Each year around this time, San Diego bartenders tap into their inner geeks to come up with cocktails inspired by superheroes, comic cult classics, and, of course, whatever big film Marvel’s peddling this year. There are a lot of clever beverage offerings for this year’s Comic-Con—more than I could possibly list—so I’ve narrowed it down to 14 that offer fans a double shot of fun and creativity.
D’vorah’s Hive Nectar @ Monkey King
The part insect, part human from Mortal Kombat was the inspiration for this nuanced cocktail made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, mint, white tea, honey, and R&D smoke bitters.
Say Hello to Mr. Glass @ Westgate Hotel’s Plaza Bar
This one’s both a nod to M. Night Shyamalan’s new film Glass and fun twist on a classic Last Word. It’s made with Nolet’s Silver Gin, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, cherry bitters, and egg whites with a Champagne float.
Wakanda’s Potion @ Café 21 (Gaslamp)
This gin sour-inspired homage to Black Panther gets its black hue from activated charcoal, an ingredient that doesn’t change the taste—just makes it fun to drink.
Ant Man Apricot Special @ Havana 1920
Havana 1920’s six-cocktail Comic-Con menu was inspired by characters from Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. You can’t go wrong with rum and apricot, so I’m recommending this one, made with Diplomatico 6-year rum, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, apricot liqueur, and R&D aromatic bitters.
Speaking of apricot liqueur:
Gamora @ Hotel Republic
1 1/4 oz Bison Grass Vodka
3/4 oz Rothman & Winter apricot liqueur
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes peach bitters
Prosecco float
Shaken and strained in a glass, with a lemon peel garnish
Branca Tarantino @ Cloak & Petal
I’m not sure how we’re supposed to feel about Quentin Tarantino right now, but he inspires a good drink. This one’s all booze, made with rye whiskey, Fernet Branca, Amaro Meletti, and New Orleans bitters.
The Haitian Gentleman @ Grant Grill
The U.S. Grant’s bar launched a new voodoo-themed cocktail menu just in time for Comic-Con. You can’t go wrong with a créme de cacao cocktail. Here, it’s joined by Rhum Barbancourt 15-year old Haitian rum and R&D smoked bitters.
The Golden Lasso @ The Hopping Pig
This cocktail’s vodka base lets its other flavors—raspberry, hibiscus, and lemon—shine through. Champagne and edible gold leaf add sparkle.
14+ Fandom-Worthy Comic-Con Cocktails
Bankers Hill’s homage to Rick and Morty, Get Schwifty.
Get Schwifty @ Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant
Rick and Morty fans will be flocking to Bankers Hill to sip this homage made with rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, lemon, mint, cane syrup, ginger syrup, and Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters to the crass-yet-oddly catchy song.
Sub-Zero’s Snowball Grenade @ Monkey King
Kaffir lime and coconut make magic together in this cocktail inspired by the Mortal Kombat character made with kaffir leaf-infused gin, lime, coconut liqueur, and spiced milk syrup.
The Man in Black @ You & Yours Distilling Co.
Westworld’s violent delights devotée inspired a delightful cocktail, made with Y&Y’s barrel-rested Provisional Gin, activated charcoal, orange bitters, Aztec bitters, and an orange cordial.
Deadpool’s Daiquiri @ The Blind Burro
I can totally see the sassy superhero sipping this cocktail made with 1888 rum, strawberry purée, lime juice, and agave nectar with a black-strap rum float.
The Sidekick @ Puesto
This cocktail, made with Vida mezcal, guanabana, tamarindo soda, lime leaf, and charred orange is part of a $27 meal deal that includes two tacos (The Hero and The Villain) and dessert (The Love Interest).
Nebula’s Special Treat @ Meze
I don’t know enough about the Avengers character to get the “special treat” reference, but I dig this cocktail’s nod to Greek flavors. It’s made with Metaxa brandy, Greek red wine, peaches, orange zest, cinnamon, and sparkling ginger.
Are you a Comic-Con goer looking to get out of downtown for an evening? Kindred’s got perhaps the most Comic-Con-friendly cocktail in all of San Diego with enough fantasy and sci-fi references to appeal to even the most cynical geek. Try the Ladyhawke (Crème De Pamplemousse Rose liqueur, Campari, lemon, Cocchi Americano, ginger, sparkling rosé) or the Miss Spider (bourbon, Crème de Cacao, lemon, peach cobbler jam, mole bitters). And this week’s edition of Kindred’s every-Thursday Permanent Vacation tiki cocktail night features D&D-inspired artwork, Ancient Astronaut T-shirts, and a creepy-cool four-eyed wolf mug.
Got ideas for a future post? Email me.
14+ Fandom-Worthy Comic-Con Cocktails
You & Yours Distilling’s The Man in Black.
