11 pink cocktails to try at the Jersey Shore
Barbie has taken over: pink clothes, pink hair and, soon, pink costumes.
Fashionistas have been predicting the popularity of Barbie this Halloween, whether it be Barbie and Ken’s iconic roller-skate couple costume, or something more individualistic, like Barbie in her flared pink pants suit.
But it’s not enough to just wear pink, is it? Sip on something pink this Halloween, too. These local bars have cocktails in-store for all you Barbies out there.
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Whether Barbie’s driftin’ away in a daydream, or losing sleep over existential dread, Drifthouse has a pink drink for her to sip (based on the movie, she could probably use a nightcap).
The Driftin’ Away has Hanson Cucumber Vodka, Hanson Habanero Vodka, watermelon puree and fresh lime. When not in crisis, Barbie’s always up for a party. Go: 1485 Ocean Ave North Suite 2225, Sea Bright; 732-530-9760, drifthousedb.com.
Homesick, Asbury Park
Whether Barbie’s feeling homesick for her Dream House, or just looking to be a bit more delicate in pastel pink, this drink’s got her covered.
With deep autumn flavors, the Fig Cosmo sports fig vodka, lime, cranberry and citrus-infused simple syrup.
A regular old cosmo is pink as is, but this one takes the classiness to another level.
Go: 522 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; 732-774-1264, lovehomesick.com.
Laylow Cocktail Lounge, Asbury Park
This Starter Car might not be Barbie’s hot pink convertible, but it’s so pretty it’s got a flower on top.
Available on the special fall menu, the Starter Car has vodka, dragon fruit, green tea, light coconut and soda for a fizzy, refreshing vibe.
Go: 603 Mattison Ave., Asbury Park; laylowap.com.
Lita and La Otra, Aberdeen
This two-stop-shop gets bonus points for girl power. The main restaurant, Lita, and it’s cuisine were inspired by Chef David Viana’s mother, as well as woman co-owned by Heirloom Kitchen’s Neilly Robinson.
The lounge, La Otra? Well she’s a swanky social butterfly that’s the life of the party.
And as the “Barbie” movie says, “Because Barbie can be anything, women can be anything.”
Albeit not the most feminist name, the Side Piece cocktail contains Salers Aperitif, Rose Vermouth (Cocchi Rose), lime juice and orange bitters — all garnished with pink rock salt.
Also try the Rosita, with Suyo Pisco, mezcal, red bell pepper, strawberry, Ancho Reyes, aperol and lemon.
Go: 1055 Route 34, Aberdeen; 732-696-8517, thelovelylita.com.
The Loaded Spoon, Freehold Township
Barbie’s getting a little femme fatale with this one. Bloody-pinkish red in color, To Kill a Rose is a little tougher than the rest.
This killer cocktail has Casamigos Blanco, Aperol, rose water, strawberry and lemon. While the name doesn’t sound too innocent, it certainly tastes sweet.
Go: 108 Schanck Road, Freehold Township; 732813-8700, loaded-spoon.com.
Pascale & Sabine, Asbury Park
Any fancy meal at Pascal & Sabine wouldn’t be complete without a French martini — and this restaurant certainly drips with Barbie’s level of class.
The classic cocktail comes with Harridan vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice.
We recommend trying the Wagyu beef steak tartare with egg yolk while you’re there — it’s decadently delicious, and pink too.
Go: 601 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park; 732-774-3395, pascalandsabine.com.
Porta, Asbury Park
This floral number is called Hibiscus Sunset — fitting for any golden hour near the Asbury Park boardwalk.
It contains Conniption American Dry gin, hibiscushoney syrup and lemon, leaving both floral and tart fruity notes.
Most importantly, it’s hot pink.
Go: 911 Kingsley St., Asbury Park; 732-776-7661, pizzaporta.com.
The Terrace Tavern, Long Beach
This Negroni might not have Sbagliato or Prosecco in it, like “House of Dragon” star Emma D’Arcy’s drink of choice, but it is pink.
The Pink Negroni contains Sourland Spirits gin (from Hopewell), Campari and Lillet, served with a lemon peel.
The Terrace Tavern is open weekends through New Year’s Eve.
Go: 13201 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach; 609-4929751, terracetavernlbi.com.
Baseline Social, Oceanport
This brand-new venue has something for Barbie and Ken.
Try the Pink Ribbon with Tito’s vodka, St. Germain, hibiscus, lemon juice and sparkling rose, made in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month with $2 of each drink sold going to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Doctor Barbie would approve.
If you do plan on bringing “Ken” along, remind him that he’s not “just ken” with his very own Mojo Dojo Casa House. It’s made with Casamigos Blanco tequila, mezcal, aperol, lime juice, agave and Hellfire bitters.
Go: 675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport; 732-430-2533, baselinesocialnj.com.
Delaware Ave. Oyster House & Bar, Beach Haven
Another one to make Dr. Barbie proud.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Breast Cocktail Around has Empress 1908 Elderflower and Rose gin, St. Germaine, fresh lemon and pineapple. All proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Go: 13211 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven; 609-4923352, delawareaveoysterhouse.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.