Whether you're still playing Pokémon Go [1] and trying to become a master [2] or just riding that nostalgia train [3], you can't deny that you probably love Pokémon a bit more now than you ever did. If you want to celebrate the return of the game and its adorable creatures, try hosting a party with six cocktails inspired by Pokémon. The recipes include different kinds of booze and ingredients — so no drink is too tame or plain. See for yourself what it takes to make them and then make one the next time you and your friends start talking about Pokémon.
Boozy Bellsprout
A refreshing union of pineapple, lemon juice, and Blue Nectar Tequila will revitalize and quench the thirst of any Poké Master!
- 2 ounces Blue Nectar Reposado Special Craft Tequila
- 3 tablespoons crushed pineapple
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce agave nectar
- 1 sage leaf
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over crushed ice. Garnish with pineapple and sage leaf.
Golden Goldeen
Equipped with Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva — rum aged for up to 12 years with distinctive notes of maple, orange and brown sugar — this golden-hued cocktail will make a splash among your friends.
- 1 1/2 ounces Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
- 1/2 ounce Grapefruit Cordial
- 1/2 ounce Cocchi Americano
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with large ice. Garnish with grapefruit zest twist.
Poliwag’s Martini
Prepare a perfect blue martini that embodies the popular water-type Pokémon, Poliwag. This refreshing cocktail featuring blue London No 1 gin is a perfect way to cap off your night.
- 1/2 ounce The London No 1 gin
- 1/2 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- Dash of eggwhite
- Blueberries for garnish
Directions: Shake in Boston shaker and double strain into martini glass. Garnish with blueberries.
Charmander’s Ember
With a base of Usquaebach Whisky (Scotch crafted with the fiery spirit of the Scottish highlands) alongside the spiciness of habanero peppers and the sweet kick of fresh blood orange juice, this subtly smoky, flame-red sipper embodies our favorite fire type: a little feisty, a little sweet.
- 1 1/2 ounces Usquaebach Reserve
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh blood orange juice
- 1/2 ounce habanero simple syrup (In a saucepan, heat equal parts sugar and water. Slice one habanero pepper and remove seeds. Add habanero slices to the pan. Allow to cool.)
- Blood orange zest
Directions: Combine all ingredients and stir with ice. Strain into rocks glass. Flame the blood orange peel with a lighter to express. Drop into drink and serve.
Zapdos Zester
Adding a jolt of energy to your beer game, this citrus-forward beer cocktail pays tribute to Pokémon's origins by incorporating the light expression of the the bestselling Asian beer brand in the US.
- 4 ounces fresh orange juice
- 1 ounce honey syrup (in a small pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup honey and 1 cup water and stir lightly until dissolved)
- 1 Sapporo Premium Light
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
Directions: In a tall cocktail glass add orange juice and honey syrup, top with Sapporo beer and orange bitters. Stir gently with bar spoon and garnish with orange slice.
Razz Berries
Sparkling and fruity, this ruby red cocktail features Vermouth Royal Rouge and Bisol Jeio Prosecco, paired with raspberries. Sweet and delicious, this drink will sure to be a crowd pleaser!
- 6 ounces La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge
- 1 bottle Bisol Jeio Prosecco
- 1 cup raspberries
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar
Directions: Stir together raspberries, vermouth, and agave nectar in a pitcher. Occasionally stir and let the mixture sit and chill in fridge for about an hour. Pour into six champagne flutes and top with Prosecco.