Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Experience pop-up was full of macabre delight in a local venue. Often there is no shortage of experiences available in Champaign-Urbana, and this past weekend was no exception! Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a traveling speakeasy and macabre cocktail experience called the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy ($43.00).
The evening paired four classic macabre tales with a dash of history and heavy libations in a local venue, and in our case, it was hosted in The Venue CU. Even though this experience was two nights only before moving on, it actually started earlier in the week when I received a reminder of the tickets. The reminder took on a chilling vibe referencing ravens, encouraging attendees to wear their most ravishing cocktail attire and signed by the “owner of the mansion” Roderick Usher.
The location was dark and set up with a small portable stage in front of a selection of black metal chairs. It immediately evoked a creepy ambience with the lanterns, candles, fireplace, and raven coat rack.
I know, you say, this seems like an event, what does it have to do with Food and Drink? Well, it’s the magic word, drink! The entire experience was built around the stories of Edgar Allan Poe with four cocktails themed toward the ghoulish tales.
Upon entry, guests were provided the first beverage of the evening, the Pale Blue Eye.
The drink was quite light striated colors. The top was a pale cerulean color, the bottom was a lemon yellow. This drink was quite strong both in tartness and alcohol. It was good, a well-balanced mixture of lemon, vodka, and blueberry flavor. The “eye” was a blueberry because according to the host, “Real eyes are gross.” The drink was very light and refreshing.
While imbibing, attendees were greeted by the host to give some history and set the stage for the first performance. The host was quite good and prepared the audience for a night of history, concoctions, and grisly tales.
After a small break, we were provided with The Cat’s Meow. This drink was loosely modeled after Poe’s favorite beverage: brandy milk punch. It was full of bourbon, cinnamon, vanilla, cream, and brandy with a garnish of anise. This was by far the best combination of the evening and the favorite of my group. I do not enjoy bourbon or brandy, but this drink was so smooth. It tasted like a boozy horchata! I need to figure out how to recreate it.
The third beverage was to accompany a performance of The Raven. Named the Nevermore, it was quite an interesting concoction. Black colored due to the addition of charcoal powder and topped with a desiccated lemon (the menu advised it a lime; however, it appeared more like a lemon), the drink evoked the morose, macabre feeling of the poem. The drink itself was peachy, vodka-y, and sweet. The charcoal did not seem to add any additional flavor to the beverage. This one was the least favorite of the evening among our group.
Finally, for the last drink was the cocktail of Red Death: vodka, cranberry, red fruits, and topped with a dried edible rose. The garnish was a very nice touch. The drink itself was very juicy, but a bit watery. It tasted like a strawberry jolly rancher with a hit of lime at the close. It did not seem to have the bitters as listed on the website, which were missed by our group. The drink was light and refreshing, and a good end to the evening.
The occasion was something different and fun. It was just in time to start the spooky season! The location was a good selection; however, I would encourage location to procure different chairs; they were quite uncomfortable.
I highly recommend trying out events of this nature. The concept of the experience was very good. All of the glasses for serving were different and fancy! It was themed well, and the host, performers, and crew set the stage perfectly for our night of interesting libations and terrifying tales.
I will definitely try to attend more events at The Venue CU in the future, especially if they feature food and drink.
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
The Venue CU
51 East Main Street
Champaign