I cannot believe it’s the middle of September already. The past few months have been a whirlwind of work, pausing to listen and educate myself on the crises plaguing this country, work, moving back into my apartment and adjusting to NYC’s new normal amidst the pandemic, and more work. I am extremely fortunate to be able to work remotely, but lately I’ve had neither the mental bandwidth to work on any creative/personal projects nor the physical energy to exercise or do anything strenuous. I was heading straight towards a burnout and needed to take some time off to reset.
I took the week before Labor Day off to see my family, cuddle with the dogs, use the pool, and just recharge. It was extremely helpful—I started working on a new cosplay, I (slowly) began exercising again, and I have some new Character Cocktails in mind! To get back into the cocktail-making groove, I’m turning to a most excellent family favorite, for which the third movie was (finally) released on August 28.
The Characters: Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan
I was around 10 or 11 when my dad first introduced me to the Bill & Ted series. To this day, I list Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure among my favorite movies. A few of the jokes didn’t hold up as well over the years, but the goofy, charming, upbeat energy withstands the test of time. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves have amazing chemistry as Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan, two dim-witted, good-natured slackers whose music is destined to form the basis of a future utopian society. The two metalheads are close to flunking out of school, which threatens the future, so the leaders of the utopia send Rufus (portrayed by the late George Carlin) to the past so he can give Bill & Ted a time-traveling phone booth to help them pass their history report and save the future.
In Bill & Ted Face the Music, the best friends are now middle-aged parents who have yet to write the song that will fulfill their rock & roll destiny. Unfortunately, time is running out—they need to write a song that unites humanity or reality will collapse. With the help of their daughters, some historical musicians, and maybe even an old friend, they seek out the song that will set the world right and bring harmony to the universe. The movie retains the nostalgic Bill & Ted feeling from the 1989 and 1991 films, but modernizes it enough to make it relevant today. It was the perfect thing to watch (and drink to) with my family during my vacation.
The Cocktail: Wyld Stallyn
This most outstanding libation is named after Bill & Ted’s band, Wyld Stallyns. 1800® Coconut tequila provides the essential “party on, dudes” vibe, and the combination of cranberry and lime supplies a bodacious sweet-tart flavor. Add Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters for a kick and top it off with soda, and this drink will be ready for any excellent adventure. Station!
Ingredients
2 oz 1800® Coconut tequila
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice
4-6 dashes Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters
Soda or lime seltzer, to top
Preparation
Combine all ingredients except soda/lime seltzer in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into an ice-filled highball or collins glass and top with soda/lime seltzer. Garnish with lime wedge if desired.
Do you think this drink accurately represents Bill & Ted? Is there another character that you would like me to create a cocktail for? Let me know in the comments!
Bill & Ted Face the Music is now on demand and in theaters. And remember—be excellent to each other (and party on, dudes!)