As the fourth gate in the Universal Orlando Resort portfolio, Epic Universe has been a huge undertaking. While each world has impressive attractions, immersive experiences, and imaginative themes, the plate and the glass are where fictional becomes reality. With Epic Universe’s beverage menu, the glass is more than just refreshment; it is an exploration of flavor.
Throughout Epic Universe there are iconic beverages, like Butterbeer, and newer offerings, the Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks. While each one has a place on the menu, the beverage team wanted to push the boundaries of what can be possible. That idea might be a tall task, but it is one that they set out to achieve.
Given that the Universal Orlando Resort culinary team has raised the bar with flavors, visuals, and creativity, the beverage group did not want to be left in their shadows. From the bewitching beverages at the Burning Blade to a taste of France at Bar Moonshine, there is a satisfying sipper for everyone.
During a conversation with Joshua Franck, Beverage Program Manager for Universal Orlando Resort, he said that the driving force in every decision is flavor. Specifically, he said, “big visual components are always important in our the worlds, but we never put flavor aside. Flavor is the lodestone. We create great visuals on top of that.”
He continued to explain, “we always make sure that there is balance in every offering. We take the time to work through all the details to make sure that everything comes together.”
Looking at the Epic Universe offerings, Franck admitted that guest diversity is a key component in curating the menu. He explained, “we are very cognizant that we have a wide range of people, from all different parts of the world, different parts of the country, that come to the parks. We try to build something for all types of palates. There is a wide range from adventurous to familiar.”
While many guests love a new, colorful, or trendy beverage, Franck says that fan favorites will always be part of the cocktail conversation. Yes, a guests can get a margarita. At some bars, the mixologists can invite guests to step a little out of their comfort zones with a beverage that is “adjacent” to that iconic libation.
Franck explained that these adjacent cocktails are “something familiar that most people are going to be able to get their head around easily, but still have a little twist to make it exciting. People are in a theme park and want to have something different. At the same time, we can make all the classics, too.”
Looking at the various sit-down restaurants, they have multiple signature cocktails. From the Szechuan Smash at Blue Dragon to the stunning Northern Lights at Atlantic, these libations have people stopping to stare even before the first drop hits their lips.
The cocktails use the ingredients to add authenticity and flare. From the heat in the Szechuan Smash mimicking the boldness of the Dan Dan noodles to the Northern Lights capturing the fluidity of the sea, there is aspirational storytelling in every glass.
Even the beers and wines are another chapter to the ongoing story. From the smoky, German Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Marzen at the Burning Blade to the Domaine Dupont Pommeau De Normandie at Le Goblet Noir, guests are invited to step beyond a chardonnay or light lager. Again, it is an example of balance, intention, and variety.
Overall, Epic Universe creates an environment where guests will want to quench their thirst during a visit to the theme park. From a cocktail with a scrumptious meal to a toast after enjoying a ride, no one will leave thirsty.
Epic Universe is the newest theme park from Universal Orlando Resort. More information on tickets, operating hours, and attractions can be found online.