Sandbox Love Death
tequila shots for two inspired by Jennifer’s Body
The 2009 film Jennifer’s Body directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody is a campy, witty, and brilliant queer, teen horror film! Even though not originally well recieved because of dodgy marketing from *sexist* executives who didn’t really seem to understand horror audiences, either; Jennifer’s Body is now considered somewhat of a cult classic for how it increasingly became beloved by horror fans over the years. There’s gore, ritual sacrifice, and some very early 2000s music, dialogue, and fashion, it’s certianly a nostalgia piece for me. The movie does well to articulate ever-relevant themes about friendships, relationships & sexuality, assault, the predatory nature of fame and abuse of power.
Needy Lesnicki and Jennifer Check, played by Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox, are two lifelong friends wading through mundane small town life until a cool new emo rock band stumbles into a dive in Devil’s Kettle creating a chain of events that sets local life ablaze. The girls friendship is the main focus of the film. Their closeness is absolutely noticed by many others to the point they are condisered “lesbi-gay” for one another. Chip, Needy’s boyfriend played by Johnny Simmons, accuses Jennifer of always “kidnapping his girlfriend”. There are many hints to the idea that Needy is questioning her sexuality and has feeling for her bestie, while Jennifer outright says she “goes both ways”.
As a kid, I read more into the queer context and saw Jennifer and Needy as more than friends FOR SURE. In adulthood, I see a lot more of the toxicity within the friendship and the level of codependancy present, but it’s also visible where that codependancy comes from. Needy’s mother is barely around because of her demanding night job. There only being two refrences to Jennifer’s mother, gives us the idea she doesn’t truly know what her child is like or gets up to in that 2003 Chrysler Sebring. Needy certainly sees the way the townspeople view Jennifer (and her by association) through projections and sexualization. Jennifer is, essenitially, groomed by at least one older man, Roman. The girls’ relationship is forged out of survival and, to some degree, not having that history and understanding with anyone else. So it’s logical that when Jennifer becomes a succubus, the main thing keeping her somwhat together is being with Needy; the only person she feels she can truly depend on. She’s going to keep her close even if that means hurting her — or seducing her. The end of a longtime friendship with one of the only people who knows you can be tough, enough; but even more so when there’s so much manipulation, betrayal, and bloodshed. These ideas, themes, and bond between Needy and Jennifer inspired this shot!
Sandbox Love Death is strong as it’s triple spiked with tequila being the base. It’s dark like the black goo Jennifer vomits out, but still fruity and fun. Recipe makes two 2.5 oz shots. For you and your sandbox love! As always, feel free to adjust for taste!
YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 oz creme de cassis
- .5 oz blue curaçao
- splash of grenadine
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz tequila
- 1oz cranberry juice
- shaker + ice
- 2 shot glasses
TO MAKE:
- add syrup, grenadine, all the liquors, & cranberry juice into shaker
- add ice to shaker
- seal shaker & shake for 15 sec
- pour into shot glasses & serve
“DRINK IT REALLY FAST” & ENJOY!!!
