"Frankenstein's Bride" Cocktail (Inspired by "The Bride of Frankenstein") (BOTB 2022 Day 11) Recipe

 

Bring Out the Boos 2022

Day 11: "Frankenstein's Bride Cocktail (Inspired by "The Bride of Frankenstein")

By: The Film Bartender

    Frankenstein's monster is one of the most famous classic horror monsters, and his green skin and bolts in his neck are instantly recognizable. He made his big screen debut in 1931, which both terrified and thrilled fans. Then, four years after the original movie, Universal released "The Bride of Frankenstein", introducing one of the most classic and recognizable female character in a monster film. Our drink today mixes the classic black & white color of the screen with a purplish liquid to signify the love between the monster and his bride. 

    Frankenstein was created by author Mary Shelley in the 1818 novel of the same name. It follows a scientist named Victor Frankenstein, who is obsessed with creating new human life and bringing back the dead. Because of that, he brings this deceased man back to life, but doesn't realize his creation would become a monster. Known as Frankenstein's monster, he went around the town and wreaked havoc unintentionally, forcing the town to think of this giant, deceased man as a monster rather than misunderstood. 

    After Universal's success with "Dracula", they decided to adapt the classic Shelley novel to the big screen in 1931's "Frankenstein". It was directed by James Whale, and starred Colin Clive, Mae Clark, John Boles, Frederick Kerr, and Boris Karloff as the titular monster. The movie was adapted straight from its source material, following the plot lines and including the characters from the classic novel. It was very well received, and terrified audiences in the early 1930's. Like "Dracula", this movie went on to inspire and pave the way for more monster films to be created during this time. 

    Also due to the success of the first film, Universal was ready to make a sequel four years later, releasing "The Bride of Frankenstein" in 1935. It was once again directed by Whale, and starred the original cast, as well as Elsa Lanchester as the classic Bride. She is known for her beauty and giant black hair with the white lighting stripe through it. This film picks up where the first one picked off, showing that both the doctor and the monster are still alive. However, mad scientist Dr. Pretorius has kidnapped Frankenstein's wife, forcing him to get back into the scientific field. Because his wife has been kidnapped, Frankenstein is forced to help the other mad scientist create another creature, a woman this time, to serve as a companion to the giant green monster.

    Similar to the movie before it, "The Bride of Frankenstein" was highly regarded by both fans and critics, and I would say this movie is much more memorable and famous compared to its predecessor. Everybody knows the classic images and styling of the Bride, and she is perhaps almost as recognizable as the infamous green monster himself. Universal would go on to make many more Frankenstein movies, as well as the famous Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder film "Young Frankenstein" and Kenneth Branagh's "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein", which stars Robert De Niro, but none of those are as famous or memorable as the original two from Universal all those years ago. 

    Today's drink is a more fancy and beautiful drink compared to the other entries in this year's Halloween series. It represents the black & white nature of the film coloring, as well as the love that the bride and Frankenstein have for one another. It's classy, it's elegant, but has a kick that is almost monstrous. 

Ingredients 

- 2 Tbsp Blackberry Jam (Seedless)

- 2 Tsp Simple Syrup

- 1 oz Vodka

- Prosecco (or any other type of champagne or sparkling wine)

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add in the Blackberry Jam and Simple Syrup. Using a bar spoon, stir the two ingredients together until fully mixed. 

2. Add ice to the shaker, and then add the Vodka. Shake vigorously until well combined.

3. Strain the drink into a champagne flute, and then top with Prosecco. 

4. Serve.

Film Fact: Not long before filming started, Colin Clive broke his leg in a horse riding incident. Consequently, most of the scenes he was in were shot with him sitting down. In addition to this, his alcohol problems had worsened since shooting the first film, but James Whale did not want to recast the role because Clive's "hysterical quality" was needed for the role. 

    Now you have made your very own drink based off the classic Bride of Frankenstein! This deliciously powerful drink will be a hit at your next family gathering or hangout with friends, and will definitely spice up your next Halloween party! Comment down below or on my Instagram to let me know what you think of this monstrously delicious cocktail!

    This is Day 11 of my Bring Out the Boos 2022 Halloween Event, where I'll be making a new drink every day for the month of October that's inspired by classic Halloween/horror films! Check back tomorrow to see what drink I conjure up next, and check out my drinks from the past eleven days! Until then, happy drinking!