The Upside Down Cocktail
The new season of Stranger Things is dropping next week, so I’m in full binge re-watching mode of the first 3 seasons before then. The Upside Down is an intriguing idea for a cocktail with the darkness and atmosphere–I’ve always loved the floating bits they added to the air to give it even more grungy vibes. We’re taking that vibe and making it into an Upside Down inspired cocktail.
Muddled Berries
The key to making this cocktail is having something to float around in your drink…as gross as that sounds on its own. Stay with me here. Lots of cocktails do use muddled berries or herbs in them (the mint mojito being one of the most recognizable). For ours, I’ve chosen blackberries because they add an extra darkness element, but feel free to use raspberries if you prefer.
I’m using fresh berries, but in a pinch you could use frozen berries, just let them thaw a bit first.
Gin or Vodka
This choice is purely preference. If you’re a gin lover, go for it. Not everyone appreciates the flavors of gin though, and you will still taste the flavors of your alcohol in this cocktail. If you’d prefer, go for a mild-flavored vodka. Titos a lot of people like because it has a mild flavor, but it is a corn vodka instead of a traditional potato vodka, so it’s not everyone’s favorite for mixing.
If you really don’t know where to start and don’t like the “taste of alcohol” I recommend finding a flavored vodka that will compliment the flavors of this cocktail. Look for a berry flavor or a lemon or lime flavor. Flavored vodkas often have some sweetener and do a decent job of masking some of the alcohol flavor. And yes, Smirnoff flavored vodkas are perfectly fine for this. Don’t come at me.
The Ice
Optimally, you want to have ice that will block the floating bits from getting to the top, creating a sort of Upside Down atmosphere snow globe effect. If you have small pellet ice like Sonic makes, do that. Only have cubes? Totally fine. Crushed ice might work for this too, but I can’t confirm. Just don’t go too fancy with too large of a cube (like a giant cube or sphere) since it’ll ruin the look we’re going for.
More Stranger Things
Looking for a snack to pair with this cocktail? Check out my Eggo Sundae or Halloween movie inspired date night recipes for inspiration.
The felt crafts for this photoshoot are made by yours truly. I list some fandom inspired feltcraft in my Etsy shop when I have time. Check it out!
Without further ado, let's make our Stranger Things Upside Down Cocktail!
The Upside Down Cocktail
Ingredients
6 Blackberries
.5 oz Blue curacao
1.5 oz Gin or vodka
7 oz 7UP
Ice
Mini Eggo waffles (optional garnish)
Method
Add 3 blackberries to your tall serving glass. Muddle to break them apart.
Pour in blue curacao and gin or vodka. Give a stir.
Top with ice.
Gently pour in 7UP.
(Tip: if you have a bar spoon with a spiral handle, pour the soda down that for minimal effort)
Add garnish of remaining blackberries and a single mini waffle (toasted). I cut just under halfway through the waffle before adding it to the rim.
Serve, admiring the floating blackberry pieces and feel the Upside Down atmosphere vibes.
