Cheerful Chugs: Wintry movie and cocktail pairings

As temperatures drop and smells of holiday baking fill the air, The Scene has put together some deliciously festive movie and cocktail pairings to make the most out of this magical season.

Please remember to drink responsibly and only if you are 21+.

“Gremlins” (1984) and Hot Mogwai Punch

As one of my favorite movies ever, “Gremlins” is the perfect match for those who enjoy a less-than-traditional winter movie. Featuring nice and then naughty creatures called “mogwais,” the paired cocktail for this film is also nice and then very, very naughty. Deceptively sweet, this warm beverage packs a punch!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 ½ cup apple juice
• ¾ cup orange-flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier recommended)
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• fresh cranberries (optional)
• orange wedges (optional)

Directions:

1. Add orange juice, apple juice and cranberry juice into pot on medium-high heat and bring to a boil
2. Add brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon sticks and ground cloves into pot on medium-low heat
3. Bring to a simmer and cover pot for ten minutes
4. Strain mixture and add orange-flavored liqueur
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange wedge

“Home Alone” (1990) and a Chi-Town Latte

This classic movie follows the adventures of Kevin, who is accidentally left behind in Chicago while his family vacations in Paris. As a nod to his city, a Chi-Town Latte is the perfect drink to make on a lonely night watching “Home Alone.”

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces hot water
• 2 chai tea bags
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tb maple syrup
• pinch of ground cloves
• 2 ounces maple bourbon
• ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Tea:

1. Steep chai tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes
2. Remove tea bag
3. Add maple bourbon

Latte:

1. Add milk, maple syrup and ground cloves into a saucepan on medium heat, stirring often
2. Bring to slight boil (edges of saucepan will start to bubble) and remove from heat
3. For an extra foamy latte, use a hand mixer to blend milk mixture until frothy
4. Pour ½ cup of tea mixture (above) into a mug
5. Slowly add latte mixture into the mug
6. Garnish with ground cinnamon

“Love Actually” (2003) and Mulled Wine

Follow the intertwined love stories as you sip on a similarly intricate cocktail. With notes of clove, orange and honey, this warm beverage is sure to please. Also, it’s a great pairing for an all-night movie marathon!

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 mL) red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• ¼ cup honey
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into saucepan on medium-high heat
2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium-low heat
3. Simmer for 20 minutes and then strain
4. Garnish with an orange wedge and cinnamon stick, serve warm

“Happy Feet” (2006) and an Arctic Russian

You don’t have to be a penguin to enjoy this arctic flick! Follow main penguin, Erik, as he embarks on an an epic journey to find his soulmate. Pair with a twist on a classic White Russian to really set the scene for a wintry adventure.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlua
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Ice (whiskey stones recommended)
• 2 marshmallows (optional)

Directions:

• Mix vodka and Kahlua together and pour over ice
• Slowly top with heavy cream
• Toast marshmallows over stove burner and put on skewer to garnish

“Last Holiday” (2006) and a Ginger-Pomegranate Cocktail

After finding out that she has terminal cancer, Georgia Byrd jets off to a European resort to live like a millionaire and enjoy her last few weeks. You don’t have to be terminally ill or be a millionaire to party it up in style. As you watch scenes of base jumping and extravagant shopping trips, enjoy this equally luxurious cocktail.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup pomegranate juice
• ¼ ounce orange-flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier recommended)
• 1 bottle (750 mL) champagne
• ½ ounce orange juice
• ⅛ inch slice ginger
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

1. Add pomegranate juice, sugar and fresh ginger into saucepan on medium-high heat, stirring often
2. Bring mixture to a boil until mixture is reduced, about 5-8 minutes
3. Pour reduced pomegranate mixture into flute
4. Add orange juice and orange-flavored liqueur
5. Top off with champagne

“Frosty the Snowman” (1969) and a Snowman Hot Cocoa

Though it’s the oldest movie on my list, “Frosty the Snowman” is a classic childhood favorite. Add a little (non-alcoholic) magic to your winter break by pairing the film with a Snowman Hot Cocoa, a traditional white hot chocolate with a peppermint twist.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 ounces peppermint candy, finely chopped
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Add milk, heavy cream, and peppermint candy into saucepan on medium heat
2. Bring to slight boil (edges of saucepan will start to bubble) and remove from heat
3. Immediately pour mixture over white chocolate
4. When chocolate begins to melt, whisk together
5. Add vanilla extract and continue to whisk until light froth forms
6. Top off with whipped cream (optional)

smorgan@theeagleonline.com