The Clicker Cocktail

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PREP TIME 2 min

Cocktail Type

Bourbon

Great for

Autumn

Difficulty

Easy

A fanciful image of The Clicker cocktail garnished with and surrounded by a variety of mushrooms and assorted fungi

Waiting on the edge of your seat for The Last of Us season finale on Sunday the 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**).   

QUICK TIPS

01

Try orange bitters to add a zesty note.

02

Pair with a hearty mushroom and thyme soup + crusty ciabatta.

03

Chill your serving glasses for 5 minutes before serving for a cool finish.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

60 Ml

2 Oz

2 Parts

15 Ml

0.5 Oz

0.5 Parts

Maple-mushroom sugar syrup
2
Dashes bitters
A dehydrated mushroom slice, sprig of thyme, and orange peel to garnish
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

01

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled

02

Strain into a serving glass, and garnish with an optional slice of dehydrated mushroom, a sprig of thyme, and orange peel

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 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. Savour 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 flavours 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 autumn drink. Served on the rocks with a cinnamon stick garnish, this cocktail is the ultimate cosy 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) 
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Last of Us is a gripping and emotional TV series set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been devastated by a deadly fungus that turns people into violent and aggressive infected. The TV series stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the leading roles, and explores the same themes of survival, sacrifice, and the power of human connection as the original video game, which resonated deeply with audiences.

In the movie Top Gun, Tom Cruise's character, Maverick, and his love interest, Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood, are shown drinking Singapore Slings together in a bar. The drink is served in a tall glass with a pinkish-red hue and is garnished with a cherry and a slice of pineapple. The Singapore Sling is often associated with the glamourous era of aviation and travel in the early 20th century.