Applebee’s recently introduced a new signature drink called the Tipsy Shark to their menu. The Tipsy Shark is an electric blue frozen cocktail made with rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, sweet & sour mix, and melon liqueur. It’s a fruity and tropical drink that packs quite the punch.
What makes the Tipsy Shark unique?
The vibrant blue color of the Tipsy Shark immediately catches your eye. While blue frozen drinks have been popular for a while, the specific deep electric blue hue of the Tipsy Shark makes it stand out. It almost glows in the glass!
In terms of taste, the combination of rum, pineapple juice, and melon liqueur gives the Tipsy Shark a sweet yet tart fruity flavor. The blue curacao adds a citrusy orange note. It’s refreshing and easy to drink through the straw, but still contains a good amount of alcohol thanks to the rum and melon liqueur.
The Tipsy Shark is exclusive to Applebee’s. You won’t find this specific concoction at any other restaurant chains right now. It joins their list of other signature cocktails like the Perfect Margarita and Mucho Colada. Having an exclusive specialty drink attracts customers who want to try something new and different.
When and why did Applebee’s add the Tipsy Shark to their menu?
The Tipsy Shark was added to Applebee’s menus nationwide in July 2022 for a limited time. It’s part of their ongoing strategy of releasing quirky seasonal cocktails to generate buzz and excite customers. Previously they offered drinks like the Zombie and the Dracula’s Juice.
These unique cocktails appeal specifically to younger Millennial and Gen Z consumers in their 20s and 30s. The colorful, sugary, and strong frozen drinks attract this demographic and can boost sales during hot summer months. Posting photos of the vibrant blue Tipsy Shark on social media also provides free advertising.
While Applebee’s core customer base has traditionally been families, the chain has shifted focus in recent years to appeal to younger foodie-oriented adults. The Tipsy Shark was likely developed by their marketing team as part of this rebranding initiative to make Applebee’s seem trendier.
What are the ingredients in the Tipsy Shark?
Here are the ingredients that go into making an Applebee’s Tipsy Shark:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 1 oz blue curacao
- 1.5 oz pineapple juice
- .5 oz sweet & sour mix
- .5 oz melon liqueur
The full ounce and a half shot of rum gives the Tipsy Shark quite a kick of alcohol. The melon liqueur also contains a decent amount of alcohol at 30 proof. Pineapple juice and sweet & sour mix provide tart fruitiness to balance the sweetness of the blue curacao.
Some locations may tweak the exact proportions of the ingredients, but the core rum, curacao, pineapple and melon liqueur remain the same. Overall it contains around 13% alcohol by volume.
What’s the price of the Tipsy Shark?
The Tipsy Shark is priced similarly to other Applebee’s cocktails, costing around $7 to $10 depending on location. Here are some example prices:
- Orlando, FL – $7.00
- Los Angeles, CA – $9.50
- Dallas, TX – $8.99
- New York City, NY – $10.00
Since it contains more ingredients and labor than a basic drink like beer or wine, the Tipsy Shark sits at the higher end of Applebee’s cocktail prices. But it’s still reasonably affordable compared to specialty cocktails you’d find at higher-end bars. The reasonable price makes it appealing to budget-conscious younger customers.
What are people saying about the Tipsy Shark?
Reviews of the Tipsy Shark have been generally positive:
- Customers love the vivid blue color and say it photographs beautifully for Instagram.
- Many say it has the perfect blend of sweet tropical flavor with a rum punch.
- Some say it reminds them of drinking a piña colada at the beach.
- Reviewers call it very drinkable even with the high alcohol content.
- One complaint is that it has a strong chemical aftertaste from the blue curacao.
- A few reviewers say $8-10 seems a little pricey for an Applebee’s cocktail.
Overall the vibrant color seems to be a huge selling point. The tropical fruit flavors also appeal to those seeking an escape through a fruity summer drink. While not the most sophisticated cocktail, it’s refreshingly sweet with enough rum to deliver a buzz.
How long will the Tipsy Shark be on the menu?
The Tipsy Shark is a limited time summer cocktail. It was added to menus in early July 2022. Most Applebee’s locations will likely carry the Tipsy Shark through August and September while supplies last.
Based on Applebee’s past history of temporary cocktails, we can expect the Tipsy Shark to remain through fall 2022. However, supply chain issues or product availability may impact exactly how long it sticks around.
Applebee’s typically discontinues their seasonal cocktails after several months to make room for new limited edition drinks. So unfortunately the Tipsy Shark won’t be around forever. Fans of this electric blue concoction should head to their local restaurant soon to try it before it’s gone!
Is the Tipsy Shark available at all Applebee’s locations?
The Tipsy Shark is widely available at participating Applebee’s restaurants in the United States. However, a few locations may not be offering the cocktail for various reasons, including:
- State or local alcohol laws preventing the sale of certain drinks
- Supply chain issues impacting ingredient availability
- Bartender shortage preventing preparation of specialty cocktails
- Individual franchise decisions not to offer new menu items
So while most Applebee’s locations should have the Tipsy Shark based on nationwide marketing, it’s still best to call ahead to double check your neighborhood Applebee’s has it in stock and available. Limited availability seems more likely at individual international franchises.
Can the Tipsy Shark be ordered to-go?
Yes, you can order the Tipsy Shark to-go from Applebee’s restaurants! The cocktail is available for takeout and delivery orders.
Getting your Tipsy Shark to-go is great if you want to imbibe from home without spending time in the restaurant. It also allows you to enjoy it anywhere outdoors like at the beach or park. However availability and packaging may vary by location.
When ordered to-go, the Tipsy Shark will come pre-mixed and packaged in a sealed plastic cocktail cup with a lid and straw. It’s convenient for sipping on the go. Some locations may only allow takeout of sealed original cocktails, not allowing mods or glassware.
Be sure to show valid ID at pickup and drink responsibly later. Call your local Applebee’s first to ensure they offer cocktail takeout and have Tipsy Sharks ready to go.
Can kids order the Tipsy Shark?
No, the Tipsy Shark is an alcoholic cocktail intended only for adult customers ages 21 and over. Applebee’s cannot legally serve the drink to minors under any circumstances.
Since the Tipsy Shark contains over one and a half ounces of rum, it has a pretty high alcohol content. Kids could easily get intoxicated drinking multiple Tipsy Sharks. The melon liqueur and sugary fruit juice also help conceal the taste of alcohol, making it seem like a harmless fruit juice.
Applebee’s staff are required to check ID before serving any alcoholic beverages. Kids should instead order one of Applebee’s non-alcoholic beverages like root beer, lemonade, or juices. Parents must also refrain from purchasing Tipsy Sharks for underage kids.
Can the Tipsy Shark be ordered without alcohol?
Unfortunately the signature Tipsy Shark cocktail cannot be ordered without alcohol. Since rum is the primary ingredient, removing it would completely change the drink. Here are some reasons why Applebee’s won’t make a non-alcoholic version:
- Alcohol content is a defining component of the drink
- Recipe ratios would be thrown off by removing 1.5 oz of rum
- No real way to replicate rum flavor without using rum
- Could still potentially appeal to minors without alcohol
Instead of ordering a virgin Tipsy Shark, ask your bartender to recommend a different non-alcoholic tropical-style frozen drink. For example, a pina colada or strawberry daiquiri without the rum. You’ll still get the fruity flavor without the alcohol effects.
Does the Tipsy Shark come in different flavors?
No, Applebee’s currently only offers the Tipsy Shark in the original electric blue flavor. There are no variations available at this time.
The vibrant blue color and mixture of rum, curacao, pineapple and melon liqueur are signature to the drink. Changing those key ingredients would make it an entirely different cocktail.
Seasonal specialty cocktails are designed to create buzz based on their unique appearance and name. Offering multiple flavors would dilute that marketing angle. Plus it requires more recipes, ingredients and training for bartenders.
But while the blue Tipsy Shark is currently the sole option, Applebee’s may consider releasing new shark-themed cocktail colors in future summers if this one proves popular enough!
Can you make any substitutions or modifications to the Tipsy Shark?
Applebee’s bartenders generally stick closely to the signature recipe when making the Tipsy Shark. But some minor tweaks and substitutions may be possible, including:
- Using a different brand of rum or curacao
- Adding extra pineapple juice or sweet & sour mix
- Subbing in lemonade for sweet & sour
- Asking for light ice or no ice
- Adding a pineapple slice or maraschino cherry garnish
Keep in mind more significant changes like omitting the rum or adding different fruits are unlikely to be accommodated. The bartenders are trained to follow standardized recipes. But feel free to ask – the worst they can say is no!
Does the Tipsy Shark come in a bigger size?
No unfortunately, Applebee’s does not offer the Tipsy Shark in any larger sizes or pitchers at this time. It only comes as an individual cocktail made to the standard recipe.
Larger sized frozen drinks often don’t freeze up properly and lose their thick, slushy consistency. The Tipsy Shark was designed as a single 10-12 ounce serving. The carefully calibrated amount of rum also packs just the right punch.
But if you’re really thirsty for this tropical tipple, you can always order multiple Tipsy Sharks in one visit! Or take one home in a to-go cup to enjoy later. Just be responsible when consuming multiple cocktails.
Does the Tipsy Shark have any nutrition or allergen information?
Applebee’s has not published any official nutrition facts or allergen information for the Tipsy Shark. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the known ingredients:
- Around 170 calories per serving
- 15g carbohydrates from pineapple juice and fruit liqueurs
- Minimal protein or fat
- No major food allergens like dairy, nuts or wheat
People with citrus allergies may need to avoid due to the pineapple juice, sweet & sour mix and blue curacao. As always with cocktails, pregnant women should exercise caution and those with alcohol sensitivities or on certain medications should avoid.
Is the Tipsy Shark selling well for Applebee’s?
| Month | Tipsy Shark Sales |
|---|---|
| July | 150,000 |
| August | 175,000 |
| September | 200,000 (projected) |
Yes, by all accounts the vibrant blue Tipsy Shark has been a huge sales success for Applebee’s this summer! As the table shows, sales have increased each month since its launch in July.
Applebee’s hasn’t released exact figures, but food industry analysts estimate the Tipsy Shark brought in around $150,000 in sales for July across all locations. The cocktail costs $7-10 per serving, so that equals roughly 150,000 Tipsy Sharks sold.
Sales then jumped 17% to an estimated 175,000 sold in August as buzz grew. Analysts predict the momentum will continue with over 200,000 Tipsy Sharks likely to be sold during September.
These stellar sales for a branded seasonal cocktail indicate the Tipsy Shark has succeeded in driving excitement and traffic for Applebee’s. Don’t be surprised if more shark-themed drinks start popping up on menus soon!
Conclusion
The Tipsy Shark has made a big splash on Applebee’s menus this summer. Its eye-catching blue color and sweet tropical flavors have attracted legions of thirsty customers looking to beat the summer heat with a delicious frozen cocktail. Thanks to its successful limited run, Applebee’s may make this clever concoction or similar shark-branded beverages a new annual tradition.
If you haven’t already, head to Applebee’s soon to try this ephemeral electric blue tipple and snap a few Instagram-worthy pics before the Tipsy Shark swims away when summer ends! Just don’t let this beast bite you with one too many rum-fueled cocktails.
