"Foolish Mortals" Cocktail (Inspired by "The Haunted Mansion") (BOTB 2022 Day 7) Recipe

 

Bring Out the Boos 2022

Day 7: "Foolish Mortals" (Inspired by "The Haunted Mansion")

By: The Film Bartender

    "Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion! I am your host, your ghost host. Kindly step all the way in please and make room for everyone. There's no turning back now." 

    This are the famous lines spoken by Paul Frees, who voiced the legendary Ghost Host on the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. This attraction has been recreated at the numerous other Disney parks around the world, and is one of the most recognizable Disney attractions in the world. It became so famous that a movie was made, serving more as a dark comedy/horror that starred Eddie Murphy in the starring role. Our drink today, aptly titled "Foolish Mortals", takes inspiration from both the classic ride and the film adaptation, adding some spookiness to your next Halloween party. 

    The Haunted Mansion opened at Disneyland Resort on August 9, 1969, thrilling and scaring guests for over fifty years now. It has become a staple of the classic theme park, and has been adapted and changed in the all of the other Disney parts around the world. Walt Disney intended for it to be a walk-through haunted house that would feature jump scares and be geared for the older audience to his park. The Disney Imagineers (the engineering and creative team that are responsible for the attractions and shows at all the Disney theme parks) created a mock-up that would include spider-webs and turn this new attraction into a dirty and abandoned mansion. However, Walt wanted everything in the park to be very clean, so he opted for a ride-based system instead, creating the attraction everyone knows and loves. 

    Following in the footsteps of the films based off of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction, Disney Studios decided to create a film centered around the classic haunted-themed ride. They decided to go with a more comedic atmosphere, casting Eddie Murphy in the starring role as a realtor who is trying to sell the spooky mansion.

    "The Haunted Mansion" is a 2003 film that was directed by Rob Minkoff and written by David Berenbaum. It stars Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly, Nathaniel Parker, Wallace Shawn, and Terence Stamp. It follows a realtor, named Jim Evers, who is summoned to a spooky mansion with his family, as the mansion's master, Edward Gracey, is looking to sell his home. The inhabitants of the mansion claim the place is haunted, which Jim and his family shrug off. However, as their lives are threatened, they begin to believe the ghost stories being told to them as they fight for their lives by figuring out a way to escape from the mansion. 

    The movie was panned by critics and audiences alike, with people saying they ruined the ride. However, it developed a cult following over the past few years, with fans coming together to show that this movie is not as bad as everyone says it is. My drink today is inspired by both the classic ride and film, as the dark-purple color matches the wallpaper found inside the ride. Then, with a hint of light in the blue sprinkled rim, it represents the colors of Madame Leota and the Hatbox Ghost found within the ride, as well as the comedic atmosphere of the film version. 

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz Vodka

- 1 oz Blue Curaçao

- 2 oz Cranberry Juice

- 1 oz Grenadine

- Purple Sprinkles

- Ice 

- Ghost Peeps (for garnish)

Directions:

1. On a martini glass, rub the rim with a little bit of water, and place it face down on a plate with purple sprinkles. Set aside.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Vodka, the Blue Curaçao, Cranberry Juice, and Grenadine. Give the cocktail a good shake.

3. Strain the drink into the already prepared martini glass. Serve. 

Film Fact: Much of the film's plot is inspired by the Phantom Manor, which is the version of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Paris. Unlike the Haunted Mansions in the other Disney parks around the world, Phantom Manor has a clear storyline of a bride, her lost love, and her haunting the mansion due to it. However, to keep the film relatable to the original ride at the Anaheim theme park, The Dapper Dans, that make appearances on Main Street USA, make a special appearance as the singing busts. 

    Now you have made your very own cocktail inspired by the classic Disney ride and the modern film based upon it. This drink will transport you inside the mansion, where the 999 Happy Haunts are expecting your arrival any time now...

    This is Day 7 of my Bring Out the Boos 2022 Halloween Event, where I am making drinks for every day in October to celebrate the Halloween Season. These drinks will be the hit at your next Halloween party, or just to spice up the season around your house. Check back tomorrow to see the next film-inspired drink I will be posting! Until then, happy drinking!