Winter Storm Fern Cocktails and Movies Weekend Viewing and Drinking Guide

Alright friends, if you’re not here on the West Coast with us in SoCal, you’re probably getting snow, cold or both. So, we’re staying in with you, turning the thermostat into our emotional support system, and treating our living rooms like a private screening room. Below are five storm-night movies that hit the different flavors of “hunker down:” from icy paranoia to cozy mystery comfort, plus one cocktail and one mocktail that make the whole night feel like an event. Blankets on, phones on silent, and yes, a big bowl of warm popcorn. 🍸🍿

5 movies to hunker down with

  1. The Thing (1982)
    Nothing pairs with a blizzard like the ultimate “trapped with paranoia” masterpiece. It makes the cold feel like an active villain, which is extremely validating when you’re listening to the sleet hit the windows.

  2. The Shining (1980)
    Snowed-in isolation, cabin fever, and dread creeping through long hallways. It’s basically the cinematic version of realizing you might be stuck at home with your own thoughts.

  3. Knives Out (2019)
    A cozy, talky mystery that feels like curling up under a blanket with something clever and satisfying. Great for storm nights because it’s tense without being exhausting, and it rewards snacks and second pours.

  4. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
    When the weather outside is making headlines, it’s fun to go full disaster-movie catharsis. It’s ridiculous in places, but that’s part of the comfort, like watching chaos from the safest seat in the house.

  5. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
    Bright, warm, whimsical, and completely transporting when you want the exact opposite of gray skies. It’s comfort food cinema with style and momentum, perfect when the day is getting dark at 4:45.

One cocktail for the whole night: Hot Buttered Rum

Why it works: Storm-proof, cozy, and basically a wearable blanket for your insides.

Ingredients (1 drink):

  • 2 oz dark rum

  • 1 tbsp butter (softened)

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)

  • Pinch cinnamon + pinch nutmeg

  • Hot water

  • Optional: tiny pinch of salt, orange peel if you’ve got it

Steps:

  1. Stir butter, sugar, and spices into a mug until it’s a paste.

  2. Add rum, then top with hot water and stir hard until silky.

  3. Grate a little nutmeg on top if you want to feel fancy.

One mocktail for the whole night: Ginger Maple “Snowday” Toddy

Why it works: Same warm, spiced hug energy, but totally alcohol-free.

Ingredients (1 drink):

  • 6 oz hot ginger tea (or hot water + strong ginger syrup)

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (more if you like it sweeter)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Pinch cinnamon

  • Optional: 2 dashes aromatic bitters if you use them (technically tiny alcohol, skip if you want 0.0)

  • Optional: orange slice or lemon wheel

Steps:

  1. Build in a mug: ginger tea, maple, lemon, cinnamon.

  2. Stir, taste, adjust sweet or lemon.

  3. Add citrus garnish and settle in.

And that’s the storm-night survival kit: five movies that pair perfectly with snow on the window and zero reason to put on real pants. Whether you went full dread, full comfort, or bounced between both like a true chaos gremlin, the goal is the same: make staying home feel intentional. Mix the Hot Buttered Rum if you’re going classic, keep it cozy with the Ginger Maple “Snowday” Toddy if you’re going dry, and save this list for the next time the forecast gets dramatic. We’ll be right here, pouring the vibes and lining up the next watch. 🍸🍿

cocktails movies streaming winter storm survival guide