Mixed views

Alcohol pervades our pop culture and is often portrayed as a uniting force. However, pop culture can be a flaky and wavering monitor of our tastes, which is demonstrated in its judgments of certain aspects of drinking. Various mediums have recently tackled the cultural phenomenon of mixology to show the divisive and criticized nature of alcohol. If people like alcohol, why don’t they like mixing it with three other types of booze, two mint sprigs and an orange peel? According to these shows and movies, that’s just too easy to mock.

“THE LEAGUE”

FX comedy hit “The League” doesn’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to commenting on pop culture trends, so it was no surprise when the sarcastic and observant show mocked mixology. In the episode “The Out of Towner,” Andre decides to throw a party after finishing a mixology course, but no one actually pays attention to his new skills. The lack of attention to Andre’s new obsession is comment enough: “The League” finds this trend of little importance.

“PORTLANDIA”

A newer comedy to the TV scene, IFC’s “Portlandia” tackled mixology as early as the opening episode of its second season, aptly titled “Mixology.” Andy Samberg makes an appearance as a particularly creepy bartender with exceptional mixing skills. While Fred isn’t too impressed, Carrie is blown away at his talent. The episode lays on the sarcasm to imply that a certain pretension is inherent in the skill and hints that drinkers — especially men — should find mixology overrated and quite possibly creepy.

“CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE”
 
A summer blockbuster from 2011, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” also let audiences know how snobby mixology can become. Ryan Gosling plays the smooth Jacob Palmer, who plans every second of his rendezvous with women — right down to the fresh fruit he adds to their sugary concoctions at the end of the night. In one sequence, he creates an elaborate drink for Hannah (Emma Stone) who subsequently downs it and declares she’s not too impressed. According to this plot line from “Crazy,” audiences shouldn’t be either.

“COMMUNITY”

NBC cult comedy “Community” also decided to comment on the trend in its episode “Mixology Certification” when it took the gang out of school and to the bars to celebrate Troy’s birthday. “Community” mocks nearly everything — even itself — so it was no surprise that mixology was added to that list. But in an unusual departure from its overwhelming pop criticism, this episode taught viewers the poignancy of a birthday and friendship. Because Troy is a Jehovah’s Witness, he is used as the vessel through which the audience can see the dramatic changes alcohol can cause. Don’t fall too much for “Community’s” sentiment — in its typical stinging nature, it still portrays mixology and alcohol as pretentious.