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This thrilling Stranger Things–inspired cocktail lets you sip straight into another world. Tart cherry juice and rum shaken with bright lime get a moody twist from edible glitter dust. Dragon fruit cubes swirl in the glass evoking a mysterious unknown while a dramatic garnish adds a final flourish. It is dangerously good and always an instant hit at any themed party.
The first time I served this was for a Stranger Things binge and every guest gasped at the sparkle and deep color. Even friends who rarely drink ask for seconds every time.
Ingredients
- Dragon fruit: Adds ominous texture and striking garnish Look for fruits with bold spines and even coloring
- Fresh lime: Brightens the drink and balances sweetness A juicy lime yields more flavor and peel for garnish
- White rum: Brings smoothness and just the right kick Choose a midrange rum for clean flavors
- Luxardo cherries: Deep rich flavor that elevates any cocktail Seek out the dark glossy type for best taste
- Luxardo cherry syrup: Adds layered cherry notes without extra sweetness If not available cherry simple syrup works
- Tart cherry juice: Gives the drink that signature deep crimson hue Opt for unsweetened juice for best results
- Ice: Chills the drink instantly Cubes rather than crushed keep it from watering down fast
- Edible glitter dust: Essential for that otherworldly shimmer Silver or pearl white shades look the most mystical
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep the Dragon Fruit:
- Slice the fruit lengthwise then carve out thin wedges that keep the spiky rind visible Cube the remaining flesh into even pieces so every glass gets generous bites of fruit
- Prepare Garnishes:
- Peel off two wide lime strips even if they are a bit uneven This makes dramatic coils to drape over each rim and nods to the wildness of the Upside Down
- Mix the Drink:
- Add rum fresh lime juice cherry syrup and most of the cherry juice to your shaker Fill with ice and shake hard for about twenty seconds until it is frosty to the touch This step thoroughly chills and helps blend the flavors
- Assemble the Glasses:
- Strain the mixture into two goblets or stemmed glasses Carefully float some dragon fruit cubes and two cherries in each to suggest a strange and tempting world
- Make the Glitter Swirl:
- Stir edible glitter into the last ounce of cherry juice and pour into each glass The swirl cements the magical look Gently stir to create haunted silvery ribbons
- Finish with Garnish:
- Drape lime peel over the rim and position a dragon fruit wedge on top This final touch instantly announces something special
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I adore dragon fruit in this recipe Besides looking spectacular the fruit itself is slightly sweet and a little earthy A family member once joked these drinks look like a portal to another world and ever since we make them for every Stranger Things watch party
Storage Tips
Prepare all the garnishes and fruit cubes up to a day ahead Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator Since this cocktail contains fresh juice and fruit it tastes best within an hour of mixing but the unassembled components keep well
Ingredient Substitutions
If Luxardo cherries are unavailable you can skip them and double up on fresh cherry syrup or another tart cherry preserve For rum any white variety works or try vodka if preferred If dragon fruit is not in season cubes of kiwi or even white peach create a similar look with a different flavor
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this cocktail in vintage coupe glasses for a nod to retro sci-fi Pair with a bowl of popcorn and neon gummy worms for a playful Upside Down snack spread If making batches pour the shaken mixture into a pitcher stir in glitter right before serving then garnish each glass individually
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Cultural and Historical Context
Dragon fruit is often featured in Southeast Asian desserts and drinks for its mild flavor and dramatic color Meanwhile the edible shimmer effect nods to the world-warping visuals of Stranger Things This drink combines a love of creative presentation with classic cocktail mixing and a little nostalgic TV magic
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the swirling glitter effect?
After shaking the main ingredients and pouring into glasses, mix edible glitter dust with a bit of tart cherry juice, then swirl into your drink for a shimmering look.
- → What if I can't find luxardo cherries?
Laxardo cherries have a unique flavor, but you can omit them or use plain simple syrup in place of cherry syrup if necessary.
- → Can I make this drink without specialty equipment?
Absolutely! Use a jar or deli container as a makeshift shaker, and a tablespoon for measuring if you don’t have cocktail tools.
- → Is edible glitter essential for this cocktail?
Edible glitter adds visual drama, but the drink tastes wonderful without it. Just skip it or use all the tart cherry juice in the shaker instead.
- → How should I garnish the drink?
Top with wedges of dragon fruit and twisted lime zest strips to echo the ominous, adventurous atmosphere.
- → Can I use another type of cherry?
Maraschino cherries have a very different taste and texture, so it's best to omit them if you can't use luxardo.