The Ruse with Writer and Director Stevan Mena

I love getting screeners to watch and I recently got a screener for The Ruse, it is written and directed by Stevan Mena. This film was wonderful! Such a gripping thriller that kept you waiting for more. It will be released in theaters on May 16th, this Friday! Go check it out when you can. I had the pleasure of chatting with Stevan Mena over zoom and got to ask him a few questions about the film. Stevan recommended a Captain Morgan and Coke for the drink, but I also used ChatGPT to create a fun themed cocktail for you to make.

If you are curious, The Ruse is about an in-home caregiver who fears for her life after being assigned to a mysterious elderly patient in a remote seaside home. 

Go to https://therusemovie.com/ to find a theatre near you.

🥃 The Ruse: A Cocktail of Deception

A mysterious, layered libation that reveals its secrets sip by sip.

Ingredients

• 1 oz black vodka (for a dark, enigmatic base)
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur (introducing a floral, deceptive sweetness)
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice (adding a sharp twist)
• ½ oz activated charcoal simple syrup* (deepening the intrigue)
• Top with dry tonic water (to effervesce the mystery)
• Garnish: edible flower or a sprig of rosemary (a nod to hidden depths)

Directions

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine black vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and charcoal syrup.
2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Gently top with dry tonic water to create a shimmering layer.
5. Garnish with an edible flower or rosemary sprig.

*Activated Charcoal Simple Syrup: Dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water over low heat. Once dissolved, stir in 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder. Cool before use.

The Ruse Drinking Game:

Take 1 sip when…

• Olivia (Veronica Cartwright) looks concerned.
• someone says something suspicious.
• the house creaks or makes a noise.

Take 2 sips when…

• a character tells a lie.
• there's an unanswered question.

Finish your drink when…

• a major twist is revealed.
• Olivia’s past in mentioned.
• when the killer is revealed.

An optional bonus rule: Each player writes down who they think the real “ruse” involves before the halfway mark. Anyone who guesses right at the end gets to assign two extra drinks to others.

As always, drink responsibly and with others. Follow or subscribe wherever you listen to the podcast. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @Line_Drunk.