While a hoppy Dragon Scale and the Shark Attack cocktail might be favorite drinks for Universal Orlando Resort guests, Epic Universe looks to raise the bar with its beverage program. In a recent food and beverage preview, the theme park’s specialty offerings are changing the conversation entirely.
As many people appreciate, a theme park visit is more than high adrenaline thrills and character interactions. The immersive aspects of the experience extend beyond the attractions. The food and beverage offerings complete the story.
During recent conversations with the Universal Orlando Resort culinary team, storytelling is woven into every menu discussion. From colorful visuals to intricate plating, the food is more than just flavors on a plate. It opens another chapter to the guests’ journey while in the park.
In the recent Universal Orlando Resort announcement, Celestial Park, one of the five portals within Epic Universe, will feature several elevated beverage options. While there will always be a beer, soda, and even wine, these special libations will compel guests to sit a spell and savor the moment.
For example, the Grand Atlantic Martini is an unusual choice for a theme park. Even if James Bond might have sipped the stirred variety around the world, the classic cocktail is not the casual concoction sipped before hitting Star Racers.
Made with gin, aperitif wine, and a glided lemon garnish, it is quite sophisticated and on trend. Using an aperitif wine is an approach that is finding its way onto more bar menus. Universal Orlando is taking a stand that even in flip flops and a tank top, people want to have a more elevated approach to their food and beverage options in the park.
Another cocktail, The Plastered Owl, feels like a twist on a Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. The choice of a dark rye whiskey is interesting. While Universal celebrates bourbon’s complexity at the City Walk restaurant Big Fire, rye is having a moment. The slightly spicier liquor adds complexity to any cocktail.
Additionally, the sweetness from the cherries and a hint of tartness from the lemon make the cocktail well balanced. At the same time, the flavor feels a touch nostalgic. There is a hint of cherry lemonade with a kick of grandpa’s hooch for good measure. Just be careful sipping this potent potable because its effect is strong.
The beverage menu is not simply cocktails. The Khaosan Boba, a Thai-inspired milk tea with coffee boba will quickly become a must sip. While boba drinks continue to be popular, the choice to make it a Thai-inspired milk tea is smart. Blending the familiar and the innovative is a concept that Universal does best.
Since the Universal Orlando culinary team only offered a taste of the hundreds of food and beverage offerings at Epic Universe, it will be interesting to see the beverage choices throughout the theme park. Hopefully, there will be some German beers in Dark Universe or maybe that Elote Old Fashioned from 2025 Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval will reappear somewhere.
Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025. The fourth theme park in the Universal Orlando Resort portfolio will feature five immersive lands.