A conclave generally happens behind closed doors. Sometimes it’s just a gathering of people with shared interests looking for a deep-dive into their shared passion. But when a conclave of Roman Catholic cardinals convenes after the death of a pope, it’s much more than that. It’s a secret political event with potentially world-changing effects. That’s the subject of the movie, Conclave.
This Oscar-nominated film begins with the death of a fictional pope, and ends with the election of his successor. In between…a series of dramatic twists and turns. We probably should not say much more for fear of spoiling your first viewing of this beautifully written drama starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. After making this cocktail as an aperitivo, why not dive into Stanley Tucci’s culinary journeys with some Stanley Tucci-inspired recipes?
After Conclave became a Best Picture nominee, we asked bartender Jason Renner at Italian bistro Bar Marco to come up with a cocktail that could capture its tension and lush cinematography. The Conclave’s recipe includes a red wine syrup, crafted from Montepulciano. It contributes an earthy sweetness, while gesturing at the deep-rooted traditions of the Catholic Church.
What is Conclave the Movie About?
Choosing a new pope is not easy. Conclave dives into the unseen complexities of the Roman Catholic Church and the secrets that hide beneath its gorgeous surfaces. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) who must oversee the conclave that will elect his mentor’s successor. Throughout the process, he discovers actions and ideas that could completely undermine the church and its reputation. The story opens our eyes to the inner workings of one of the largest, most powerful religions in the world. The Holy Spirit is supposed to guide the conclave of cardinals and, depending on how you view the results, it may have done exactly that.
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The Conclave Cocktail
Description
Complex, spirited, and red… much like the Roman Catholic Church’s conclave of cardinals.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Campari
- .25 oz vodka
- .25 oz mezcal
- .75 oz red wine syrup (I used Montepulciano)
- .75 oz lemon juice
- 1 tbsp coffee beans
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice and a hefty tablespoon of coffee beans.
- Shake hard till the tins are almost too cold to hold.
- Double strain into an iced rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel
Recipe by Jason Renner of Bar Marco
Styling by Zack Durkin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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