Movie Night, But Make It Gin
Movies and gin? To us, that’s a pretty perfect winter evening. So, we decided to plan one for you. Picture this: a cosy, well-heated room, buttery jazzed-up popcorn, a really great film queued up and, for full immersion in the art, a cocktail that matches the movie. Obviously. Because if you’re doing movie night, you may as well do it properly.
And yes, you could just pour whatever’s already open and hope for the best. But where’s the fun in that? A good movie night at home deserves the same dedication as a good party: a little thought, a few snacks, a drink (or three) worth talking about. Although at a party you won't get someone pausing everything because they “missed that bit”.
The films we’ve picked are Four Pillars favourites, from the distillery to the office. Some come with a feature cocktail. The others? Well, we used our poetic gin licence to match the mood. Either way, the cocktails are just as good as the films. Maybe better, depending on your taste in cinema.
Think of it as at-home hosting without the pressure. No table settings required. Lazy? Maybe. Successful? Absolutely.
All you need are some tasty movie-themed winter drinks, good company and a list of moves with ratings above 75% (except Miami Vice, but that HAD to be included)
We've even got a pro movie snack tip: mix one big bag of salty popcorn with your favourite lollies, chips and chocolate-covered treats. Here are some of our mega mixes.
- SALTESERS: Maltesers and salty popcorn
- FRANKENCORN: TV snacks (malt), mini Grain Waves and gummy bears
- PODCORN: pods, salty popcorn and roasted almonds
So, pop your corn, get your bar cart ready and pick your movie!
Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Buy Rare Dry Gin★★★⯪
A young, already slightly washed-up bass guitarist is always a good way to start a comedy. We like it even more because he drinks Gin & Tonics.
He also has seven evil exes to defeat. All you have to do? Make a really good Gin & Tonic. Crisp, classic and far less complicated than dating Ramona Flowers.
Keep this one simple: plenty of ice, good tonic and a generous pour of gin. It’s the kind of drink that gets straight to the point, which is more than we can say for Scott’s love life.
Sideways
Buy Bloody Shiraz Gin★★★★⯪
A grown-up road trip bonding film? With Paul Giamatti?! And a hot Sandra Oh? We’re listening.
Sideways is all about wine, relationships and then, yes, more wine. Luckily, we have several gins that know their way around a vineyard. And don’t worry, none are Merlot.
For this one, pour a Bloody Shiraz Gin & Tonic. It's juicy, ruby red and a little dramatic, which feels right. So, simply add some ice, a splash of soda and settle into Californian wine country.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Buy Three Peach Gin★★★★
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is basically Jason Segel’s magnum opus. A 2000s rom-com with more com than rom, it hits that sweet spot of corny, chaotic and genuinely funny.
For the drink, it has gotta be a fruity G&T Smash. Just the thing for invoking a little Hawaiian holiday spirit from the comfort of your couch. Gigantic banana garnish and crying in your room optional.
Easy to make, easy to like and cheaper than booking a flight to Hawaii. Mahalo to that!
Sour Grapes
Buy Bloody Pinot Noir Gin★★★★★
An excellent documentary is always a yes. On-screen lazy learning should be its own genre.
Sour Grapes follows the case of a wine savant who managed to deceive collectors out of millions, which makes it best watched with something excellent, red and completely legitimate in your glass. Like Bloody Pinot Noir Gin on the rocks.
Bold, juicy and very much the real deal. Pour it over ice and enjoy..A wine-adjacent gin for a wine crime documentary? We’d call that thematically responsible.
Miami Vice
Buy El Cuatro Gin★★★
Some would say Miami Vice is a bad film. Others would say it’s a great film. Reviews suggest both things may be true.
We say it has Colin Farrell, beaches and a very clear appreciation for Mojitos, which is enough for us. Our Southside Mojito brings mint, lime and gin together in a cocktail that tastes fresh, sharp and far more put-together than most of the decisions in this film.
A Mojito might sound like a warm weather staple, but we say mint, lime and a Michael Mann film work no matter the temperature. White suit optional. Chest hair essential.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Buy Rare Dry Gin★★★★
1969, Hollywood. A world full of washed-up actors, big cars, bigger personalities and very bright t-shirts.
As usual, Tarantino does a great job giving his characters subtle chaotic energy, and Cliff Booth is no different. He also drinks Bloody Marys, which is our cue to pour a Red Snapper — our ginny take on the classic.
Savoury, spicy and absolutely ready for its starring role. It’s technically a brunch drink, but movie night has its own rules. Especially when the movie runs close to three hours.
The Great Gatsby
Buy El Cuatro Gin★★★★
Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby is all glitz, glamour and Jazz Age excess. Until, of course, it very much isn’t.
But Gatsby knew how to throw a party. He also knew the drink for one. A Bitter Rickey is bright, sharp and just fancy enough to feel at home somewhere between a linen suit, a green light and a few questionable life decisions.
It’s the kind of cocktail that makes staying in feel strangely glamorous. Add snacks, low lighting and one person willing to say “old sport” too many times.
Oppenheimer
Buy Olive Leaf Gin★★★★★
A 93% rating and it has Martinis. Sold.
Oppenheimer’s Martini famously comes with a lime and honey rim, which is exactly the kind of personal flourish we respect. Probably unsurprising that the mind behind the atomic bomb paid attention to very small details.
Use our classic Olive Leaf Gin Martini recipe, then add a little honey and lime to taste. Apparently, it was his drink of choice. Serious, savoury and best enjoyed with the lights slightly dimmed. It’s a proper evening drink for a proper evening film.
One Battle After Another
Buy Rare Dry Gin★★★★
A high-stakes film directed by one of the best in the business, Paul Thomas Anderson?
Ex-Revolutionary and paranoid father has to rescue his daughter after his actions in the French 75 revolutionary group come back to bite him. Clearly, it’s the right time to drink a French 75.Gin, citrus and bubbles come together in one elegant and slightly strong-handed cocktail. Basically, the drink equivalent of showing up, passionate, determined and plan-less.
SHOP OUR MOVIE GINS
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Rare Dry Gin
Regular price $78Regular priceUnit price per -
Bloody Shiraz Gin
Regular price $84Regular priceUnit price per -
Olive Leaf Gin
Regular price $84Regular priceUnit price per -
El Cuatro Gin
Regular price $82Regular priceUnit price per -
Fresh Yuzu Gin
Regular price $80Regular priceUnit price per
More easy Gin Cocktails To Try
We love our gin. And we love sharing all the recipes our gins can be used for. So more recipes are right here! We've got everything from big batch punch style drinks for hosting to easy, delicious cocktails for at home indulgence. Or just stay tuned for the next edition of 'Make it This Weekend'. We'll choose for you!
