Gold Class has nothing on your home cinema with this plan of attack.
Good food, good drink, good friends – at its essence, a party is a timeless combination of elements brought to life by the individual touch that hosts and guests contribute to the occasion. To help you pull off your best and most fun-filled gathering yet, our Dan’s Daily Blueprints tell you everything you need to host whatever event is next on your hit list.
Want to forget it’s the middle of winter? Putting off starting that uni assignment? Need an excuse to invite your friends over to eat popcorn and watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off? A movie night is the answer! But not just any movie night – the ultimate movie night. Draw the blinds, turn down the lights and prepare for the best-ever movie marathon with homemade choc tops to boot.
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1. The perfect popcorn accompaniment
Yep, it’s prosecco. Santa Margherita Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene, to be precise. We know, we know – how could there be a bubbly beverage that pairs better with popcorn than the classic post-mix Coke? Our minds are blown, too. Turns out the contrast between the light, crisp bubbles of the prosecco and the salty, crunchy texture of the popcorn is a very moreish combo. This is a go-to DOCG sparkling wine that’s delicate yet vibrant, with a nice fruity nose, fine bubbles and a refreshing palate. It’s also a total crowd-pleaser – and very reasonably priced.
2. Spicy Margs? Obviously
We believe you never need a reason to organise some Spicy Margaritas for your nearest and dearest, but if you’ve got a bottle of Espolon Tequila Blanco at home (or are about to stock up at your local Dan’s) and want to make a round of cocktails everyone can agree on – unlike the next film to watch – then this kind of night is the perfect setting. Espolon is a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly blanco that’s equal parts polished and unpretentious. Expect crisp agave, refreshing citrus, spice notes and a smooth finish. As for a Spicy Marg recipe? Here’s one we prepared earlier.
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3. Movie Coke vibes at home
Hosting a Psycho marathon? We’ve got just the cocktail for you, especially as you already have that bottle of Espolon. The Batanga is a bold (yet damn simple) three-ingredient tequila-cola cocktail with a salty, sour twist – and yes, it’s really garnished with a knife sticking out of the glass. Invented in 1961 by legendary bartender Don Javier at La Capilla (“The Chapel”) in the town of Tequila, this drink is as purposeful as it is punchy. The knife? It’s not just garnish – it’s your stirring tool, coated in lime juice and loaded with flavour. With blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, Coca-Cola and a salt-rimmed glass, it’s a frosty, zesty, perfectly balanced mix. Pair it with guac and corn chips, or go big with spicy tacos and a side of hot sauce during intermission.
4. An easy-drinking pale ale
Beer and a bro-mance film? Sure! Well, beer and any film, really. Pirate Life South Coast Pale Ale is a top pick – it brings those laid-back vibes, a light body, fluffy head (check out our guide to the perfect pour) and aromas of stone fruit, citrus and tropical notes. The gentle bitterness comes courtesy of Kiwi-grown Wai‑iti and Taiheke hops. It’s a great beer.
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5. A pre-mix that means you won’t miss a scene
So, you want to enjoy a carbonated refreshment with a tropical twist? We love Monsutā Pineapple Chūhai – a crisp, low-sugar, Japanese-inspired soda made with vodka, Okinawan Awamori (the oldest distilled alcoholic drink in Japan) and juicy pineapple, delivering a refreshing tropical hit but with a 7.3% ABV kick. Lightly carbonated and not too sweet, it adds a summery touch to an otherwise chilly night. Plus, zero effort is required if you want something pre-mixed and ready to sip straight from the fridge.
