Five: Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

At last, the time has come. I know you’ve been sitting there, shivering with antici………

….pation waiting for me to touch (a touch-a touch) on the singular greatest movie of all time. Regarded as having the longest theatrical release of any movie, 47 years and counting, Rocky Horror Picture Show is one such movie that exists like no other.

If you’ve never seen Rocky Horror, go on Google this very second, search “Rocky Horror Shadow Cast,” and go to your next local show. You’ll be confused, delighted, and bursting with joy and laughter. Midnight Shadow Casts are, very literally, the only reason my partner and I will leave the house any time after 9PM. Costumes, call-backs, prop bags, dancing, singing. Rocky Horror brings people together, creating a space that uplifts, accepts, and celebrates everyone from every walk of life. This is also a perfect time to unapologetically plug the fact that I am playing the titular role of Rocky Horror at the end of this month. The shows are on the 28th and 29th of October at 8PM and Midnight at The Lamp Theater in Irwin, PA. Tickets can be bought HERE.

I could go on a long historical rant about the theatrical predecessor, the production of the film, and how the movie has evolved overtime. The only thing that matters to me is that Tim Curry stepped onto a film set for his very first time in the early 70s and brought to life a queer icon. How could we repay such a debit? By drinking, darling.

I wanted to make a cocktail that paid homage to the past and present of what Rocky Horror was and is. Something that could be given the “Charles Atlas Seal of Approval,” if you will. If you’ve seen the movie, you know that the muscle-bound titular character was born within a liquid pride flag. You would also know that poor Riff Raff cannot hold his liquor, specifically Champagne. If we take a look at where the movie was filmed, it is now a beautiful boutique hotel, The Oakley Court in Windsor, England. It hosts a number of food and beverage options, including a wonderful Afternoon Tea. So, grab your fishnets and get ready to drink like a Transylvanian. Without further ado, I give you the fifth of thirteen:

A Toast to Absent Friends

• 1 oz of Raspberry Syrup*

• 2 oz of Tito’s

• 1 oz of Lemon Juice

• 1 oz of Butterfly Pea Tea

• 1 oz of Sweet Prosecco or Champagne

We are going to add all of our ingredients in layers, creating a rainbow effect within the Hurricane Glass. This is achieved through the specific gravities of each given liquid. Fill your glass with ice and then pour in the Raspberry Syrup. Next, combine the Tito’s and Lemon Juice in a separate container. Add to the glass as the second layer. Finally, combine your Butterfly Pea Tea and Sweet Prosecco or Champagne in a separate container and add to the glass as the third layer.

*In a sauce pot, combine 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of raspberries. Cook the liquid until the raspberries have broken down. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer.