What an excellent day for an exorcism

Born in 1971, I was only two years old when one of the arguably scariest movies ever made was released - “The Exorcist.” As I aged, I recall eavesdropping on adult conversations about the film, confused and disturbed by what I heard. As I grew a little older and saw clips of the movie on television, my child’s imagination would shift into overdrive as the day turned into night and I prepared for bed. I would leap onto my bed, hoping to avoid anything underneath that might try to get me. I would then pull the blankets up and then over my head, trying to make myself invisible as I listened intently - absolutely certain that I could hear the course, ragged breathing of the demon Pazuzu (voiced by Mercedes McCambridge), complete with wheezes and crackles of congestion. Once I was finally able to see the movie in its entirety, the most disturbing scenes have been permanently etched into my memories, often resurfacing and making me sick to my stomach - frightening me to this very day.

Directed by William Friedkin, “The Exorcist” was the first horror movie to be nominated for best picture, and completely horrified audiences upon its 1973 release. The film tells the story of young Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), a teen girl, who becomes possessed by the demon Pazuzu after playing with a Ouija board through which she meets her imaginary friend, Captain Howdy. Soon afterward, Regan’s behavior begins to change, becoming aggressive. Regan’s mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) is concerned and takes her daughter to doctors and psychiatrists, but nothing seems to help. Regan no longer speaks as herself, but in the guttural demonic voice of Pazuzu, bent on terrorizing the family through horrifyingly offensive and obscene statements and actions.

The more time progresses, the worse Regan’s physical condition becomes, forcing Chris to consider alternative forms of treatment, finally resorting to seeking help from the Catholic church for an exorcism. Fathers Lancaster Merrin and Damien Karras take on the exorcism and visit the MacNeil home to find Regan tied to her bed - her face and body scared from the demonic possession.

“I’m not Regan.” - Pazuzu

“Well, then let’s introduce ourselves. I’m Damien Karras.” - Father Karras

“And I’m the Devil. Now kindly undo these straps.” - Pazuzu

“If you’re the Devil, why not make the straps disappear?” - Father Karras

“That’s much too vulgar a display of power, Karras.” - Pazuzu

Pazuzu completely controls Regan, and the priests work morning and night in a life and death battle to exorcize the demon and hopefully save her from death. However, Pazuzu repeatedly reminds them of who is in control.

“Keep away. The sow is mine!” - Pazuzu

Our cocktail, Captain Howdy, was inspired by the scotch Karras drank before meeting the MacNeils. Similar to the Blood and Sand, we used Creme de Cassis instead of Cherry Heering liquor, and adjusted the proportions of the sweet italian vermouth (a nod to the Vatican) to give a more scotch forward flavor. But what makes ours even more unique is the addition of added Exorcism Bitters, which imparts notes of molasses, pepper, and stone fruit. Enjoy sipping this while watching the film, but don’t blame us if afterward you can’t sleep because you hear thick, raspy breathing as you try to close your eyes.

Captain Howdy

Ingredients:

2 oz. Scotch

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

.5 oz. Crème de Cassis

3 dashes of Exorcism bitters

Garnish with an orange peel

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except the garnish into a mixing glass, then fill with ice.

2. Stir until glass becomes frosty and the drink is well chilled.

3. Strain into a cocktail glass and then express an orange peel over the drink, rub the rim, and drop into the drink.