Episode 250: Avatar: Fire and Ash & the Smoke and Ash

This week we are popping the cork on a massive milestone—it’s our 250th Episode! To celebrate this quarter-thousand mark, we are traveling back to Pandora for the highly anticipated third chapter in James Cameron’s epic saga, Avatar: Fire and Ash. We’ll discuss how the visual effects continue to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible on the big screen.

Since it’s our big anniversary, we’re also taking a moment to look back at the most influential films in cinema history—the game-changers that defined genres, broke the box office, and inspired us to start this podcast 250 episodes ago. From the original Avatar to the classics that paved the way, we’re celebrating the power of the moving image.

To match the volcanic intensity of the new film and the gravity of our 250th show, we’re shaking up a drink that’s as bold as a banshee flight: The Smoke and Ash. This cocktail features a base of Mezcal for that signature earthy fire. It’s a complex, smoldering drink that’s perfect for a deep dive into the fires of Pandora.

So, grab your 3d glasses, connect your Avatar, and get ready to raise a massive toast to 250 episodes of Drink the Movies!

• 2oz Mecal
• 1oz Aperol
• .5oz Coffee Liqueur
• .25oz Agave 

Shake or stir ingredients with ice. Serve over ice with flamed orange peel for garnish.

This week we take a look back at 2025 and ahead to some exciting things for 2026!

• Midnight Manhattan 

Pour into a glass and enjoy! Let us know your favorite pre-made cocktails!

This week we're heading to the North Pole for a magical career change in the 1994 holiday favorite, The Santa Clause! We'll talk about Scott Calvin's accidental inheritance of the big red suit, the hilariously detailed rules of the Santa Clause, and the heartwarming journey of a skeptical dad turning into the one and only Santa Claus. It’s a classic Christmas tale that makes believers out of all of us!

To fully embrace the snowy, whimsical magic of Santa's world, we're mixing up a stunningly festive and creamy cocktail The Snow Globe.

So, put on your warm pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear, and get ready to raise a glass to The Santa Clause!

Cocktail comes from ⁠ABC Wine & Spirits!

• 2oz Gin
• .5oz Peppermint Syrup
• .5oz Lime Juice
• .5oz Almond Milk
• Club Soda
• 
  

Garnish with Candy Cane rim

 Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Stir then strain into chilled glass rimmed with crushed candy cane.

This week we're heading back to Tim Burton's beautifully dark and snow-covered Gotham City for the 1992 masterpiece, Batman Returns! We'll talk about Batman and the iconic villains, Catwoman and The Penguin. We'll discuss Danny DeVito's repulsive yet tragic characterization, Michelle Pfeiffer's electrifying transformation, and the Gothic, Christmas-time aesthetic that makes this sequel unforgettable.

To honor the complexity and dark allure of the city and its feline anti-hero, we're mixing up The Gotham City Cat. This cocktail elevates the classic gin experience by featuring a rich, complex Barrel-Aged Gin. It's a smooth, dangerous, and surprisingly sophisticated drink—just like Selina Kyle herself.

So, put on your cowl (or your best leather), pour a strong one, and get ready to raise a glass to Batman Returns!

Cocktail comes from Barr Hill!

• 2oz Barrel Aged Gin
• 1oz Sweet Vermouth
• 3-4 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Garnish with Cherry/Orange Twist

 Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Stir then strain into chilled coupe glass, or ice filled rocks glass.