Cocktails With THE MASTER

P.T. Anderson's The Master introduces us to two thunderous men who have little in common...other than a deep, enduring love of booze. While progressive genius Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) often incorporates his favorite vice into his socialite lifestyle, his counterpart Freddie (Joaquin Phoenix) takes a more chaotic road to 200-proof nirvana, imbibing everything from fine aged scotch to missile fuel.

Their worlds collide in a tremendous explosion of rage, respect and alcohol, and Alamo executive mixologist Bill Norris has concocted an array of equally earth-shattering beverages that reflect the most diverse corners of The Master’s prodigious liquor cabinet. These cocktails will be served at Alamo Drafthouse locations showing The Master, opening September 21. Tickets will be on sale shortly; get them here. 

Cocktail #1:

The film begins with Freddie, a soldier stationed in the South Pacific, breaking open coconuts with a machete and pouring in PX ration beer to mix with the coconut water.

Bill’s Version: Improved Rations

Dark Rum, Young Coconut Water, Lime, and PX Beer.

1 oz. Brugal Anejo Rum
1 oz. Young Coconut Water
.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

Combine rum, coconut water and lime juice in a mixing glass with ice and shake until strain. Strain over fresh ice into a pint glass and top with Lone Star Beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cocktail #2:

As the peace treaty augurs the end of WWII, Freddie and his friends celebrate by draining the propellant from the missiles on their base. Some drink the pure ethanol fuel straight from the hose; some mix with tropical fruit to dull the taste.

Bill’s Version: Impanema Jet Fuel

Cachaca (high-octane cane-sugar ethanol), Pineapple, Hibiscus and Don’s Tiki Spice Syrup.

1.5 oz. Cachaca
.5 oz. Unsweetened Pineapple Juice
.5 oz. Hibiscus Tea
1 oz. BG Reyonald’s Don Spice Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Shake until very cold and strain over fresh ice into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.

Cocktail #3: 

Working on a farm after the war, Freddie builds a pot still that turns fermented beets into moonshine.

Bill’s Version: Jitterbug #2 (courtesy of the Midnight Cowboy)

Kummel, Allspice Dram, Beet Syrup and Acid Phosphate.

2 oz. Kummel
.25 oz. St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram
.75 oz. Beet Syrup
2 Dashes Extinct Acid Phosphate

Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with cracked ice. Stir until very cold and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a wide swath of fresh cut orange peel.

Cocktail #4:

When there is no booze, Freddie drinks straight mouthwash to catch a buzz.

Bill’s Version: The Stinger

Sometimes called the bartender’s mouthwash, a Stinger is Cognac and Crème de Menthe.

2 oz. Cognac
.75 oz. White Crème De Menthe

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until extremely cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Cocktail #5:

Freddie is a stowaway on The Master’s yacht, but the two quickly bond over Freddie’s impromptu and unorthodox mixology. Their first cocktail: paint thinner, crushed pain pills and bourbon.

Bill’s Version: Prescription Julep (1857):

Far less harsh and potent than Freddie’s concoction. Cognac, Rye, Whiskey, Mint and Sugar.

1.5 oz. Cognac
.5 oz Rye Whiskey
.5 oz simple syrup (2-1)
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 mint top

Add the simple syrup and mint leaves to your serving glass and lightly press the mint to release its oils. Add Cognac, Rye and fill glass with ice, preferably crushed. Stir until very cold and garnish with the mint top, lightly “spanked” between your palms to release its aromatics.