Drive-In Delights: The greatest 70s & 80s Comedies in cocktail form

Blazing Saddles: The Wild West Whiskey Sour

Mel Brooks’ 1974 film “Blazing Saddles” is a satirical Western comedy that pokes fun at the genre’s clichés. The film is known for its irreverent humor, memorable characters, and its bold tackling of racial stereotypes. The story revolves around a black sheriff appointed to the all-white town of Rock Ridge, leading to a series of hilarious events. The film’s audacious humor and satirical take on racism and Hollywood clichés have made it a classic in the comedy genre.

“Blazing Saddles” is also known for its memorable characters, from the quick-witted Sheriff Bart, played by Cleavon Little, to the dim-witted but lovable Waco Kid, portrayed by Gene Wilder. These characters, along with the film’s sharp humor, have made it a favorite among comedy fans. To capture the essence of “Blazing Saddles” in a cocktail, the Wild West Whiskey Sour was created. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, a staple of American cocktail culture. The addition of a dash of Tabasco sauce gives the drink a fiery kick, a nod to the film’s title and its audacious humor.

Airplane!: The Flying High Aviation

“Airplane!” is a 1980 film that parodies disaster movies, particularly those involving airplanes. The film’s humor is characterized by slapstick, absurdity, and puns, making it a classic in the comedy genre. The story follows an ex-fighter pilot forced to take over the controls of an airliner when the flight crew succumbs to food poisoning. The film’s absurd humor, memorable characters, and quotable lines have made it a favorite among comedy fans.

The film features memorable performances from Robert Hays as the troubled pilot Ted Striker, and Leslie Nielsen as the deadpan Dr. Rumack. Their comedic timing and delivery of the film’s absurd humor have made them iconic characters in comedy cinema. The Flying High Aviation cocktail is a playful homage to this film. Based on the classic Aviation cocktail, this drink adds a twist that reflects the film’s high-flying humor. The result is a cocktail that’s as fun and unexpected as the film itself.

The Blues Brothers: The Jukebox Julep

“The Blues Brothers” is a 1980 musical comedy film that follows the adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues, two brothers trying to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised. The film is known for its musical numbers, car chases, and the charismatic performances of its lead actors, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. The story follows the brothers as they reform their blues band and organize a performance to raise funds for the orphanage, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic events.

Jake and Elwood Blues, portrayed by Belushi and Aykroyd respectively, are iconic characters in comedy cinema. Their mission “from God”, their love for music, and their knack for getting into trouble have made them beloved characters among fans. The Jukebox Julep cocktail is inspired by this film. This cocktail is a twist on the Mint Julep, a classic bourbon cocktail. The addition of blue curaçao gives the drink a “bluesy” twist, a nod to the film’s title and its musical theme.

Caddyshack: The Hole-in-One

“Caddyshack” is a 1980 sports comedy film that centers around the antics at a snobbish country club. The film is known for its memorable characters, quotable lines, and its irreverent humor. The story follows a young caddy as he navigates the eccentric characters at the club, leading to a series of hilarious situations. The film’s humor, along with its memorable characters, have made it a favorite among comedy fans.

“Caddyshack” is also known for its iconic characters, from the eccentric millionaire Al Czervik, played by Rodney Dangerfield, to the gopher-obsessed groundskeeper Carl Spackler, portrayed by Bill Murray. These characters, along with the film’s irreverent humor, have made it a classic in the comedy genre. The Hole-in-One cocktail is a tribute to this film. This cocktail is a fun and refreshing drink that captures the film’s lighthearted spirit. The addition of a gummy worm garnish is a playful nod to the film’s infamous gopher.

National Lampoon’s Vacation: The Wally World Whirl

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” is a 1983 comedy film that follows the Griswold family’s cross-country trip to the fictional amusement park, Walley World. The film is known for its humorous depiction of family vacations and its memorable characters. The story follows Clark Griswold as he attempts to create the perfect vacation for his family, leading to a series of hilarious and disastrous events.

The film features memorable performances from Chevy Chase as the well-meaning but bumbling Clark Griswold, and Beverly D’Angelo as his patient wife Ellen. Their portrayals of the Griswold parents, along with the film’s humor and memorable scenes, have made them iconic characters in comedy cinema. The Wally World Whirl cocktail is inspired by this film. This tropical cocktail captures the adventurous spirit of the Griswold family’s trip. The combination of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine creates a drink that’s as fun and vibrant as the film itself.