On this day in 1988, a giant kid named Frank dressed in a macabre bunny costume, appeared to teenager Donnie Darko and told him the world would end in 28 days. Upon returning home, he finds that a jet engine has crashed through his house and into his bedroom. The next 28 days were mentally challenging for Donnie.
In arguably one of the best independent films ever made, Donnie Darko is a sublime mix of teenage realism, dark fantasy, and time-travel theory, including an excellent script that is well performed by its all-star cast.
Music Du Jour: Donnie Darko Soundtrack Playlist
Film Du Jour: Donnie Darko
Snacks Du Jour: Pizza! Because that’s what the Darkos are eating in their famous dinner scene.
Miscellaneous goodness:
- Fun Donnie Darko Easter eggs in the film
- Donnie Darko drinking game
- Donnie Darko End of the World Key Ring
- You can actually own Frank’s bunny costume
Cocktail Du Jour – Chinese 88
88 is a theme in Donnie Darko. It takes place in 1988 during the presidential election between George Bush Sr. and Michael Dukakis, but also the end-of-the-world countdown adds up to 88 (28 days: 06 hours: 42 minutes: 12 seconds) Here is Mary Melton’s version of the Chinese 88 cocktail from P.F. Chang’s:
- 1.25 oz Plymouth Gin or other gin
- 0.75 oz pure cane syrup
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Mumm Napa Valley Brut or other dry sparkling wine
Sugar half the rim of a chilled coupe glass (use lemon wedge to wet glass first). Fill cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice. Add cane syrup, lemon juice, and gin and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into glass and top with sparkling wine.
Mocktail Du Jour – Chinese 88 Mocktail
- 1.25 oz Monday Zero Alcohol Gin
- 0.75 oz pure cane syrup
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- McGuigan zero dry sparkling wine
Sugar half the rim of a chilled coupe glass (use lemon wedge to wet glass first). Fill cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice. Add cane syrup, lemon juice, and Monday Zero Gin and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into glass and top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Beer Du Jour
Snafu Donnie Darko Black IPA if you can find it, otherwise any robust IPA is a good choice.
Wine Du Jour
World’s End Cabernet Sauvignon if you have money to spend, otherwise consider a nice Rosé in honor of Donnie’s mother, Rose Darko.
Use freshly squeezed citrus in your cocktails and mocktails when called for – It makes such a difference! Here’s a reliable and inexpensive juicer.
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Photo attribution: “Donnie Darko” by Tazebeth is licensed under CC BY 2.0
