Three: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

The era of the icons is upon us. Those who are adamantly obsessed with horror will recognize four villainous faces who stand above the rest. In 1974, our first star was born. No, not Bradley Cooper. Some call him Bubba, others Junior. To many of us, his name is simply Leatherface.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre will forever reign as one of the best films in the horror genre. With reboots and remakes coming at a never-ending pace (some of which just shouldn’t have been made… looking at you 2022… and 2003… and 2006… and 2013… and 2018…), Leatherface’s legacy will live in infamy.

Director Tobe Hooper gave us a film where the creation was nearly as horrifying as the images depicted in its hour and 23-minute run time. For 32 days, the actors were put through physical and mental hell on earth. 24+ hour shoot days, actors being psychically injured, actual rotting meat and dead dogs as set decoration. What was created is truly a masterpiece wrought with horror inside and out.

The year 1973 gave us the insanely popular Eagles song, Tequila Sunrise. Over the next year, this cocktail became one of the most popular in the US. With the number one liquor in Texas being Tequila, why not allow this odd connection to lead us into our killer drink.

Tobe Hooper has admittedly created some of my favorite horror movies. What were some of his defining characteristics as a person? Well, it was widely known that this horror mastermind was obsessed with Dr. Pepper. The 23 flavors tickled across his tongue, tantalizing his tender tastebuds. Yum.

So, what do we have now? Tequila… Dr. Pepper… Alright. That’s not much to work with, but I’ll be damned if it gets the best of me. For this one, I decided to break down several of the fundamental flavors of Dr. Pepper and pair that against tequila with a leather-bound, smokey Texan surprise. After much strife, I give you the third of thirteen:

Poulan 306A*

• 1.5 oz Espolón Repasado

• 0.5 oz Amaretto

• 0.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice

• 0.25 oz Agave Syrup

• Float of Mezcal

• Leather**

In a shaker, combine Espolón Repasado, Amaretto, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon Juice, and Agave. Shake over ice. Double strain over fresh ice in a Rocks Glass. Float a bar spoon of Mezcal on the surface of the drink. Garnish with a pungent piece of Leather.

*The exact model of chainsaw used for the film.

**The piece of Leather is SOLELY for the smell and silliness of the garnish. Do not place in the cocktail unless you have vegetable tanned leather, as normal leather is not food grade.