Patrick Schwarzenegger on Playing a Finance Bro in ‘The White Lotus’ and the Power of Vesper Martinis
For Patrick Schwarzenegger, getting cast in season three of The White Lotus was a bucket-list role. And now, it’s led to the ultimate drink collab—branded cocktail kits inspired by the hit HBO series. The 31-year-old Gen V actor plays Saxon Ratliff in the upcoming installment, the eldest son of Timothy (Jason Issacs) and Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) who works for his father’s company. The Emmy-winning show, created and directed by Mike White, will be set in Thailand this time around, highlighting themes like death, Eastern religion, spirituality.
Ahead of The White Lotus season three premiere on February 16, Schwarzenegger has teamed up with Ketel One and Tanqueray Gin—the show’s official spirits partners—for a new Sip Into The White Lotus campaign that lets viewers bring a bit of that escapism home. A classic Vesper Martini takes inspiration from Thailand with a dash of lychee liquor, or fans can enjoy a boozy mango and pineapple punch that’s refreshing and fruity. Either way, the kits come with everything you need to make you feel like you’re on a luxe Thai holiday.
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Robb Report recently caught up with Schwarzenegger to chat about how his partnership with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray came about, what it was like visiting the Land of Smiles for the first time, hosting watch parties with his family, and who the next Jennifer Coolidge could be.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What can you tell us about this collaboration between Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray, and The White Lotus?
I’ve been a huge fan of Ketel One Vodka and just started a partnership with them. They brought in Tanqueray Gin for this Sip Into The White Lotus campaign. It’s this cool idea of infusing cocktails with the flavors and elements of Thailand. It’s that kind of escapism where the second you take a drink, you’re transported to your perfect place, which is The White Lotus. They’re creating all of these different kits which will allow people to experience Thailand and The White Lotus in an elevated cocktail set.
Let’s talk about the cocktails. I’m assuming you’ve tried them.
Yes, I got to try them and I also got to make them as well for a video we shot. One of them is more of a punch and the other is a martini. The one we were highlighting [in the commercial] was the Vesper Martini with a lychee finish. It’s really delicious.
Outside of this campaign, how do you generally like to enjoy your vodka or gin?
I’ve changed a lot over the last two years. For my first cocktail, I’m OK doing a lemon drop or espresso martini or something like that. Then, I try to keep it simple. I can’t have four lemon drops or I’ll be spinning the next morning. I like to have something that’s sweeter and fruitier and then maybe a lemon twist martini or a dirty martini after.
This article will be out less than a week before The White Lotus season three airs. You’re playing Saxon. What can you tell me about him or the Ratliff family?
I think they’ve categorized him as a Southern finance bro. He’s a complete flirt that works under his father and is kind of stuck in his father’s shadow but is trying to make a name for himself in that industry, and just in life. But he’s a person that will say anything that’s on his mind and is just looking for a great vacation. Parker Posey plays my mom, and Jason Isaacs plays my dad. I’m the eldest of the group and I have a younger sister (Sarah Catherine Hook) and a younger brother (Sam Nivola) who I feel are lost and I’m there to help them. I can’t say much more.
Were you always a fan of the show?
A massive fan. Huge fan. We did watch parties at my mom’s house every Sunday. It was like my dream job. We’re all so excited.
How did you personally transition from self-proclaimed super fan to cast member?
It’s definitely different for me because I’m part of it. I’m so close to it. That’s one of the things I admire about Mike [White] so much. Even when he was showing me examples of the music that’s in it or the theme song or how he wants the show to look, he’s always pushing himself. It’s just amazing.
Season three will take place in Thailand. Have you been before?
No, my first time. I was there for almost seven months, so I definitely got immersed in Thailand. The whole thing was memorable. Just to get to work on this set, with this cast and crew, to work with Mike. Our job is so interesting and cool and fun that we get to just pack up and move to another country for six-and-a-half months. You’re living in a five-star hotel on the beach. It’s almost like a semester abroad.
Did any previous cast members give you advice before filming?
Coincidentally, I had dinner with Leo Woodall the week before I went to film. We were sitting next to each other at a dinner in Milan. I told him I was going to work on The White Lotus, and he was like, “You’re going to have the best time. Mike is so great. He’s so funny.” But that was it, I didn’t really talk to anyone else. I know Lukas Gage; I’ve worked with him before. He was in the first season, but that’s it. I didn’t know anybody really on set.
Is there anyone you see being a standout favorite? Who are the fans going to love…or hate?
Myself [laughs]. I have no idea. They might hate me. They might love me. Everyone is really great. That’s what Mike does. He writes these hilarious, fascinating, annoying characters that you just want to watch.
What can viewers expect from season three?
This season is completely different. There is way more actors, bigger productions, bigger sets, more locations, more weaving of characters stories. Just the idea of Thailand—the culture there and the darkness of it. Mike’s taking swings every which way and it’s admirable. It’s White Lotus on steroids, basically. Everything has kind of leveled up.
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