There’s no denying the importance of “couple time.” Date night gives you the chance to reconnect with the person you knew before they became the person with whom you co-parent. Time alone together lets you strengthen your commitment, rekindle a romantic spark, and relieve stress. These days, going ‘out’ during lockdowns isn’t really an option for most people. Here are some movie ideas – classics, romances, and comedies – along with specialty cinema-inspired cocktails to enjoy while you snuggle.
The great news about being in a pandemic is that there is no stress around where to go, what to do, or what to wear! Here are a few ideas of romantic films, and corresponding cocktails to go along with them. It’s not a trip to Paris, but it certainly can change up what has felt like Groundhog Day for the past year!
French 75 Cocktail from Casablanca
Casablanca (1942) For lovers of classic romance, this film stars Humphrey Bogart as American expatriate and bar-owner Rick, and Ingrid Bergman as his old flame, Ilsa. Set in Morocco during World War II, Ilsa and her French-resistance leader husband need Rick’s help to flee the country and they must decide if they can set aside old feelings. Always found on top-ten lists, Casablanca is about lost love, honour and sacrifice. Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.
Old Fashioned Cocktail from Crazy Stupid Love
Crazy, Stupid Love (2011) For more contemporary film lovers, this romance/comedy stars Steve Carell as hapless, middle-aged Cal Weaver, navigating post-divorce romance with the help of notorious womanizer Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). When Jacob finally meets the woman who is a “game-changer” for him, the result is sweet chaos, and one of the funniest fight scenes ever. Jacob also shows off his mixologist skill in a swoon-able scene where he expertly crafts an Old Fashioned to impress a woman. Hey Girl, here’s our cinema-inspired cocktail:
Pink Champagne Cocktail from An Affair to Remember
An Affair to Remember (1957) This film stars Cary Grant and Debra Kerr as a playboy and a nightclub singer who meet and fall in love on a cruise ship on their way to meet up with the people they are already committed to. They agree to meet in six months at the Empire State Building, but life complicates their plan. A remake of Love Affair (1939), this film was the inspiration for parts of Sleepless in Seattle, and it inspired a second remake in 1994 starring Warren Beatty and Annette Benning.
Blue Fishbowl Cocktail from 50 First Dates
50 First Dates (2004) Sometimes a ridiculous comedy is exactly what you need, and this one never gets old. Adam Sandler, as veterinarian and lothario Henry Roth, falls for Drew Barrymore as Lucy, a woman with short-term memory loss, and they try to navigate a relationship in spite of the complication that Lucy wakes up every morning and doesn’t know who Henry is. Set in Hawaii, this film features a tropical drink that contains no alcohol, so that tourists can loosen up without impairing their ability to stay awake all night. Our cinema-inspired cocktail version, however, is loaded:
Red Room Cocktail from 50 Shades of Grey
50 Shades of Grey (2015) If you are a fan, you know why you like it. If you aren’t, you know why you don’t. Starring Jamie Dornan as mogul Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele, a college student who contracts a sadomasochistic relationship with Mr. Grey but finds more than she was prepared for. There are other films that more deeply and effectively explore the complex relationship that this film attempts to portray. 50 Shades is a little off the mainstream path, but tame by most standards and as such, is a good introduction for the couple who is looking for something a little stronger than a snuggle. In that spirit, I give you the Red Room Cocktail. Laters, baby.
For more ideas on romantic films, Oprah has a great list.
Related
Oscar-Worthy Mocktails
Five Cocktails to Drink Instead of Green Beer for St. Patrick’s Day
Share the love – PIN IT!
