Annihilation hit theaters on Friday and put Area X in the spotlight. The film, based on the novel of the same name by Jeff VanderMeer, follows a group of scientists into Area X, a.k.a. The Shimmer. The edges of the quarantined zone have the appearance of the surface of a bubble. Inspired by the bizarre border and the odd biology and specimens within (especially the ones I read about in the book), I brewed a botanical gin and tonic cocktail with a sparkle of its own to emulate The Shimmer.
You can make one of your own and toast Annihilation with the below recipe. 
The Shimmer
1 serving
Ingredients
3oz tonic water with natural lime flavor
2oz gin (the more floral the notes, the better)
Dash silver foliage luster dust
Star anise
Add the gin to ice in a cocktail shaker. Sprinkle on a small amount of the silver foliage luster dust (mine’s from Sunflower Sugar Art). You want a small amount so you get a subtle shimmer instead of an opaque silver. Shake for 20-30 seconds. This is to mix the luster dust with the gin.
Open the cocktail shaker. Add the tonic water and stir until just chilled.
Pour The Shimmer into your glass of choice. Serving over ice in a rocks glass is more appropriate for a gin and tonic, but to show off the otherworldly look, I poured this into a Glencairn whisky glass.
Once the drink is poured, add one or two whole star anise for aesthetic and aroma.
Will you try The Shimmer? Let us know in the comments. We can’t promise things won’t get weird. If you do craft this cocktail, share images with us on Instagram and Twitter.
Images: Paramount, Aaron Fairbanks
Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. Follow her on Twitter and keep up with her Disney food adventures on Instagram.
More about Annihilation!
- Our review of Annihilation.
- The female cast of Annihilation marks a sci-fi paradigm shift.
- Could Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp be Area X?
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