Movies and Mimicry. The Classic, Craft, Cocktails of film. Part 1.

I lied. 

Sorry. This post will not be about pairings-as originally declared.
I decided I need to do just a bit more research on that, especially the wine varietals-first.
We tenders-I mean, the professional ones, are lifetime learners. And while we may act like we know EVERYTHING about-everything, we really don't. (Don't tell anyone that I told you this-I will be banned for life from the secret society of bartenders and my life could be at risk) 
We have hooded cloaks and cookies. Of which, I appreciate both. Don't compromise me. 
Thankssomuch. 

That said-the post today is going to be the first of a two-part series and a fun one.
Mimicking The Joker-"Why so serious?" And also, using a movie quote-is apropos to our subject, which is....

MOVIE COCKTAILS. 

Sitting around a fire with some friends a day or so ago, celebrating the big patriotic day-we got to talking about cocktails-while drinking cocktails. Weird, right?
(Yes, even me...I had a little Cap'n in me-until the 51-year-old heartburn set in, but...I digress)
As we were chatting, the subject of the "Shaken, not stirred" moniker of 007 came up. 
*Side note, I'm a massive Bond fan, Ian Fleming is a personal hero of mine, as a writer, and a patriot. 
But, as we are chatting the whole idea of these iconic cocktails popped into my cabeza, and well, here we are. 

So, let's jump right in-shall we? 

Iconic cocktails of the silver and small screen. 

We'll start with my husband's favorite movie of all time:
Casablanca. 

"Here's looking at you kid"
-Rick Blaine 

Rick's Cafe Americain where the Veuve Cliquot 1926 and fine wine is flowing like water. However, the cocktail that really raised the eyebrows of the highbrows from this classic masterpiece was the French 75- ordered by the character Yvonne, played by Madeleine Lebeau.
The gin-based drink was named after a French artillery cannon and is accompanied by champagne, lemon juice, and sugar or simple syrup. (Alternately-you can skip the sugar if you make it with a lovely rose wine-which leans to the sweeter side.) 
This cocktail is dainty, elegant, simple, and classic. A great apertif drink to sip on at a cocktail party, or a charcuterie dinner gathering. 
And guys, before you scoff-there is no one more masculine than Bogie, himself. And if he was good enough to frame these into his chic nightclub, this tender thinks it's also good enough for you.
Give it a try sometime, you'll be surprised at how much you enjoy it. 
Seriously, I saw you with a White Claw last week-you can make this happen. Flex your guns and drink up. 

Clean, classic, lovely. The French 75

Our second entry-The Big Lebowski. 

"Careful, man, there's a beverage here!
-The Dude

There is indeed a beverage here-namely-The White Russian.

The pairing?
1. The creamy, sweet, drink. 
and 
2. Jeff Bridges' awe-inspiring pornstache.

The cocktail and the hairy caterpillar were rarely parted through the entire film, which makes it cheeky and fun-much like the movie in and of itself.
If you haven't seen it-go ahead and queue that bitch up.
Trust me. 

The cocktail itself is classic and makes for a fantastic after- dinner sipper in place of the creme brulee you were considering. 
Skip the burnt sugar and taste this instead.
The mid-century popularity of this beverage was aptly renewed by this film, and a whole new gen was enjoying its charms. 

A White Russian is made with equal parts coffee liqueur of your choosing, which is typically Kahlua and rack vodka with a half and half, or whole milk float. Some purists prefer heavy cream-but this tender insists that milk is better.
Heavy cream tends to break when combined with vodka.

The really cool thing about this cocktail is that it is a layered drink all on its own-without even trying. The weight of the sugary coffee liqueur always sticks to the bottom of the rocks glass, and the lighter milk and vodka stays closer to the top. So, until you cast your magic stirring charm upon it-it's a beautiful sight to behold in three layers.
Additionally, it tastes magical too.
Like a creamy, boozy, latte-milkshake. 
Very calorie unfriendly if you are watching the waistline, but every once in a while-it's a great thing to enjoy. 

I chose this image, specifically-this one is made with heavy cream-notice how the cream is breaking or separating with the vodka on top? Use milk instead-it won't do this. Trust. 

Our thirsty-third entry-we retreat from the silver, to the small screen and this tenders favorite guidebook through her 20's. 
Sex and The City. 
You are already hearing the theme song in your head as you read, I know. Cool, right? 

As cool as the ladies drinking it, I present-The Cosmopolitan.

"I'd like a cheeseburger, large fries, and a cosmopolitan..."
-Carrie Bradshaw (at a fast-food drive thru)

You chuckle, but this was probably not requested in jest. Carrie likely hoped she might score her favorite drink in that drive thru.
If the ladies weren't drinking this cocktail, they were likely sipping a classic Manhattan...in Manhattan. The backdrop was the elegant charm of the NYC scene that added to the appeal of this cocktail- and Carrie and her posse were always
en vogue. 
Most martini purists will scoff at the basis.
This IS a martini. (I said what I said, husband)
It's a variation of the MOTHER.
Remember that post? Yeah...they all derive. 
This is a more feminine take and frou-frou variable that makes it an easy cocktail to consume en masse. Which means, a lot of college girls in the 90's were spewing them up in alleyways next to their favorite watering hole.
Why?
Because, most people underestimate their strength.
This is a potent potable, one that doesn't taste potent at all. Which is the magic, and the hangover. 

A classic Cosmo is 2 oz vodka, 1 oz Triple Sec, with a cranberry juice float, and a spritz of fresh lime juice. It ALWAYS gets a twist of lemon, and NOT a sugary cranberry on a swiz. This one has a specific garnish. Ask the ladies, they will set you absolutely straight. 
This drink is especially good in the warmer months because of the refreshing citrus notes. Switch to the Manhattan in the winter, it's a lot more warm and toasty. Either way, how can you beat such a classic concoction? It's easy to drink, tastes great, and looks lovely in your hand. A diamond ring is less shiny in comparison. 
It was good to be sexy and single in the 90's.
But, it's good to be a classic in every generation-just like this craft cocktail. Sip up. 

The drink, and the garnish is simple and classic-just like Bradshaw herself. The Cosmopolitan.

And that takes care of part one. My second installment will likely be happening tomorrow-time permitting. 
I'll do my best to not leave you hanging. But as always, I make no promises. 
Until then, take advantage of these great drinks. Mix up your beverage rut, and order an original. 

Make sure that when you do, however...you totally quote the movie. Bartenders love that shit. 

The lesson in all of this, however, is less about the actual cocktail and more about being open-minded to every type of drink and trying new things. I'm here to expand your palate, and your knowledge base. Personal missions are dope. 

Stay tuned, either way-for a marvelous part 2-coming VERY soon. Don't worry, 007 is coming-and he's bringing his spy car with him. 

May all of your days be filled with paper umbrellas. 

XOXO, 

T