Dec. 13 Mr Nakatomi
A debate ignites every year at this time. It's a battle over the legitimacy of what is and isn't a Christmas movie. It's become the battle of the modern Christmas, and there are two definitive sides. I've had to listen to this dribble for far too long, so I'm finally here to lay things to rest. Yes, I'm absolutely assigning myself the role of judge, jury, and executioner. It's time to be finished. Welcome to the party, pal.
Yippee Ki-Yay, my thirsty readers! Perhaps I came in a bit hot, but it's kind of irritating to hear this every year. When the season of cheer begins, I'm not looking to hear a discussion reminiscent of two old men in a barbershop arguing about who the greatest fighter was. I'm looking for some happy, jolly celebration.
In 1988, 20th Century Fox took a chance on a little known television actor for a staring role in an action-packed hostage movie set on Christmas Eve. This film would go on to live in action movie infamy, and it would make it's star, Bruce Willis, a household name. I'm talking about non other than the explosion-riddled holiday delight of Die Hard.
In the icon film, Willis plays John McClane, an NYPD Detective who's traveled to Los Angeles to reconnect with his estranged wife. Right from the start, this sounds like a pretty strange premise. I mean, why is he bothering his ex? She obviously moved to LA for a reason. I'm guess the writer of the original novel, which the film was based upon, didn't think about that part too much.
All weird, stalker vibes aside, McClane arrives at his ex's company Christmas party, held at Nakatomi Plaza, just in time for it to be taken over by the most charming terrorist of all time. Played by a young Alan Rickman, Hans Gruber and his henchmen take over the tower, demanding $640 million. Did I mention that John showed up in a damn limosine? So here we have McClane, who's been hiding out, taking matters into his own hands, and eventually has his face off with Gruber, sending him tumbling down to the street below. After all this drama, things only get more heroic, as McClane repels down the building with a firehouse. Sound pretty believable to me.
The ending of this movie is pretty cliche, but I'll just chalk that up to the overly-macho culture of the 1980s. When it's all said and done, McClane and his ex embrace and head into his awaiting limo, which I'm still not sure why an NYPD Detective is riding in a limo. Did he win it in a raffle or something? Either way, when it's all said and done, it finally begins snowing... in LA. You know who really lost out here? That would be Mr. Nakatomi. I'm sure he doesn't think this is a Christmas movie, but I do. That's right, it's a Christmas movie, because life isn't perfect, and sometimes people wreck your holiday. We should probably pour one out for poor Mr. Nakatomi, and let's hope he had some good insurance. Did I forget to mention they blew up his building?
Mr. Nakatomi
1.5oz 151 Proof Guyanese Rum
.25oz Overproof Jamaican Rum
1oz Plum Wine
1oz Fassionola Blue
.5oz Cinnamon Syrup
.75oz Lime Juice
Tall Napoli Glass
Whip shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice.
Garnish with flower, mint sprigs, clove-studded orange peel, and flaming lime hull.
Fassionola Blue
3cups White Sugar
3cups Water
2 cups Blueberries
2 cups Blackberries
2 cups Acai Berries
5g Whole Cloves
Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, untill the fruit is incorporated.
Fine strain and blend 2:1 with Passion Fruit Syrup.
I've been looking forward to sharing the blue with all of you. I just wasn't sure which drink to do it with. Afterall, 'tis the season, as they say. This was, without a doubt, one of the most fun drinks to create. What will tomorrow bring? Stay tuned to find out! Don't let any greedy would-be terrorists destroy your Christmas, and keep shaking.
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