‘Empire Records’ Star Maxwell Caulfield Whips Up ‘Cult Classic’ Aviation Gin Cocktail in Celebration of Rex Manning Day
Maxwell Caulfield and his “fans” get ready to make an Aviation Gin cocktail in celebration of cinema-based holiday Rex Manning Day. (Photo: Ryan Reynolds/YouTube)
British-American actor Maxwell Caulfield, well-known for his role as Rex Manning in the cult-classic film “Empire Records,” whipped up an Aviation Gin cocktail in a comedic video paying homage to Rex Manning Day.
Every year on April 8 — the day “Empire Records” takes place — Rex Manning Day is observed in remembrance of American musician Kurt Cobain, who was discovered dead one year before the movie came out, on the same date in 1994. According to Ethan Embry, who played Mark in the film, April 8 was selected as the day Rex Manning visited Empire Records because “it was the day the music of the 90s lost its mascot.”
This year, on April 8, Aviation Gin co-owner and “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds published a silly video on his own YouTube channel that really plays into the whole cult classic nature of the ’90s film.
Read more: Aviation Gin Review
The video begins with Caulfield entering the scene, wearing a bold ruffled button-down and slick black vest that reflects the same style of threads his character Rex Manning wore in the film.
“To be clear, it’s not an actual cult,” he says, commenting on the cult classic film he was a part of and its passionate fanbase. “And every year, I select two random fans to help me celebrate with an Aviation Gin drink I call the ‘Cult Classic.'”
Two fans then stand by his side, suspiciously donning the same outfit Caulfield is in.
“Oh wow. We’re wearing the same thing,” he exclaims. “Hey, I know that sounds like a cult thing, but again, Cult Classic. Not a cult.”
The actor and his fans (totally not cult members) then go on to help Caulfield make his cocktail, completely of their own free will and not because they’re compelled to.
The cocktail consists of ice, lime juice, red aromatic bitters, Aviation Gin, tonic water and an orange slice.
“Oh, Betty Buzz, that’s convenient,” Caulfield says, referencing the sparkling mixer brand Reynolds’ wife Blake Lively owns as it’s poured into the glass.
Before Caulfield can grab the drink, his fan takes a sip to “test it” and hands it to him with a thumbs up.
Both fans then repeatedly chant “Cult Classic cocktail” until Caulfield cuts them off.
“That’s enough, people will get the wrong idea,” Caulfield adds with a charismatic smile.
The video ends with the words “Aviation American Gin: also, definitely not a cult.”
Aviation Gin
Aviation Gin and Betty Buzz Tonic collide. (Photo: Betty Buzz/Youtube)
In 2006, Aviation Gin made its debut on the U.S. market at a time when gins with less of a focus on piney juniper were becoming increasingly popular. The well-known gin company is even credited with developing the modern or contemporary “New Western Style” of gin.
Read more: What is Modern Gin?
Reynolds joined the brand when he bought a stake in Aviation Gin from Davos in 2018 after observing the spirit’s success. Since then, the actor has continued to play a vital part in promoting the gin by appearing in a variety of witty advertising campaigns, just like the Rex Manning Day feature.
Highlighting flavors from lavender, orange, sasparilla, caraway, cardamom and other spices, Aviation Gin can be purchased for under $30 at almost any liquor store.
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