Wednesday, 2 November 2022

Seven Retro Arcade Game Cocktails Launched by NQ64

From Mr. Stay Puft to Final Fantarita, NQ64 has put a new focus on nostalgic vibes with the launch of seven new retro arcade game-inspired cocktails, including two made with non-alcoholic ingredients.   

The new menu is modelled on game-themed cocktails, namely Ghost Busters, Super Monkey Ball, Mario, Final Fantasy, The Simpsons, Crash Bandicoot and Driver to be enjoyed while button bashing to victory with your mates.  

Highlights include Lake Springfield (Sour Apple Whiskey) developed by NQ64's bartender in Glasgow, and Mr. Stay Puft (Espresso Martini) which pays homage to the cutest, most delicious baddy of all time from Ghostbusters. 

 A large part of NQ64's team training focuses on developing their bartenders cocktail skills; always striving to develop and create the perfect drinks to accompany arcade games, their latest menu came about through an internal competition that took place at each of NQ64's 9 venues.  Bartenders were given the opportunity to create and develop their own game-inspired drinks before presenting them in the finals at NQ64 Birmingham. The cocktails presented at the competition led to the direction of NQ64's new menu, with the drinks selected having been created directly from the team. 

Their non-alcoholic cocktails to seek out are No Uka Uka and Driver Spritz. 

NQ64's enviable cocktails, craft beer and soft drinks are served in adult-only neon splattered drinking dens filled with retro arcade games and classic consoles. Their signature neon-filled aesthetic provides immersive arcade bar experiences, in its street style aesthetic that sees spray painted artwork cover the walls and ceiling that glow under UV lights.  

NQ64 has venues in Soho, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Liverpool. 

Cocktails inspired by the retro arcade games, which will be on offer at each of the venues include: 

Mr Stay Puft: NQ64's version of the Espresso Martini, Mr. Stay Puft has Tiny Rebel Stay Puft in it, so was only right that they commemorated the cutest, most delicious baddy of all time from Ghostbusters.

A Marshmallow Espresso Martini, with Vodka, Espresso, Marshmallow, Chocolate… based, of course, on the iconic Ghostbusters character.  

Super Coco Ball: Everyone loves cereal and videos games eh? Based off the game Super Monkey Ball, this is a Rum based drink with Brandy, Cacao, Banana, Hazelnut, Coco Pop milk blend

Mega Daisy: Based on the Mario series of games, Mega Daisy is what happens to princess Daisy when she eats a mushroom. Lychee and Elderflower Gin spritz with Aperol, Triple Sec, Elderflower, Lychee, Prosecco… based on Daisy from the Mario franchise

Final Fantarita: Based on Final Fantasy... Sour Cherry Margarita topped with Fanta 

Lake Springfield: Simpsons inspired! A Sour Apple Whiskey drink with JD Apple, Midori, Toxic Waste Cordial and Apple [Developed by bartender Robbie who is from Glasgow]

No Uka Uka (non-alcoholic): Non-alcoholic cocktail based on the game Crash Bandicoot. NQ64 already has the Aku Aku (the mask character in the Crash games) so it's only fitting to call this one Uka Uka (Aku Aku's twin brother, who's the total opposite)

Driver Spritz (non-alcoholic): An alcohol-free cocktail with Crodino, Candied Strawberry, Lemon and Soda (great for the designated driver!) based on the game Driver

James Taylor, who has the very enviable job of NQ64 Drinks Development and Training Manager, told That's Food and Drink: “At NQ64 we're always looking for inspiration when it comes to our venues, whether it's through finding new arcade games or developing our bar menus." 

He went on to say: "With drinks being such a huge part of the experience at NQ64, we always like to keep the menu fresh with new and exciting twists on game-inspired cocktails, using fun and unique ingredients that result in a delicious, but different taste.” 

As well as their new drinks menu, NQ64 will also be launching up to four new arcade games across each of their sites this November, adding even more entertainment to their already retro packed arcade bars.  

For Christmas, NQ64 are accepting Christmas party bookings from groups of any size, and drinks and token packages can be ordered in advance https://nq64.co.uk/christmas.

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