A Dark Twist on a Classic "Transfusion"

I have been a Star Wars fan since the original first movie (now A New Hope) first came out back in the 70s. I saw it as a child in the little (and I mean little) neighborhood theatre down the street from where I grew up- no rocking lounging theatre chairs, surround sound, or anything fancy, but when that opening scene rolled across the screen it began what was probably the most intense movie experience I have ever had or ever will.  I had never seen anything like it.  It is hard to describe to a generation who has literally seen and heard everything on a movie screen in stereo, 3D, XD virtual and augmented reality.  The effects, which seem almost primitive now, the sound and of course the story, amazed us all in a way that many of us cannot explain, even today.  If someone had told that little girl that she would one day be able to watch that movie and eight others in the saga, plus other related movies and series on her own television (or gasp!) her phone, I am sure there would nothing but disbelief.  

But that brings me to today's blog.  My husband and I have been really enjoying the latest Star Wars saga, Obi Wan Kenobi, which we have been watching (yes, on our own television!) these past five weeks.  The series comes to a close soon and I have been trying to come up with a few treats for our own personal viewing party.  So far, I found a special cocktail. 

This treat began as a beverage known as a "Transfusion".  I found the recipe on Southern Living's Instagram account. Apparently it is very popular on golf courses during the hot southern summers because it is so cool and refreshing.  I liked it because of the simple ingredients and the red color. 

Let me explain. I am a Darth Vader fan. I know! Spare me the arguments- I understand that he is evil and all of that, but there it is.  The red color of this cocktail reminds me of the bright red  used by the Dark Side that is such an interesting element of set design throughout the movies. 

But I must go back and explain this picture a little more.  I was working on a gift basket for a Star Wars fan.  It included a cocktail recipe book, a liquor store gift card and a couple of bar accessories.  You know me, that wasn't enough.  So I went to my craft room to see what I could come up with. 

I found some heat transfer vinyl leftover from wedding crafts and a package of black cocktail paper napkins. 

After downloading the Jedi and Sith symbols from Cricut Design Space, I cut the images in this special vinyl and ironed it onto the napkins with my Cricut Mini Press.  I am hooked! Now I need to personalize napkins for every occasion! 

But again, you know me!  I can't just stop there! 

Wandering down the aisles of my local Target, as I do way too frequently, I found these dark high ball glasses.  Perfect!  I etched the Sith symbol in one and the Jedi symbol in the other (I forgot to photograph the Jedi one before I gifted it! I kept a Dark Side just for me!). When I etched the Sith symbol, I liked the way the black vinyl stencil added a highlight so I left it! I think it added a cool dimension. I heated the vinyl with a hair dryer to help with adhesion.

So, back to the cocktail. Here is a super simple recipe for a really refreshing drink, adapted for a dark lord to sip. I did make some changes from the original recipe.  

Dark Side Transfusion Cocktail

Ice

3 oz. Vodka

1 1/2 oz. (1 shot) Cranberry Juice (I used Diet)

Juice of 1/2 lime

Ginger Ale (Again, I used Diet)

Fill highball glass with ice.  Add juices and vodka.  Top with Ginger Ale.  Stir.  

I created a "mocktail" version which is just as tasty and refreshing.  

Mock Transfusion

Ice

3 oz. Cranberry Juice

Juice of 1/2 lime

Ginger Ale

Fill glass with ice. Add juices.  Top with Ginger Ale. 

Now, I filled my glass with Darth Vader shaped ice.  This was from a silicon mold that I have used for chocolate candies in the past.  A fun little "extra". 

So there we are.  A couple of quick, easy and refreshing beverages to enjoy while watching a favorite movie, playing golf or just enjoying a summer day!  Cheers! (Or should I say- "May the Force be with you!). 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

Cynthia