Episode 238: Hellraiser

This week on we're opening the Lament Configuration and stepping into a world of pain and pleasure with Clive Barker's iconic 1987 horror film, Hellraiser! We'll explore the dark and disturbing story of Frank Cotton, the cenobites led by the unforgettable Pinhead, and the truly unique blend of body horror and forbidden desires that makes this movie a true original. We'll discuss how pain and pleasure become indistinguishable and why this film remains a terrifying benchmark in the genre.

And to properly summon the experience, we're mixing up a cocktail we call The Hellraiser. This drink features a spine-tingling trio of botanical gin, the bittersweet sting of Aperol, and a surprising, seductive kick from pepper syrup. It's a complex, challenging, and unexpectedly delicious mix—a taste of what the cenobites might call "sweet suffering." So, open your box, pour your drink, and get ready to raise a glass to the master of pain, Hellraiser!

Cocktail comes from The Martini Shot!

•  2oz Gin
• .5oz Aperol
• .5oz Lime Juice
• .5oz Pepper Syrup
• Black Sugar for Rim

Add ingredients to shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain into chilled coupe glass. (Pre-rim with black sugar if desired)  

This week we're heading to the desolate, frozen landscape of Antarctica for John Carpenter's claustrophobic and paranoia-fueled 1982 masterpiece, The Thing! We'll be discussing the terrifying, shape-shifting alien, the incredible practical effects, and the nail-biting suspense as R.J. MacReady and his team try to figure out who—or what—among them is the impostor. Who can you trust when the threat is... well, anything?

And to keep us warm while we try to survive the night, we're mixing up a classic that cuts straight to the point: the Rusty Nail, featuring J&B Scotch Whisky. This smoky, sweet, and potent two-ingredient cocktail is a perfect match for a film that is as sharp and uncompromising as a blast of MacReady's flamethrower. So grab your glass, keep your blood handy, and get ready to raise a toast to The Thing!

• 1.5oz J&B or other Blended Scotch
• .75oz Drambouie 

 Add ingredients to rocks glass with large ice cube.   

This week we're shivering with antici...pation for the ultimate cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Join us as we do the "Time Warp" again and explore the 1975 midnight movie phenomenon that is more than just a film—it's an interactive, eccentric, and unforgettable experience. We'll dive into the glam-rock madness, the iconic characters like Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and the enduring legacy of a movie that encourages everyone to embrace their wild side.

And to get us in the mood for a night of absolute pleasure, we're mixing up a Dr. Frank-N-Fizz. This cocktail features a dark and mysterious base of rum, a splash of bold cherry, and a hint of effervescence. It's a sweet and daring drink that's a perfect match for the sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania. So, don't dream it, be it—grab your cocktail shaker, put on your best fishnets, and get ready to raise a glass to Rocky Horror!

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz cherry liqueur
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz cinnamon syrup
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Top with ginger beer
• Edible glitter for garnish
• Lime wheel and maraschino cherry for garnish 

Combine rum, cherry liqueur, lime, cinnamon syrup, and bitters into shaker tim with ice. Shake and strain into highball glass with ice. Add ginger beer.  

This week we're turning the volume up to eleven for the 1984 mockumentary masterpiece, This Is Spinal Tap! We'll follow England's loudest and most punctual band on their disastrous American tour, from the Stonehenge debacle to the classic "these go to eleven" moment. We'll laugh at the film's hilarious improvised dialogue and celebrate its enduring legacy as one of the greatest comedies ever made.

And to get us in the proper rock and roll spirit, we're pouring a no-fuss, no-frills Jack & Coke. This timeless two-ingredient drink is a perfect fit for a band whose musical genius is only rivaled by their sheer cluelessness. So grab your highball glass, hold onto your drumsticks, and get ready to raise a toast to Spinal Tap!

• Jack Daniels
• Coca Cola

Add desired JD and coke into rocks glass with ice. Garnish with lime wedge 

This week we're heading back to the 1970s with Spike Lee's powerful and provocative 2018 film, BlacKkKlansman! We'll talk about the unbelievable true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, and his daring mission to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. We'll discuss the film's sharp wit, its chilling relevance, and the incredible performances by John David Washington and Adam Driver.

And to help us navigate this tense and timely film, we're mixing up a classic and deceptively simple cocktail: the Rum and Coke. This iconic two-ingredient drink is a perfect match for a film that tackles a two-faced reality. So grab your highball glasses, cue up the soundtrack, and get ready to raise a glass to BlacKkKlansman!

•  Rum
• Coke
• Lime wedge for garnish

 Add desired rum and coke into rocks glass with ice. Garnish with lime wedge 

This week we're heading to the convent with the one and only Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 classic, Sister Act! We'll talk about Deloris Van Cartier's journey from Reno lounge singer to a tuneful Sister Mary Clarence, the iconic musical numbers, and the pure joy this movie brings.

And we'll be mixing up a Purple Mink Delores. This drink features the gorgeous purple Empress Gin, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a touch of simple syrup. It's a heavenly mix of sweet, tart, and floral that's as divine as Sister Mary Clarence's choir. 

So grab your shakers, cue the choir, and get ready to raise a glass to Sister Act!

•  2oz Vodka or Gin infused with butterfly pea flowers
• 1oz Lemon Juice
• .5oz simple syrup
• Club Soda

Shake ingredients with ice, shake and strain into ice filled glass or coupe. Top with club soda for desired effervescence.  

This week we are going back 55 years to one of the all time great love themes, and one of the most profitable movies ever made...Love Story!

We'll talk about the love, the family, the snow, and mix up an icy Manhattan along the way.

Join us for Tommy Lee Jones, hockey, broken down boats, and a chat about Love Story.

Cocktail comes from Make Every Day an Event! 

• 2oz Bourbon/Rye
• 1oz Triple Sec
• 3oz Orange Juice
• 3Tbsp Ginger Syrup

 Combine ingredients and pour over crushed ice. 

When a new family is starting to bloom, Tess and Anna Coleman are going to find themselves in each others shoes again....but this time Harper and Lily are the ones who will have to come to terms with their new step-sisters.

This week we double up on the body-swapping fun, and throw in a delicious lychee gin gimlet that's wedding worthy to boot.

Join us for old flames, new loves, seeing eye-to-eye, guitar solos, and a chat about Freakier Friday!

• 1.75oz Empress Gin
• .75oz Lychee Liqueur
• .5oz Lime Juice
• .5oz Simple Syrup

Add ingredients to a shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain into chilled coupe or martini glass. 

This week on Drink the Movies, we're heading to Perfection, Nevada, for a subterranean smorgasbord of monster movie mayhem! Get ready to dig in as we celebrate the 1990 creature feature classic, Tremors. 

Cocktail comes from Thirsty Thursday Toys! 

• 1.5oz Reposado Tequila
• 3oz Mango Chunks
• 3oz Pineapple Juice
• Dash Cayenne Pepper
• Dash Tajin

 Blend with ice to create a slushy treat! 

This week we celebrate the last day of school, learn a lot about life, buy Aerosmith tickets and mix up an Alright, Alright cocktail! 

Join us for Dazed & Confused!

Cocktail comes from the Pacific Hideaway!

• 1.25oz Pineapple Rum
• .75oz Lime Ginger Syrup
• .75oz Demerera Syrup
• .75oz Dark Rum
• Sage/Oregano for Garnish

Add ingredients to shaker tin with ice. Garnish with Sage and Oregano 

This week Marvel swings for the fences with the founding family....the Fantastic Four! Plus, we mix up four cocktails along the way.

Join us for retro futures, silver surfers, a valuable baby, and a chat about Fantastic Four: First Steps!

Cocktails come from The Dig

 Check out The Dig for the recipes!