Since the approval of certain critters as food earlier this year, more places have been throwing them in as an interesting twist, putting it mildly. And no better way to spruce up Halloween than to sprinkle in some unconventional food choices, right? Here to make your skin crawl, Chupitos presents their Beetlejooze Party! Inspired by the namesake Beetlejuice, I’m sure you can already guess what this is themed around.
If cocktails and shots are right up your alley and you aren’t fazed by a couple of bugs chilling in your glasses (unlike some of my colleagues), then look no further! Taking the beetle part of Beetlejuice quite literally, join us as we bring you through a preview of Chupitos’ Beetlejooze Party!
Now, I’m an introvert; I’m the last person you would catch on a night out in places like Clarke Quay – especially during times as busy as the Halloween season. But Chupitos set the mood for a vibey night. A single step into the bar, and you already know you’re in for a good time. Lively music, lights to die for and faint smoke wafting through the room, they took the Halloween ambience to a whole new level.
Knock Back The Critters
As important as the atmosphere is, it means nothing if the drinks don’t hit the spot. With a twist as unorthodox as adding bugs to your drinks, I can see why many would be apprehensive. But before you write it off as a hard pass, take a chance on these beverages available from 24 October onwards – they surprised me too!
Cocktails & Shots
Kicking off the night, we started with the 3 cocktails they had to offer: Hell Hopper, Cricket Kiss, and Love Bugs.
Cricket Kiss was served first. Admittedly, it was a little strange to have a giant cricket staring back at me while I went in for a sip. A bright pink cocktail topped with a bed of foam, a sprig of rosemary and a dried lime slice, it’s as refreshing as it looks. Composed of berries and a lemon-lime slushy, this fruity mix was infused with Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, creating a perfect balance between the burn of the alcohol and the fresh taste of fruit. Floral and light, I could keep sipping on this the whole night – definitely my favourite of the 3.
Next up is Hell Hopper, though the name makes the drink more horrifying than it actually is. A vibrant yellow drink is garnished with a passionfruit slice, and grasshoppers are laid atop before being set ablaze—this drink is one for your eyes.
Tropical and smooth, the passionfruit gets a dash of lemon that meets your tastebuds before being complemented by Grey Goose vodka, sweet peach vermouth and floral falernum as it slides down the back of your throat with a pleasant warmth. If you’re not really one for the taste or burn of alcohol, this cocktail is for you. With the citrusy forefront masking most of the alcohol, this concoction goes down easy. Remember to hold your breath though – it probably isn’t good to breathe in too much burnt grasshopper fumes.
And our final cocktail is Love Bugs. Don’t be too intimidated by the makeshift hammock filled with tom yum crickets; just crunch down on them before washing it all down with the drink! A salt rim of crushed cricket cayenne pepper will meet your tastebuds before a fiery blend of mango and Patron Silver tequila burns its way down your throat, leaving behind a warmth that stretches all the way to your fingertips.
Up next are the shots! Bug Bite bites back with a shot of Bacardi Oro rum, dusted with cocoa powder and a citrusy (and crickety) twist. Super Sandworm is as simple as it gets: a shot of Patron Silver tequila with a superworm chilling in the glass. Be sure to chew before swallowing!
Finally, cool off with Creamy Crawler. Reminiscent of spiked chocolate milk, this whipped cream topped shot combines velvety Grey Goose vodka and cream liqueur as well as several pieces of chocolate and a silkworm pupa – a sweet treat after the burn.
Served with the drinks were a select few from Chupitos’ regular food menu. We were presented with a wasabi prawn seaweed taco, a small rack of corn “ribs” and a cluster of chicken bites drizzled in honey mustard. As hilariously entertaining as it was to watch my colleague check every dish for hidden critters, the food was just as good as the drinks.
Bugged Board Roulette
While just ordering the cocktails and shots by themselves is fine, it’s time to spice your night up even more. In this heart-pounding game of chance, your tastebuds are on the line. But it’s no fun to suffer alone. Grab a friend along and make them spin the wheel with you! After all, good things must be shared; the more the merrier, right?
From 24 October, try your luck in the Bugged Out Roulette, where you only really have 2 options – get lucky or get bugged. On a roulette board of 12 spaces, your next drink (or snack) awaits. Consisting of 6 shots topped with your newly acquainted “friends”, 3 regular insect-free shots and 3 straight-up critters, it’s time for a buzzed night.
Chupitos’ Beetlejooze Party
Feel something crawling down your spine? With spooky season in full swing, there’s a whole bunch of ways to celebrate it. Whether you’re screaming your heart out at Halloween Horror Nights, donning your scariest costumes for a party, or getting totally plastered at a bar, it’s a night to let loose.
Beyond just the critters in your glass, the Beetlejooze Party also offers to let you take a shot at crafting your own margaritas through a bicycle blender – so embrace your inner witch and brew up some spooky concoctions! That’s not all; you and your friends can get a whole new look with their face painter or gaze into your future through a tarot card reading. Above all, jam out to a live band and a DJ as you dive into this spooktacular night!
If you and your friends are planning to go all out, perhaps you should turn towards the VIP table. Equipped with 2 rounds of the Bugged Board Roulette, a full bottle of spirit, a cocktail jug and a set of Chupitos’ playing cards, the night is young and anything could happen.
🗓️Date: 26 October 2024
📍Location: Chupitos, 3E River Valley Road #01-01, The Circuit, CQ@, Clarke Quay, 179024
💲Price:
- Free entry before 10pm
- Priority Access: $27 (includes a drink)
- VIP Table: $688 (6-8 pax, only 10 pm onwards)
⏰Time:
- Doors Open: 6pm
- Live Music: 7.15pm – 10.30pm
- DJ: 10.30pm onwards
So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now and keep up to date with the event on their Instagram. If Chupitos’ Beetlejooze Party has you returning on a regular night or you’re craving for more than what’s on their Halloween menu, then check out their website for their full offerings!
Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team.
