Step Into the Upside Down: Stranger Things Inspired Food And Cocktails for Your Venue
If your bar or restaurant isn’t already jumping on the Stranger Things bandwagon, now’s the time to flick the fairy lights on and tune into the static - because the hype is coming back louder than a Demogorgon roar. The final season’s on its way, and it’s the perfect excuse to get your guests sipping, snacking, and dancing to some seriously nostalgic 80s vibes.
Here’s how you can bring a little Hawkins magic to your menu and make your venue the place to be for every fan of the weird, the wonderful, and the slightly supernatural!
🍕 The Pizza Negroni — For When You Fancy Something Strange
It shouldn’t work… but it really does!
A twist on the classic Negroni, this drink takes its cue from everyone’s favourite chaotic pizza delivery duo, Argyle and Jonathan.
Think tomato infused gin (yes, really), a touch of basil syrup, Campari, and a dash of vermouth. Shake it, strain it, and garnish with a tiny mozzarella pearl or a dehydrated basil leaf. It’s weirdly addictive - just like the show itself.
Serve it in a rocks glass on top of a Pizza Tray, complete with glowing LED Coaster for maximum effect!
🍦 The Upside Down Sundae — A Blue Ice Cream Dream
Inspired by Scoops Ahoy and everyone’s favourite ice cream slinging duo, Steve and Robin, this cocktail looks like dessert but packs a grown up punch.
Mix vanilla vodka, blue curaçao, coconut cream, and a splash of soda for fizz. Top it with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry if you’re feeling extra. Serve it within a Flavour Blaster Ice Cream Cone Glass for maximum effect, and top with a Vanilla Aroma Multibubble for that soft serve look!
It’s sweet, it’s Instagrammable, and it’ll make guests feel like they’ve just walked out of the Starcourt Mall — minus the monsters (hopefully).
❤️ The Eleven — Red, Bold, and Served in a Coupe
Channel everyone’s favourite telekinetic teen with a cocktail that’s small but powerful.
Combine vodka, raspberry purée, grenadine, and a squeeze of lime, then shake it until icy cold. Pour it into a coupe glass so the deep red colour can shine under the light — just like Eleven’s nosebleed (in a good way). We couldn't resist pulling our Electric Jellyfish Glasses out from the archive for this spooky number, but why not use one of our White Bubble Glasses for a chilling serve!
Garnish with a tiny waffle biscuit on the rim for a cheeky nod to her obsession with Eggos. It’s the perfect signature serve for your Stranger Things watch party.
🍔 Food from the Upside Down
Of course, the drinks are just half the story. Pair them with a themed food menu that’s playful, nostalgic, and a little bit spooky:
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“Demogorgon Burgers” – Black charcoal buns, spicy sauce, and enough crunch to satisfy the monster within.
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“Hawkins High Fries” – Loaded with melted cheese, jalapeños, and crispy bacon bits - pure 80s diner energy.
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“The Mind Flayer Pizza” – A dramatic black dough base topped with hot honey, nduja, and fiery red peppers.
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“Eggos & Ice Cream” – Mini waffle stacks drizzled with caramel and served with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Serve it all on neon plates or with moody lighting to get that authentic Upside Down atmosphere.
🎶 Set the Scene
Don’t forget the soundtrack - because no Stranger Things event is complete without Kate Bush, The Clash, and a bit of synthwave! Add some fairy lights, a smoke machine, and a few flickering letters on the wall, and you’ve got yourself a full on Hawkins takeover!
👾 Final Thoughts
Hosting a Stranger Things watch party or themed night isn’t just a gimmick - it’s a chance to create an experience!
It’s fun, nostalgic, and completely different to the usual Thursday night happy hour. Plus, fans love sharing photos of anything creative and themed, so your cocktails and food could be all over social media by the next morning, doing your marketing and promotion for you!
So go on, dim the lights, queue the eerie soundtrack, and pour that Pizza Negroni. It’s time to let your customers step into the Upside Down!
