Waiting on the edge of your seat for The Last of Us season finale on Sunday 12 March? Then you need to pour yourself and your friends The Clicker cocktail. It’s not every day we invite you to try a post-apocalyptic cocktail inspired by a TV series based on a cult classic video game, but we’re making an exception for this one, because Ellie and Joel!
Here’s to enduring and surviving to the edge of the universe and back, and enjoying the delicious things in life even when everything goes bonkers (like Bill and Frank showed us in Episode 3 **insert ugly cry**).
How to make maple mushroom simple syrup
Fair enough, maple mushroom syrup is not exactly something you’ll find on every grocery store shelf, although many niche food stores do carry it. To make your own, have a look at our DIY syrup-making guide. Essentially, you’ll need to infuse some dried mushrooms (porcini or shiitake works well) in maple syrup over low heat until the earthy taste is apparent in the syrup.
The origins of The Last of Us Clicker cocktail
The Clicker cocktail was unveiled on the Experience Bar blog by Jack Stone back in 2019 when The Last of Us was still ‘only’ a game.
The Last of Us game was first released on June 14, 2013, exclusively for the PlayStation 3 console. It was developed by Naughty Dog, a game development studio known for creating critically acclaimed video game franchises such as Uncharted and Crash Bandicoot.
It was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its storytelling, characters, and gameplay mechanics. It went on to win numerous awards, including several Game of the Year awards and has since been remastered for the PlayStation 4 and released as The Last of Us Remastered.
In The Last of Us, a Clicker is a type of infected creature that is highly dangerous and extremely difficult to kill. Clickers are named for the distinct clicking sounds they make, which are used to echolocate their surroundings, as they have lost their sight due to fungal growths that overtake their heads, covering their entire face.
Variations of The Clicker cocktail to try
If The Last of Us cocktail hits the right spot, you may want to walk it back a bit and try the drinks that inspired it. It will be a bit like heading back into an old, abandoned mall to discover the magic of things that went before with your best buddy by your side… If you know, you know.
- Old Fashioned cocktail: Transport yourself to a bygone era with the timeless Old Fashioned cocktail. Savor the smooth taste of bourbon perfectly balanced with sugar, bitters, and a zesty citrus peel. Served on the rocks with a luscious cherry and juicy orange slice, this classic cocktail is a true delight for all the senses.
- Apple Butter Old Fashioned cocktail: Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of the Apple Butter Old Fashioned cocktail! This delicious drink combines the sweetness of apple butter with the smokiness of bourbon, bitters, and a zesty dash of ginger beer, making for a perfect fall drink. Served on the rocks with a cinnamon stick garnish, this cocktail is the ultimate cozy treat.
When to serve The Clicker cocktail
First and foremost, you need to serve this cocktail for all your series geek friends, especially those who get really into the universe of a particular story. The Last of Us cocktail could also be a great addition to an:
- Oscar party (yes, it’s TV we know, but still)
- Halloween or zombie-themed parties (nothing scarier than the Cordyceps!)
- National Mushroom Day celebration (which could totally be a thing on 15 October each year)
