beverage #3

Name of Drink: The French 75
Mixologist’s Description: Ingredients are 3 oz. champagne, 1 oz. gin, ½ oz. lemon juice freshly squeezed, sugar or ½ oz. simple syrup and lemon twist. Directions: Add gin, lemon juice and sugar/simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain concoction into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist. Some versions have a few drops of Absinthe, but I wasn’t up for hallucinations today 😉 Also, I chose to garnish the rim of the flute with sugar instead of using simple syrup in the drink. So here’s a toast to the birthday boy and to the most talented actor I know. Cheers Damian and Happy 52nd Birthday! More about the history of the cocktail and how it got its name, below.
Bartender’s Name: Gingersnap of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – USA

History of the cocktail: The French 75, simply referred to a Soixante Quinze (Seventy Five) in French, is a drink that dates back to World War I and an early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris (later Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France) by barman Harry MacElhone. The bar was literally dismantled from 7th avenue in Manhattan (pre-prohibition) and reassembled on rue Daunou in Paris.

The combination of these ingredients was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.

The French 75 first appeared in the movie Casablanca (1942) and in 2016 it appeared in the ITV series Mr. Selfridge, which is set in London in the 1910s and 1920s. In the 1960 Ian Fleming short story From a View to a Kill, James Bond recalls visiting Harry’s Bar during his first visit to Paris at the age of 16. Over the years Harry’s New York Bar in Paris has been frequented by a number of clientele including, Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, Rita Hayworth and Humphrey Bogart. Le chic!

The gin and tonic with fresh citrus lime is my go-to cocktail so I absolutely love the French 75. It’s basically a gin and tonic with added champagne and swapping out the type of citrus. I chose the French 75 for Damian’s birthday cocktail for a number of reasons: 1) The reference to War, which segues to his various military roles in Warriors, Band of Brothers, Colditz and Homeland 2) Its ties to Paris, France. Damian proposed to Helen in Paris, the family has spent vacations and anniversaries there and although I can’t be sure the backstory to Damian’s daughter’s name Manon, it does have origins to a French opera by the same name, which is based on the French novel The Story of the Chevalier des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. Moreover, Helen lived in Paris during her childhood 3) It felt like a posh drink that MI6 agents who went to Eaton would drink 😊 Perfect for A Spy Among Friends and 4) Gin is the national alcoholic drink of England, where Damian is from.

Ooh la la, mon cheri! Our Ginger Prince speaks Francais:

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A post shared by peggy frey (@peggfrey)

After we tweeted out the link to this post, Damian replied partly in Francais:

Beverage #4

Name of Drink: A Tall Glass of Water
Mixologist’s Description: Until and unless Damian can pencil us all in for a cocktail party where he is the mixologist, it is difficult to associate him with any one libation. What drink does he mix the best? What drink, when he drinks it, makes his sparkle even more sparkly? We just don’t know. More research is required. For now, the first thing that came to mind when Damianista assigned us the task of matchmaking drink to man was “tall drink of water.” Fresh, clean, snow melt from the Cascade mountains in a tall clear glass. A very Happy Birthday to our very own tall drink of water!
Bartender’s Name: JaniaJania of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Seattle, Washington – USA

Beverage #5

Name of Drink: Maker’s Ginger
Mixologist’s Description: How could I not make a drink that in some way incorporated ginger! This Maker’s Ginger is a mix of Maker’s Mark Bourbon and ginger ale with a slice of lime, served in my personalized Axe Capital tumbler (thank you Damianista)! Smooth and effervescent, just like the birthday boy! So Happy 52nd Birthday to the smoothest ginger I know!
Bartender’s Name: Lady Trader of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Long Island, New York – USA

Beverage #6

Name of Drink: Zesty Ginger
Mixologist’s Description: My cocktail is themed after our favorite ginger! I started with some Canada Dry ginger ale, and spiked it with Grenadine and my favorite nonalcoholic spirit, Seedlip! Seedlip is distilled and bottled in England, and is a sophisticated, warm citrus blend using three varieties of Mediterranean orange, lemon peel, ginger and lemongrass, as well as Japanese sansho peppercorn. I like my drinks ice cold, so I serve it on the rocks in my FAVORITE rocks glass, gifted to me by my fan fun sister, Damianista. I’ll definitely be drinking one as I celebrate your return to the next season of Billions! Happy Birthday, tall one!
Bartender’s Name: Holliedazzle of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota – USA

Beverage #7

Name of Drink: Champagne After Work with Hydration
Mixologist’s Description: For my favorite actor’s birthday, of course, there’s champagne after work. But the Fiji Water had to be in the photo. They say it is the best water in the world. This was the only water that was drunk in Bobby Axelrod’s office. I didn’t know it before and had to try it. And when my boss is having a bad day, I look at the Fiji Water, close my eyes and dream of the Axe Capital office. And I’m in a good mood again. Greeting from Germany!
Bartender’s Name: Romy (DLEGALE on Twitter)
Barista’s Location: Germany

Beverage #8

Name of Drink: Fish House Punch Cocktail
Mixologist’s Description: 2 oz. dark rum, 1 oz. cognac, 1 oz. peach brandy or Southern Comfort, 1 oz. simple syrup and 1 oz. lemon juice. Mix the first five ingredients and pour over ice. Top with club soda to taste and fruit garnish.
Bartender’s Name: Debbie Perdott
Barista’s Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – USA

Beverage #9

Name of Drink: Campari Orange
Mixologist’s Description: I chose this drink because it stands for friendship, lightness of being and creativity. It is sweet and bitter at the same time, as is life. Ingredients are campari, orange juice and ice.
Bartender’s Name: Steffi
Barista’s Location: Plauen, Saxony – Germany

Beverage #10

Name of Drink: Armagnac
Mixologist’s Description: The oldest French eau de vie, made in Gascony, my husband’s home region in France (think D’Artagnan and Cyrano de Bergerac). Single distilled (rather than double distilled as cognac is), and still produced in small quantities rather than by big-name brands. Gentlemen usually drink it straight after warming the glass in their hand, as I’m demonstrating here. Ladies often take a “canard” (duck), or sugar cube dipped in their gentleman’s drink, which I’m holding in my other hand. Chosen because it is strong, true, authentic, complex, and delicious–like the men who make and drink it!
Bartender’s Name: Ruth Mastron
Barista’s Location: Oceanside, California – USA

Beverage #11

Name of Drink: Thai Tea for Damian
Mixologist’s Description: I think Damian is like a famous Thai Tea, strong, sweet…and delicious! (hope you can also try one day)
Bartender’s Name: Apple a Day
Barista’s Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Beverage #12

Name of Drink: Red Wine Cabernet Sauvignon
Mixologist’s Description: The name of the drink is red wine Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a deep, dark ruby color. Intense aroma of red and black fruits, as well as hints of pepper. The place of production of “Complot” is Uco Valley. Province of Mendoza, Argentina. I have related the image on the wine label to the series A Spy Among Friends, the name of the wine is “Complot” and I associate it with espionage. I also imagine that from Shakespeare to the writers of the series where Damian has worked would have a glass of wine.
Bartender’s Name: Patricia Pellegrino Berger
Barista’s Location: Bahia Blanca City, Buenos Aires Province – Argentina

Beverage #13

Name of Drink: Vital Old Lewis Trooper
Mixologist’s Description: So this is a German mix which is called Krefelder, but I thought it would sound good as “Vital Old Lewis Trooper.” The mix has different names depending on the type of beer used, but it is always cola and beer. The “Diesel” is a mixture of lager and a cola-based beverage. The mixing of these two drinks produces a diesel-fuel-like coloration, which explains the name of the drink. There exist several regional differences in names and variants. Hefeweizen mixed with cola is called a “Colaweizen.” Weißbier mixed with cola is called a “Flieger” (“Aviator”), or “Turbo.” Pilsner or altbier and cola are known as a “Krefelder.”
Bartender’s Name: Bianca
Barista’s Location: German girl living in England

Beverage #14

Name of Drink: Chilled Gin and Tonic
Mixologist’s Description: A classic chilled gin and tonic using Irish gin with a little gold dust sprinkled over. Ice and a slice: perfect! But wait…I’m not done. I couldn’t decide if Damian was a classic gin and tonic or a Bloody Mary! And I got to drink them both! See below for another drink.
Bartender’s Name: Christine Wilson, author of Meeting Damian Lewis. Read about her book here.
Barista’s Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland – UK

Beverage #15

Name of Drink: Smooth Bloody Mary
Mixologist’s Description: There is only one thing smoother than a Bloody Mary and that’s Damian himself. Key ingredients are vodka and Big Tom. This is served over ice with a slice of lemon and a drizzle of Worcester sauce.
Bartender’s Name: Christine Wilson, author of Meeting Damian Lewis. Read about her book here.
Barista’s Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland – UK

Beverage #16

Name of Drink: The Nightcap Elixir
Mixologist’s Description: A saucy little non-alcoholic cocktail for after 9:00 p.m. only! Served on ice and just a shot is enough. A product of Three Spirits, ingredients include tree saps, aromatic plants and ancient remedies used to relax and unwind. Enjoy complex notes of wood and bright spice with a calm, dreamy feeling. Perfect for sending one off to dream land.
Bartender’s Name: Christine Wilson, author of Meeting Damian Lewis. Read about her book here.
Barista’s Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland – UK

Beverage #17

Name of Drink: Classic Dry Martini
Mixologist’s Description: This cocktail is dedicated to the gorgeous Damian Lewis who is always courageous, strong and brilliantly bright. With London dry gin, French dry vermouth and olives from Italy. It is among the official cocktails of the International Bartenders Association in the category “Unforgettable” as well as all the roles of Damian Lewis are unforgettable! Happy birthday, dear Damian!
Bartender’s Name: Marina
Barista’s Location: Italy

Beverage #18

Name of Drink: Rum and Coke
Mixologist’s Description: Happy Birthday Damian! Cheers with a Bacardi and diet soda with a lime (FYI the pub ran out of limes so we are stuck with lemons! lol) Hope you have a (content lifes) birthday! <3
Bartender’s Name: April
Barista’s Location: Keyport, New Jersey – USA

Beverage #19

Name of Drink: Boilermaker
Mixologist’s Description: Simple and complex all at once, just like Damian and Bobby Axelrod. 🙂
Bartender’s Name: Mimi
Barista’s Location: Florida – USA

Beverage #20

Name of Drink: Chambertin 1er Cru, Ruchottes-Chambertin Vineyard
Mixologist’s Description: This is a red wine from Bourgogne, the place where I live. Happy Birthday, Damian 🥂🍾🎉!!
Bartender’s Name: Marie Goichot
Barista’s Location: Dijon – France

Beverage #21

Name of Drink: White Wine
Mixologist’s Description: I prefer white wine rather than Champagne. Now it’s your birthday, Damian. So cheers!
Bartender’s Name: Tsvetanka
Barista’s Location: London, England – UK

Beverage #22

Name of Drink: Gin and Tonic with Red Twist
Mixologist’s Description: A gin tonic because that is as British as he is, and the red twist is for our favourite ginger actor 😉. The gin comes originally from Jenever, which is from the Netherlands where I live.
Bartender’s Name: Monique
Barista’s Location: Limburg – Netherlands

Beverage #23

Name of Drink: Smooth and Classy Sunday Coffee
Mixologist’s Description: So…drinks, I came to the conclusion are a mind field of choice. I had to give this project a great deal of thought and consideration! I first thought of what drinks would each of Damian’s television and film characters prefer drinking (options are many), but then I considered what drinks would Damian himself, personally like more? And how would I see/envision an ideal drink to represent the man, Damian Lewis? 🤔 Attached are two photos…..a cocktail of sorts….Damian enjoying a relaxed Sunday at home with his kids laughing from a room beyond, whilst he browses the pages of the daily newspapers, and a moment away from his hand, sits a “Sunday Coffee!” One I see as a hot Nespresso Latte with a finger of 12-year-aged Macallan and a splash of Vanilla essence! The second option with a splash of caramel. Oh, and maybe a Ferrero Rocher or two to nibble. Smooth and Classy, just like our favourite leading man! Wishing Damian a very, very Happy Birthday 🤗🤗🤗🥳☕️🥃🎂
Bartender’s Name: Rachel
Barista’s Location: West Sussex, England – UK

Beverage #24

Name of Drink: Tall Glass of OJ
Mixologist’s Description: Happy Birthday, Damian! Enjoy a large glass of orange juice in honor of Charlie Crews.
Bartender’s Name: Nancy
Barista’s Location: Chicago, Illinois – USA

Beverage #25

Name of Drink: Red Topper
Mixologist’s Description: Am I the only one who thinks of Damian Lewis when I look at this drink?! I call this the Red Topper! Familiar strawberry champagne drink with a twist of melted chocolate on the rim. Other ingredients are sugar and a drop of lemon juice. When I look at this drink, I think tall, slim and sexy! The strawberry pieces COULD remind one of his freckles. And his beautiful red mane reminds me of the perfect singular strawberry at the top of the glass (well, kind sorta!). Hoping you have a wonderful birthday, Damian. You are a talented umm, er young, man.
Bartender’s Name: Darlene Billows
Barista’s Location: Long Island, New York – USA

Beverage #26

Name of Drink: Muddy Waters
Mixologist’s Description: Shot of Appleton rum, shot of Kahlua, shot of Bailey’s and a couple of ice cubes. I chose this drink because Damian is such a music aficionado and this holds very strong musical memories for me.
Bartender’s Name: Paige (paischector on Twitter)
Barista’s Location: New Jersey – USA

Beverage #27

Name of Drink: Pisco Sour
Mixologist’s Description: The cocktail I chose for Damian´s birthday is the Pisco Sour, based in our national spirit, the Pisco. Here in Peru we commemorate February as the month of Pisco Sour, so what more ideal is to celebrate the man of the month (Damian Lewis!) with the drink of the month. Here are the ingredients and the preparation: 4 measured ounces of pure pisco breaks, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 ounce of rubber syrup, 1/4 ounce of egg white, 4 ice cubes. You must shake all the ingredients mentioned in a shaker or blender to then serve the mixture in a glass in three stages so there is no abundant foam. Decorate it with a few drops of Angostura bitters that will give it the final touch. The Pisco Sour is really easy to prepare and it’s the perfect drink for celebration and toasts. That’s why I picked it for this special occasion. Here I am drinking a Pisco Sour in Ica, my personal favorite city to enjoy it, because it has perfect weather and produces the best Pisco in the country. Wishing Damian Lewis a happy birthday, full of adventures, joy and love. I toast for your incredible talent in music and acting, that gives us so much joy and for the fortune that you can share it with us. Happy Birthday!
Bartender’s Name: Lourdes
Barista’s Location: Peru – South America

Beverage #28

Name of Drink: Red Passion
Mixologist’s Description: This is a very Italian Campari Gin made with one part Campari, one part Gin and decorated with orange zest. I prefer not to use ice, but to keep the bottle of gin in the freezer so the taste remains invariant and gives the right amount of chill. Also, the Campari can stay in the fridge. No ice for me on this one! I choose Adamus gin, a sublime distillate made with 86 botanicals and the original red Campari with its unconventional specific bitter taste. I chose this particular drink for number of reasons. I’ll start with the colour- red for passion, for ginger, for fire and when we talk about Damian, well, it fits him perfectly. Then we have the exquisite taste of this particular gin- hibiscus, juniper, orange, lemon, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and sage, which perfectly suits such a fine man as Damian – classy and scented. I added my Italian heart in there with the Campari a.k.a the red passion. Many happy returns of the day to our favourite actor!
Bartender’s Name: Galia
Barista’s Location: Rome, Italy

Beverage #29

Name of Drink: Red Tea
Mixologist’s Description: My drink for Damian is a classic, loose leaf tea, for the English gent. I’ve chosen the loose leaf tea Rooibos with cranberry, as I call it my “red tea,” so it seemed appropriate for our “ginger prince!”
Bartender’s Name: Vicky (Dark Horse)
Barista’s Location: Leicester, England – UK

Beverage #30

Name of Drink: Ginger Beer
Mixologist’s Description: Ginger Beer is a yummy Australian drink that I have loved my whole life ♡♡ It was my grandmother’s favourite drink♡ It’s mainly ginger root, cane sugar, carbonated water and natural flavours. I chose this drink mainly because it brings back wonderful memories of my dear grandmother ♡♡ who passed away in 2017. I also made the Happy Birthday picture for Damian!
Bartender’s Name: Hannah P.
Barista’s Location: Australia

Beverage #31

Name of Drink: A Shot of Ginger
Mixologist’s Description: The drink is a more classic ginger shot, usually non-alcoholic, but today – in honor of our favorite redhead – I’ll add a sip of vodka. I drink the non-alcoholic version every morning and of course I always have to think of Damian when I think of GINGER. I mix a lot of ginger, two oranges, turmeric and a kiwi together – it’s a healthy and refreshing start every day. Above all, I wish Damian good health and love, so that the ginger shot seems to fit quite well as a birthday drink. 🙂 Cheers!
Bartender’s Name: Nastasia “Nasti”
Barista’s Location: Berlin, Germany

Beverage #32

Name of Drink: Coffee Jacobs Monarch
Mixologist’s Description: Coffee Jacobs Monarch (on grains) with a little milk, no sugar. I choose this because coffee is my favorite drink and The Monarch actually reminds me of Damian. When I tasted the coffee for the first time I was at my next door neighbor’s and we were watching The Forsyte Saga. Somewhere between 2000 and 2005 if I remember correctly. Since then, when I drink The Monarch I smile because I remember Damian and the series. I became a fan of him with this series and character, immediately. What a gorgeous man!
Bartender’s Name: Reni Pavlova
Barista’s Location: Troyan, Bulgaria

Beverage #33

Name of Drink: Gin Louis 1870
Mixologist’s Description: For Damian’s Birthday I have a nice gin and tonic to celebrate. It is of course a drink that is normally for summer nights on a lovely terrace, but it is a gin with a story. A Gin Louis 1870 is prepared with tonic water, lavender and a slice of lime. This gin is made for a jubilee of 150 years of the foundation of an orchestra I play in and named after the founder. The gin is a harmony of 17 botanicals and some flavours of fruit, the addition of apple makes it a golden colour for a golden jubilee of 150 years.
Bartender’s Name: Greet Mertens
Barista’s Location: Zele, Belgium

Beverage #34

Name of Drink: From Verona, With Love
Mixologist’s Description: When you love someone, that person is part of your family in some way. Family is Love, Love is Home. My homemade wine for my favorite actor. Love you. Happy Birthday, Damian!
Bartender’s Name: Christiane M.
Barista’s Location: Verona, Italy

Beverage #35

Name of Drink: Red, Red Wine
Mixologist’s Description: Here in my country what cannot be missing at the table is wine. Coming from the vineyards of the south of the country, I greet Damian on his birthday. I admire him very much and it is a pleasure to be part of this beautiful gift. A toast to Damian from Chile!
Bartender’s Name: Valeria M.
Barista’s Location: Santiago, Chile – South America

Beverage #36

Name of Drink: The Glenlivet Whisky
Mixologist’s Description: I choose this single malt scotch whisky because it is a strong and powerful drink. It suits Damian because of his ever powerful performances and appearances. That is why this drink is for Damian.
Bartender’s Name: Vincent W.
Barista’s Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands

Beverage #37

Name of Drink: Cup of Cuddle
Mixologist’s Description: A conventional English tea, the ingredients are Yorkshire Tea brand tea bags and skimmed cows milk. I choose this drink because of a wonderful memory attached to it. In the mid nineties I worked as a home care worker for Hackney Social Services. Hackney is in the east end of London and was hit terribly by the Second World War. My clients consisted of mainly elderly women who had survived. Most of these ladies did very well looking after themselves and their home and just needed a little help. On the whole I finished my work well before the time allocated to me and I would often spend the remaining time having a cup of tea and listening to their stories. One of these ladies Florence always comes to mind because of this drink. One day she added a new meaning to tea for me. She promptly asked me “Cup of Cuddle?” and then started chatting about a late friend who offered tea to her in this way. As Damian reaches his 52nd year, I note that this is the same age as Helen was on her passing. May he be comforted by a “Cup Of Cuddle” as that is what he is. He has continued to support his local community in more ways that is unseen. It has not gone unnoticed. Hugs of comfort, Damian! 🤗
Bartender’s Name: Denise
Barista’s Location: Dartmouth Park, London – UK (which is near “Tuffers” – Tufnell Park)

Beverage #38

Name of Drink: Château Lafite Rothschild
Mixologist’s Description: The signature of this unique red wine is a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Its aroma is a mix of cherries, cardamom, currants, strawberries, tobacco, coriander, red pepper, cloves, pink pepper, dark chocolate, black cherries… a miracle! May your day be as awesome as you are, Damian!
Bartender’s Name: Magdalena
Barista’s Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania 🇷🇴

Beverage #39

Name of Drink: Chilean Wine
Mixologist’s Description: Happy Birthday, dear Damian! My drink of choice, of course, is Chilean wine. Watch my video below!
Bartender’s Name: Jennifer M.
Barista’s Location: Chile – South America

Beverage #40

Name of Drink: Airborne Beer
Mixologist’s Description: Bonjour! Ma boisson est une bière spéciale le nom Airborne qui se déguste dans un bol en forme de casque c’est original! Je l’ai choisi en raison de la bataille des Ardennes Décembre 1944. Ingrédients c’est une bière artisanale donc je me sais rien? Je souhaite un joyeux anniversaire à Damian 🍩🥂
Bartender’s Name: Rita Jacob
Barista’s Location: Morhet (near Bastogne), Ardennes Region – Belgium
Google Translate: Hello! My drink is a special beer named Airborne which is tasted in a bowl in the shape of a helmet, it’s original! I chose it because of the Battle of the Bulge December 1944. Ingredients: it’s a craft beer so I don’t know anything? I wish a happy birthday to Damian 🍩🥂

Beverage #41

Name of Drink: Irish Martini Cocktail
Mixologist’s Description: Whisky, Martini Fiero, (a lot of) vodka and a lemon twist. Nick Elliott (A Spy Among Friends) would surely appreciate it! I repeat: a lot of vodka!
Bartender’s Name: Delia N.
Barista’s Location: Timisoara, Romania

Beverage #42

Name of Drink: Red Danger
Mixologist’s Description: The name of my cocktail is “Red” for Liverpool and “Danger” since Damian’s nickname as a young lad was Damage. Ideal setting to be drank in his favourite pub The Bull & Last and served by Daisy Duke 😊👍 who was his first pin-up. Ingredients include Champagne 🍾 for celebrating LFC winning with a shot of pink Gin 🍸for an added ‘kick,’ then added some orange and cranberry juice 🫗
Bartender’s Name: Annie H.
Barista’s Location: Surrey, England – UK

Beverage #43

Name of Drink: Never Judge A Man by the VERY Thai Bowl
Mixologist’s Description: Ingredients are Butterfly pea flower-infused tea with lemongrass, honey, lime or lemon juice and boiled water. A very Thai, refreshing and non-alcoholic drink which tastes sweet, mildly sour and a small tinge of the aroma of lemongrass. Its blue hue comes from the flower of the Butterfly Pea plant, and with a drop of lime juice this drink turns purple, a source of entertainment for the whole family (and perhaps two upper class MI6 Agents, or more?). I have yet to see A Spy Among Friends, but what I have seen from it is this one very specific shot of Philby played by Guy Pearce, sitting in the Beirut safehouse with the most dull look on his face whilst being interrogated and on his coffee table is for some reason, a bowl with the Thai Lai Kram painting style (which is replicated in the photo). How did that bowl end up here? Did someone give into him? Did HE go to Thailand? No one knows! It is just the matter of being something so Thai, standing out in this sepia coloured shot of a man and his (former) best friend verbally battling it out and so I thought to myself, “what else is really Thai ?… Anchan Manao.” Anchan Manao refers to the Thai name of this drink (minus lemongrass). Anchan meaning the butterfly pea flower and Manao meaning lime. It can be found in some Thai restaurants in the west but you can also make it yourself if you have the ingredients! Sometimes it’s just nice to imagine had Philby and Elliott been drinking this, ice cold amidst the Beirut heat, would the interrogation have gone smoother?
Bartender’s Name: Bamm (crarb on Instagram, crarbalone on Twitter)
Barista’s Location: Bangkok and London, not at the same time

Beverage #44

Name of Drink: Gentleman’s Drink
Mixologist’s Description: Ingredients: Red fruits, Sicilian lemon, pitaya, sparkling water, honey and ice cubes. Happy Birthday, Damian!
Bartender’s Name: Janaina G.C.
Barista’s Location: Brazil

Beverage #45

Name of Drink: Coward’s Way Out
Mixologist’s Description: Ingredients: 2 oz. tequila, ¾ oz. yellow chartreuse, ¾ oz. fresh lime juice, ½ oz. agave nectar and six 1″ squares of yellow bell pepper. Add the tequila and pepper to a mixing glass. Muddle the pepper aggressively. Add the remaining ingredients, with ice, and stir to chill. Strain into a margarita glass and garnish with a yellow bell pepper wedge. I was SO excited when Bahar (Damianista) asked me to participate in Damian’s birthday surprise! After all how could we not celebrate our favorite Ginger, and all the joy he brings us with his brilliant body of work. Well, I chose a very specific drink to celebrate Damian. It’s called The Coward’s Way Out! I will never forget…it was the New Yorker Festival, October 3, 2015, at the School of Visual Arts. I was so excited to see Damian in person. I remember that day, a hurricane was scheduled to hit NYC. No hurricane was keeping me from seeing Damian. We got to the venue and it was a small group of devoted Damian fans. That was the day I first met Bahar and Carol. As I sat down I remember my knee was hitting the stage. There was an empty chair only a few feet away where Damian would sit. Damian walked in and I lost the ability to speak. My friend who accompanied me said, “Do you need air? Are you ok?” He knew I was at legitimate risk of fainting. I was frozen. I couldn’t even answer him. Keep in mind, I’m a therapist and I listen for a living. When I’m not working it’s almost impossible for me not to talk. It was an hour and a half of silence while I watched “The Confession” on a massive screen with Brody, I mean Damian, sitting right in front of it. I learned two things that day, how incredibly skilled Damian is at his craft and how gracious he is to his fans. When the New Yorker Festival was over I watched fans make a beeline to see him. Not Tiffany, I froze and hence I took The Coward’s Way Out. Had I been able to stay I would have asked Damian how he created Keane and Brody and where inside himself did he go to portray these two complex characters flawlessly. Maybe one day I will get the courage to say hello. In the meantime we celebrate you Damian. Happiest of Birthdays from your devoted fan! Kind Regards, Damian’s Angel Tiffany
Bartender’s Name: Tiffany
Barista’s Location: New Jersey – USA

Beverage #46

Name of Drink: London Fog
Mixologist’s Description: My drink choice for Damian is a London Fog over ice. I have plenty of tea 😳 around the house, but this one is made with London Fog latte concentrate and almond milk. Why? I suppose it’s a fun mix of America and England.
Bartender’s Name: Lauren M.
Barista’s Location: Michigan – USA

Beverage #47

Name of Drink: Champagne and Spritzer
Mixologist’s Description: Nothing more refreshing than champagne and spritz. My friend and I give a toast to Damian’s Birthday!
Bartender’s Name: Paola and friend
Barista’s Location: London, England – UK

Beverage #48

Name of Drink: Bailey’s
Mixologist’s Description: Toasting to Damian with a drink that my dad loved because Damian is also a dad…while sporting my Axe Capital shirt and holding my Funko Pop! Bobby Axelrod. Happy 52nd Birthday, Damian!
Bartender’s Name: The Tail that Wags the Dog of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Maryland – USA

Beverage #49

Name of Drink: Fort Ord Cooler
Mixologist’s Description: In honor of Damian’s military roles and all the American military I have raised a glass or two with over my lifetime. Including my late red-haired Navy Senior Chief husband. Sorry the picture is not very exciting. Maybe last year’s theatre tickets will dress it up. Ingredients: jigger of Ketel One vodka, cranberry juice to taste, Fever Tree tonic water (optional, but it cuts the sweetness of the cranberry juice).
Bartender’s Name: Joan C, retired DoD Data Analyst
Barista’s Location: Monterey Peninsula, California – USA (adjacent to former Fort Ord Army Base)

Beverage #50

Name of Drink: Bloody Vampy
Mixologist’s Description: Happy Birthday, Damian! Hope you have an amazing day! 🎁🥳🎂 My Bloody Mary a la The Radleys 🧛‍♀️
Bartender’s Name: Ellie (Londonspy)
Barista’s Location: London, England – UK

Beverage #51

Name of Drink: My Personal Hot Pineapple
Mixologist’s Description:… as sweet and spicy as Charlie Crews

2 strawberries, hulled, halved
2 teaspoons sugar
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces pineapple juice
½ teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1 slice of Charlie Crews’ personal pineapple

Muddle strawberries and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, pineapple juice, and adobo sauce; fill shaker with ice. Shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of Crew’s personal pineapple.

Bartender’s Name: Lewisto of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Durham, North Carolina – USA

Beverage #52

Name of Drink: Pink Elvis
Mixologist’s Description: So here is Damianista again making a toast to Damian one more time with a…Pink Elvis! I promise I didn’t make it up. The recipe is from Bon Appetit. Ingredients:  3 oz. fresh pink grapefruit juice, 1 and ½ oz. London dry gin, ¼ oz. St-Germain (elderflower liqueur) and India Pale Ale for serving. I used Lagunitas Grapefruit twist for serving.  Preparation is so easy even I can do it!!!! Combine grapefruit juice, gin and elder flower liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and top off with the IPA. Garnish with grapefruit twist. So… why Pink Elvis, you may ask? The answer is in my vid! Happy Birthday Damian!
Bartender’s Name: Damianista of Fan Fun with Damian Lewis Team
Barista’s Location: Durham, North Carolina – USA

And there you have it – 52 creative, mouthwatering and personalized beverages for Damian.

The Musician’s Birthday Cake

On behalf of all you fans that participated, we sent Damian a birthday cake he can eat and share with loved ones in London. This scrumptious cake, by Cakes by Robin, is made from only the finest sticky toffee, a favorite of his. On top of the 8″ square cake is a sugar model in the likeness of Damian sporting his ginger hair, wearing his pink suit and standing on a black vinyl record titled “Mission Creep,” which is the title of Damian’s upcoming debut album in Summer, 2023. (although some singles may be released in the Spring). “Sugar” Damian is playing his guitar as he sings into his microphone.

Here is a close up showing how spot-on the likeness is to our real Ginger, and you can read the title of his upcoming album:

Not only did we send a picture of Damian wearing his pink suit to replicate, we even sent the bakery a picture of Damian’s Martin Gruhn Special 28-style guitar he picked up at Gruhn Guitars while in Nashville, TN, as well as a photo of him performing. They did a great job replicating his guitar.

We would like to thank Cakes by Robin for their amazing talent and exemplary service!! They were a pleasure to work with. And little side note: the bakery wasn’t sure they could pull it off in time until we said, “It’s for Damian Lewis. THE DAMIAN LEWIS.” And the rest is history.

Once the cake from our Team was delivered (2 days early to accommodate his travel schedule), Damian took to both Twitter and Instagram Stories to share his thank-yous. First he tweeted out this:

Holy shit. Unbelievable. Look what just came through my door. Thank you Bahar and Krista and all my fans ⁦@FanFunDamian⁩ @cakes_by_robin. My dog just tried to eat my head. I stopped her but now I have a bald patch at the back….. what a way to start my bday. Thank you! x pic.twitter.com/AKr9sZPkAu

— Damian Lewis (@lewis_damian) February 9, 2023

He was taken aback with surprise and sounds like Petra tried to bite his head off!

Then on Instagram he shared his birthday card:

Thank you to all the fans who participated in our little birthday project this year. Without you, it would not have been possible. All of you are so talented and creative.

Best wishes from all of us Baristas and Bartenders of Fan Fun, Damian!

And in case you were curious to visualize where all these drinks came from, here is your personalized drink map. We received cocktails, mocktails and beverages from all over the world!

Drink Stats by Location:
15 countries
5 continents

USA – 18
California – 2
Florida – 1
Illinois – 1
Maryland – 1
Michigan – 1
Minnesota – 1
New Jersey – 4
New York – 2
North Carolina – 2
Oklahoma – 1
Pennsylvania – 1
Washington – 1

UK – 9
England – 8
Northern Ireland – 1

Argentina – 1
Australia – 1
Belgium – 2
Brazil – 1
Bulgaria – 1
Chile – 2
France – 1
Italy – 3
Germany – 3
Netherlands – 2
Peru – 1
Romania – 2
Thailand – 2

*Disclaimer: If a fan submitted more than one drink, their location was only counted once.

Drink Stats by Theme
A Spy Among Friends – 4
Band of Brothers – 4
Billions – 6
Colditz – 1
Forsyte Saga – 1
Homeland – 2
Life – 2
The Radleys – 1
Warriors – 1
Sports: Football (soccer) – 1
Music – 2
Ginger /Orange/Red (hair) – 16
Other/Damian the man – 19

*Disclaimer: Some drinks fell into multiple categories and were counted as such.

Author: Gingersnap

Management Analyst, part-time Adjunct Professor and Computer Software Consultant by day and Damian Lewis aficionado by night. View all posts by Gingersnap