"Blair Witch" Cocktail (Inspired by "The Blair Witch Project") (BOTB 2022 Day 25) Recipe

 

Bring Out the Boos 2022

Day 25: "Blair Witch" Cocktail (Inspired by "The Blair Witch Project")

By: The Film Bartender

    "The Blair Witch Project" is a staple in the horror film industry. Not only did it terrify audiences by pushing the boundaries of what moviegoers would believe could happen in real life, but it kickstarted the subgenre of found-footage horror. It influenced modern filmmakers to create some of the most terrifying horror films of all time, such as "V/H/S" and the "Paranormal Activity" series. Our cocktail today is inspired by the gritty woods setting our characters spend most of the film in, which also gives off a creepy vibe to all of it. Keep reading to find the recipe for the "Blair Witch" Cocktail, which will add spookiness and fun to your next Halloween party! 

    "The Blair Witch Project" is a 1999 horror film that was written and directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. The movie starred Heather Donahue (who helped write the documentary aspect of this film), Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard as three college students on a mission to make a documentary about the famous Blair Witch, and the haunting story behind her in a small town in Maryland. 

    The three amateur filmmakers decide to trek into the woods of the town, following the map they have drawn up that will point them in the right direction of the creepy hideout of the infamous spooky legend in their town. However, when they start to mess around with their shooting and production schedule, tensions start to rise, which leads to the accidental destruction of the map that the three young adults are following. Because of this, they are now lost and stranded in the woods, both with no clear direction of how to find the witch or how to find their way out of the woods. Because of this, they are forced to try and find their way out to survive, especially when numerous spooky elements are happening all around them. 

    The film was a massive hit, making it one of the most successful independent films of all time. It also received massive praise from critics, who said that the found footage aspect and the dark and dreary setting made the film much more terrifying than if it was shot any other way. Another big aspect that was praised by critics was how the actors were believed to actually be dead, a very smart and strategic marketing strategy set by the filmmakers. This both terrified and thrilled audiences to go see this horror film in the theaters. 

    Even though it received numerous positive reviews, and eventually would become one of the most famous classic horror films of all time, many moviegoers complained of the lack of the Witch, who is not seen at all throughout the entire movie. Even though there are mysterious deaths and terrifying aspects, it was still very disappointing to many that the titular antagonist was not visually present. This movie went on to spawn numerous film sequels, books, video games, and much more, making it one of the biggest horror franchises of all time. 

    Today's drink is inspired by the gritty and dirty atmosphere and setting that is present throughout this whole film. From the dank woods to the gritty and sketchy found footage aspect, this drink perfectly captures everything the film was trying to go for. For the full recipe, keep scrolling to add some spookiness to your next Halloween party or your next rewatch of this classic horror movie. 

Ingredients:

- 1 oz Whiskey

- 1 oz Lemonade

- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

-1/2 oz Lime Juice

- Lemon Twist

- Ice

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously until well combined. 

2. Strain the cocktail into a prepared rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve.

Film Fact: At around the 46 minute mark of "The Blair Witch Project", there is a scene of the three actors are sleeping in a tent at night. All of the sudden, the tent starts shaking violently, and the actors start to get scared about what is happening around them. This was unscripted and it was the directors shaking the tent, causing an actual genuine reaction from all of the actors. 

    You have now made your very own cocktail inspired by "The Blair Witch Project"! This cocktail will add some spookiness and fun to your next Halloween party or rewatch of this classic horror movie! Today is Day 25 of my "Bring Out the Boos 2022" event, where I make a Halloween cocktail everyday inspired by a different horror film. Check back tomorrow to see Day 26's drink, which is inspired by the famous Wes Craven film, "Scream". You can also check out all of the previous drinks from this year's Halloween series on this website, TheFilmBartender. Until then, happy drinking!