Fans of Victorian Gothic literature and poetry? Or just anything that resembles the aesthetic of everything from “Sleepy Hollow” and “Crimson Peak” to “Frankenstein” and “Dracula”? You shall rejoice in dark harmony.
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, a traveling immersive cocktail experience, returns to The Queen Mary after debuting in 2024. The horror troupe comes to our shores on Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, with multiple showings.
“We are returning to Long Beach with an exclusive, all-new selection of Poe’s most haunting tales,” said show producer Midnight Creative in a press release. “Sip on four newly crafted spirits. Or enjoy bespoke mocktails. And enjoy as Poe historians guide you through an independent anthology of legends and lore.”
What is the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy? And what can we expect when it boards The Queen Mary?
It is easy to think of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy as a cocktail tour. It stops at some 30 cities across the United States. We’re talking smaller and lesser known places like Piqua, Ohio and Muncie, Indiana to sprawling metros like Seattle, Portland, and Grand Rapids. Event organizers call it a “chilling cocktail experience. One that brings four of his stories off the page and onto the stage as told through the Poe historians while pairing them with four classic cocktails.”
And it will be hosted in the ship’s mighty Queen’s Salon room, the perfect setting for Mr. Poe’s gothic vibe. Sure, it may hold a much more contemporary style with its overall Art Deco flourishes. But with a little dim lighting there… And its wood paneling over there… The inlaid parquet flooring… And its overall old time-y vibe, it should prove quite fruitful for tales of the macabre and drinks dedicated to them.
What are the cocktails being served at the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy?
Four cocktails will be served at the event. Each is themed to some aspect of Poe’s life, style, and, of course, his written words.
The American, Boston-born author and poet—widely considered the founding father of short fiction, detective stories, and one of the leading contributors to science fiction as it was emerging during the Gothic movement—never really saw the fruit of his labors. Working as a writer alone, he depended on a publishing world that was anything but supportive.
Dying at the age of 40, he never knew that he would become one of the most respected authors in the history of literature. And of course, spawn a countrywide cocktail tour inspired by his writings.
Here are the cocktails you can expect to get with your $65 ticket….
Four cocktails will served in conjunction with a particular piece from Poe’s library.
“Swing of Fate” (paired with Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum”): Stoli Vanilla | Stoli Vodka | Lemon juice | Passionfruit juice | Sparkling lemon water | Blackberry
Montresor’s Revenge (paired with Poe’s “Cask of Amontillado”): Stoli Vodka | Amontillado | Chambord | Orange juice | Red fruit syrup | Mint
Lover’s Lament (paired with Poe’s “Annabel Lee”): Cynar | Bulleit bourbon | Lemonade | Lemon
Roderick’s Ruin (paired with Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher”): Stoli Vanilla | Dark cold brew | Mocha | Pomegranate juice
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy aboard The Queen Mary costs $65, is for those 21 and over only, and takes place on May 29 and May 30. For tickets, click here.
Are the drinks included in the cover charge?
Yes, they are!