Sip and savor the spice of the newest drink from MFAH event/beverage manager Harold Madison. 

Here’s a pairing you won’t want to miss! Use my new cocktail recipe to mix up El Vivificador (The Reviver), and you’re ready to embark on the Armchair Travel summer film series. Enjoy as you visit museums and exhibitions around the world.

El Vivificador (The Reviver)

• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 1½ ounces Don Q double-aged vermouth cask-finish rum
• ½ ounce triple sec
• ½ ounce Compass Box Peat Monster blended Scotch whisky
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Dash Angostura bitters
• Orange peel & cayenne pepper (optional)

Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin. Add ice. Shake until very cold. Strain into a chilled glass. Optional: Garnish with orange peel and a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Beverage Backstory
I love this recipe because it is new and refreshing. The vermouth cask-finish rum imparts a much different flavor than standard rums, and the heavy peat of the Scotch lends something unique to your summer cocktail. El Vivificador is great to sip on while you watch the Armchair Travel film series, as the ingredients take you to a variety of places around the globe.

Snack Suggestions
Need some movie snacks to go with your drink? Popcorn will pair very well, as long as it’s not soaked in too much butter. If it’s seasoned with salt or maybe hot sauce, it could be really awesome. Raisins would also bring a unique complement to the cocktail.

Cocktail Time
El Vivificador is Spanish for The Reviver, which harkens back to many cocktails bearing “reviver” in their name. It’s a refreshing drink, best enjoyed while watching any movie or when you’re outdoors enjoying clear skies and a breeze. Don’t be scared of Scotch in a cocktail. It has its place, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The ingredients are readily available from most liquor stores. The rum may be a little harder to find, but larger stores will have it. Cheers!

► Learn more about Armchair Travel “Exhibition on Screen”