AnnaSophia Robb Spills On New Year's Hostessing, Favorite New York Hot Spots & More!

What even happened in 2022? Other than Greta’s first-degree murder of Andrew Tate this week, we can’t recall—either way, we’re hoping 2023’s karma is just as swift and satisfying (if not more), because the bar is basically in hell. Anyway, let us all raise a glass this NYE if not solely for the sake of drinking something delicious as the world continues to burn. Here’s how the inimitable AnnaSophia Robb—a star we’ve known and loved since her breakout roles in Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Bridge to Terabithia—will be ringing in the new year with equal parts conviviality and intention.

First, a huge congrats on your wedding this year—tell us all about the day and how it went!
Thank you! The wedding was better than I could have imagined, unbelievably beautiful in every way and totally worth all the work! It’s one thing to send out invites, and plan but then when everything is actually manifested and people from different parts of our lives showed up, it was overwhelmingly magical and sacred. I want to throw a party like that every year to simply celebrate life, friendship, and love with everyone. It was also the perfect location, we got lucky with the weather and everyone who helped put the wedding together was so unbelievably lovely. 

Speaking of parties, you're in your hostess era with St-Germain, an elderflower liqueur that tastes great in basically everything. How did this collab come together? And what drew you to the cocktail world specifically? 
The classic St-Germain Spritz (St-Germain, Prosecco, and soda water over ice) was the first cocktail I ever enjoyed with my mom. It’s a celebratory and festive drink, and I love the taste of St. Germain, so I thought it would be appropriate to partner with them for my wedding and it was a perfect pairing. 

I’m delighted to celebrate the holiday season with St. Germain. One of my favorite cocktails of the evening, designed by Earlecia Richelle, is the St-Germain Royale. It’s become a holiday staple for hosting.  I just add a simple dash of St-Germain to a glass of champagne and top it off with a little garnish—I like pomegranate seeds. It’s an easy way to make ordinary moments feel festive with friends and family.

Can you share a bit about your dinner party at Nine Orchard?
The dinner party was so festive and delightful, we wanted to celebrate the holiday season and honor the year with loved ones. Nine Orchard is a truly spectacular new hotel, it was a treat to host our celebration there!  With our seasonal cocktail menu, delicious food, and abundance of cozy accents like the fireplace, antique chandeliers, and 1920’s-inspired cocktail accoutrement, the St-Germain Royale Dash, it truly could not have been a better setting for a night filled with connection and holiday cheer.

What are some of your favorite cocktails right now? Do you make them at home or go out for drinks usually? Or both?
It depends on the evening. Usually, we have friends over and then we go out. We’ll start with a cocktail at home. I love starting with a St-Germain Spritz. It’s light, fun, and easy to make for everyone. 

When going out to a bar, I’ll order a G&T, typically. If they have St-Germain at the bar, I ask for a splash of that in the drink because I love the flavor it adds.

Please share some of your best hosting/entertaining tips for the holidays and beyond!
A great playlist is always necessary! I also like to have the bar pre-set so guests can help themselves to drinks, as they please. A simple tip I have for anyone trying to elevate their hosting skills is to let your partygoers get involved in preparing their own drinks and foods. I think when guests can go to a beautifully decorated bar or buffet and learn how to customize their own drinks, it allows an opportunity for them to interact, get creative, and simply have a good time learning something new. This is exactly why I love St-Germain’s new Royale Dash—it is both a chic centerpiece, but also an extremely useful and unique way for guests to mingle and serve their own drinks. And then add a few garnish bowls so they can further differentiate their cocktails. A bowl of pomegranates, sprigs of rosemary or raspberries. 

Rebel Ridge is slated to come out next year—any idea when specifically? And can you share any sneak peeks with us?
I’m unsure of the release date, but I know our director is almost finished with the edit. 

I’m extremely excited for everyone to see the film; we are all really proud of it and worked hard. It’s a thriller/action movie set in a small southern town, centering on complicity and systemic injustice.

You and your husband live in New York City—we'd LOVE to hear about some of your favorite things to do, see, eat, and drink during the holidays and beyond. 
It’s always fun to play tourist in our own city. Recently we checked out the holiday lights on 5th Avenue, Saks has a fun light show, obviously I love the windows at Bergdorf's. We got delicious cocktails at Pebble Bar, [and] I’ve been meaning to try Le Rock—that area can be so touristy, but I’ve heard it’s absolutely beautiful. Holiday Bar is a great new spot in the West Village, very much American Psycho décor and I love it. I loved Wenwen in Greenpoint for my birthday. Nine Orchard’s Swan bar is a stunner. Sunday to Sunday is a favorite brunch spot. Clandestino is fun for late-night drinks. And pizza, always pizza. I’m a big Joe’s gal for a classic slice. Upside is terrific. L’industrie is divine too.

Any last thoughts/things you'd like to share?
Yes! If you are getting married, I highly recommend consulting or incorporating Vow for Girls. They raise awareness and funds for girls and women around the world to help pay for their education and get them job training, so they are not forced into marriage. It’s an extremely important organization.

[Photos by Charles Roussel courtesy St-Germain]