The soon approaching fall is a wonderful time to (re) discover classics - in literature, fashion, music, or movies. There is something reassuring about the "good old days" (as long as the classics are chosen to be reassuring, of course), about curling up under a blanket, lighting a candle, having a drink or two and having a laugh about the human nature that has not changed a bit over decades. If you ask me, that is exactly what we all need right now, and that's why I'm choosing some of my favorite American and European films and pairing them with fitting cocktails. No matter if you are alone or surrounded by loved ones - get your shakers out, kick back and enjoy.
1) "The discreet charm of the Bourgeoisie", Luis Buñuel, 1972. Who doesn't know the term "bougie"? (In English, that is, in French is still just means "candle" 😜). Well, it derived from the "Bourgeoisie" in France - this upper middle class description is often meant as a litte insult. Luis Buñuel makes fun of bougie people in almost every one of his films. This one is particularly funny and smart - a group of wealthy friends meaning to get together for dinner never seem to achieve their plan - they're trapped either physically or even in each other's dreams... The dark and surreal humor pairs extremely well with Buñuel's Dry Martini recipe from his autobiography "My Last Sigh": "The day before your guests arrive, put all the ingredients -glasses, gin, and shaker - in the refrigerator. (...). Don’t take anything out until your friends arrive; then pour a few drops of Noilly Prat and half a demitasse spoon of Angostura bitters over the ice. Stir it, then pour it out, keeping only the ice, which retains a faint taste of both. Then pour straight gin over the ice, stir it again, and serve." So that's technically just gin and ice, am I right? There's also a very ironic interpretation of making a Martini in the film itself, here's a short clip to tease your appetite for both the movie and the cocktail.
2) Some Like It Hot, Billy Wilder, 1959. Watching a film about the Prohibition is a great opportunity to mix a cocktail, right? 😁 I just adore Billy Wilder and this movie especially. It's an instant mood lifter, perfectly acted, hilarious, romantic and with great music. Since Sugar (Marilyn Monroe) was sneaking Bourbon in her little flask in her garter, I suggest you enjoy a Bourbon Buck with the film - squeeze a lemon wedge in a highball glass, add 2 oz Bourbon and 5 oz cold Ginger ale, then stir.
3) "La Dolce Vita", Federico Fellini, 1960. Another beautiful black-and-white film, about the rich and famous and a cute journalist in the midst of it all, looking for fame, or for a higher purpose. A decadent pre-dinner cocktail like the Negroni is very suited to evoke the Roman glamour of the 1950s where the movie takes place. You'll need 1 oz of each - gin, Campari and sweet Vermouth (not the one you put in a Martini). Shake it with ice and put in a highball glass, add orange slice. Some add sparkling water to taste.
4) "Suspicion", Hitchcock, 1941. No classic movie list without Hitchcock, am I right? This film is not too disturbing and therefore suited for a relaxing night. It's also extremely captivating and gives hope to the institution of marriage, that's all I will tell. Milk plays a crucial role in this one and I find it fitting to propose Milk Punch to accompany the thriller, British as the filmmaker himself. But this is a simplified version from New Orleans, because who wants to have to work too much right now? In a shaker, add 2 oz Bourbon, 3 oz whole milk, 1 oz Syrup and a little bit of vanilla extract. Strain and add nutmeg, if you have and like it.
What are your classic movie suggestions for me?
Talk to you soon, J.
Photo credit: Wikimedia commons and Unsplash
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