So, Jenny over at Silver Screen Suppers informed me that there is another little blogathon going on this weekend. This time, focusing on food that appears in–or is inspired by–a film. Hence, the fitting hashtag #FoodInFilm.
Well, that’s right up my alley!
For my #FoodInFilm submission I chose one of my all-time favorites, the movie musical, Bye Bye Birdie (1963).
I was introduced to this movie by my mum. She recorded it off of the tv I had her copy of the soundtrack on vinyl.
I loved it. The songs were fun, the costumes were all technicolored, it was an idealized 1960s candy land. It’s what I hoped being a teenager was like (but of course, was not).
Most importantly, it introduced me to the force of nature that is Ann-Margret.
I wanted to BE Ann-Margret. I still want to be Ann-Margret. I wanted the big fluffy green sweater that she wore in “How Lovely to Be a Woman,” I wanted the pink, wasp-waisted dress with the puffy sleeves she wore when she met Conrad Birdie.
But most of all, I wanted the insane, fluffy-yet-skin-tight, pink ensemble that she wore during “Lot of Livin.”
What a number!
During her verse, she sings:
Drink champagne, as if it were water.
Pink champagne, and after a few,
daddy dear, you won’t know your daughter!
She’s got a lot of livin to do!
As a little kid I thought that pink champagne was the most glamorous, fanciest, classiest, adult thing that ever existed.
So I am thrilled that rose has made a big comeback and is on most cocktail menus.
And believe you me–every time, EVERY SINGLE TIME, I order a glass, I hear Ann-Margret singing those lines in my head.
But what if you don’t have pink champagne?
You make your own. Duh.
Well, that’s easy enough. 
The result: the creme de cassis really did nothing to the flavor. But it sure did make it pretty!
You can check out the other #FoodInFilm entries by visiting the hosts of the party, Speakeasy and Silver Screenings.
Creme de cassis is ON the Xmas shopping list after reading this… Have a fab festive season xx
Merry Christmas!
Excellent article on a great film. I had the pleasure of seeing “Bye Bye Birdie” on the big screen at the cinema a few months back.
Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon.
https://crystalkalyana.wordpress.com/2017/11/09/robin-williams-cooks-up-a-storm-in-mrs-doubtfire-1993/
I think she just got even more gorgeous as she got older. This pink outfit is amazing though and she manages to wear it with grace without anything falling out! Champagne=Happiness!
Uhm, I think I’ll try this Pink Champagne recipe on my next party – especially because I love the Lot of Living song. By the way, who wouldn’t want to be Ann-Margret?
Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! 🙂
Cheers!
Le
I love Ann-Margret and have to tell you I saw her in person at TCM Film Fest, that was a thrill! So I enjoyed this post and have to try the drink too–sounds like a fun one for the holidays. Thanks for taking part in the blogathon!
I was totally charmed by your fondness for Bye, Bye Birdie and Ann-Margret, and the recipe which I will definitely have to try.
OMG Caftan Woman. That is amazing.
Is it weird to say, as your mum, that I also want to be Ann-Margret ? And I first saw this movie when I was 12? 11? I STILL want to be her in that pink outfit with that ruffled shirt. Ann Margret connects generations with that damn pink ruffled shirt. I will bring sparkling rose to Thanksgiving dinner. ..in honor of one of our favorite movies.
Well, I didn’t know Pink Champagne was so easy to make. It looks so pretty, I just always figured it was an exclusive (and expensive!) type of champagne. I’m glad you shared this recipe with us. The next time we have a special occasion calling for the bubbly, we’re going to have pink champagne, thanks to you. 🙂
So glad you joined the Food in Film blogathon!