A popular retro arcade bar in the Merchant City has just created an exciting new drinks menu for winter inspired by gaming and pop culture, featuring the likes of Super Mario and Simpsons -themed cocktails.
NQ64, which opened in March, offers the new cocktail range alongside its extensive collection of retro arcade machines and game consoles.
The UV-graffiti-covered bar is hugely popular with gamers and comes complete with a secret Guitar Hero sound-proofed studio as well as some of the favourite games from the past four decades.
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Developed by the group's staff across its UK bars, the new cocktail menu replaces five of their pre-existing cocktails and is designed to conjure up nostalgic vibes and even features two exciting non-alcoholic alternatives.
First up is the Simpsons-inspired Lake Springfield, a Sour Apple Whiskey drink with JD Apple, Midori and a Toxic Waste Cordial designed to look like the nuclear waste which appeared in one of the most famous episodes.
While Mr Stay Puft, NQ64's version of the Espresso Martini, has Tiny Rebel Stay Puft in it in an ode to what they say is the "cutest, most delicious baddy" of all time from Ghostbusters.
The Super Coco Ball combines the hit Nintendo game Super Monkey Ball with a drink featuring Brandy, Cacao, Banana, Hazelnut, and a Coco Pop milk blend.
Cult games in the Super Mario series are the inspiration for Mega Daisy, and is described as "what happens to princess Daisy when she eats a mushroom", with the cocktail being a Lychee and Elderflower Gin spritz with Aperol, Triple Sec, Elderflower, Lychee, and Prosecco.
Other exciting drinks include the Final Fantarita, Sour Cherry Margarita topped with Fanta based on the Final Fantasy games, and Lake Springfield, the Simpsons-inspired Sour Apple Whiskey drink with JD Apple, Midori, Toxic Waste Cordial, and Apple – which was developed by the Glasgow team.
Crash Bandicoot also gets a nod with the non-alcoholic Uka Uka cocktail, while the Driver Spritz is an alcohol-free cocktail with Crodino, Candied Strawberry, Lemon and Soda based on the game Driver (great for any designated drivers in the group).
James Taylor, NQ64 Drinks Development and Training Manager, told us: “At NQ64 we are always looking for inspiration when it comes to our venues, whether this is through finding new arcade games or developing our bar menus. With drinks being such a huge part of the NQ64 experience, 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 taste.”
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