Dry January…Or Not: Mocktails + Retro Games 👾
Let’s be real—whether you’re keeping it dry for January or just in the mood for something lighter, you don’t have to skip the fun. At The 1up Arcade Bar, we’ve discovered that the right mocktail can totally elevate your game night. And if you feel like it, any of these drinks can be upgraded with a splash of alcohol—though they’re perfect just the way you like them. After hours of taste-testing, sipping, and turbo-tapping, we’ve found the ideal mocktails to pair with some of our favorite retro games. Here’s what we love—and what we think you’ll love too.
🍼 Baby Bulldog Paired with: Paperboy
Baby Bulldog Ingredients: Vanilla Simple Syrup, Coca-Cola (or Root Beer), with a Klondike Bar on the side
Paperboy is chaos in a cartridge—dodging obstacles, tossing papers, and praying you make it to the next level. Baby Bulldog matches that energy perfectly. It’s creamy, sweet, and totally nostalgic—the kind of drink that makes you feel like a kid again, but with a little more control over your next move.
🍍🌶️ Pineapple Jalapeño Crush Paired with: QBert*
Pineapple Jalapeño Crush Ingredients: Jalapeño Wheels, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Margarita Mix, finished with a Lime Wedge.
Q*Bert is tricky, colorful, and full of surprises—just like this mocktail. Sweet pineapple and a spicy jalapeño kick keep you on your toes, sip after sip. Bright, bold, and a little unexpected, it’s way more fun than your usual soda.
🍓🔥 Strawberry Ginger Punch Paired with: Bubble Bobble
Strawberry Ginger Punch Ingredients: Strawberry Purée, fresh Lime Juice, topped with Ginger Beer
Bubble Bobble is lighthearted, addictive, and endlessly fun—and this mocktail hits the same notes. Strawberry and citrus flavors keep things sweet and refreshing, while the ginger adds just enough spice to keep it interesting. Perfect for sipping while chasing high scores and nostalgia.
🎮 The Takeaway
You can sip a mocktail—or turn it into your favorite cocktail—and still have a blast. Pick your game, grab your drink of choice, and let the nostalgia, neon lights, and arcade chaos do the rest.
✨ Here’s to enjoying January your way—raising a glass (mocktail or cocktail), dropping a token, and saying #GAMEON at The 1up Arcade Bar.