The Last of Us Cordyceps Cocktail

The apocalyptic, zombie wasteland of The Last of Us video game and TV show both feature an abundance of one particular crop: mushrooms. Specifically Cordyceps. That’s right, a simple little fungus becomes quite a danger in this story about a young girl and a heartbroken surrogate dad traveling through post-outbreak America. After a season of staring at Clickers and Bloaters (terrifying, fungal-like zombies), we couldn’t help but make a cocktail inspired by the Infected and their mushroom influences. Mix up this mushroom cocktail for the premiere of the second season coming soon. (Please do not be concerned: it will not turn you into a Clicker or a Bloater.)

What is a Cordyceps Mushroom?

Cordyceps Mushrooms are actually a real type of mushroom, though unlike in The Last of Us, they do not pose a zombie-virus threat. However, in the TV show’s fictional world, Cordyceps Mushrooms can take over people’s bodies, paralyze them, grow within them, and continue to reproduce (something that only happens to a limited number of insect species in the real world). The fictional global outbreak from these mutated mushrooms starts with crops and then infects others through contact with bodily fluids. A tiny fungus brings down an entire world.

When Does The Last of Us Season 2 Come Out?

The Last of Us season 2 premieres on HBO Max in April of 2025 with no official release date yet. This second season of the hit show starts five years after Joel and Ellie’s journey in Season 1. It also comes with a new character, Abby. There is tension between Abby and Joel due to the ending of the first season and thus, she is on the hunt for him and Ellie. Look forward to seven new episodes and hopefully a season three announcement after this season’s release.

The Last of Us Cordyceps Cocktail

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• Author: Zack Durkin

Print Recipe

Description

Don’t worry, this mushroom cocktail won’t give you a zombie-like infection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz vodka or gin
• 5 oz dry vermouth
• 5 oz pickled mushroom liquid
• Pickled mushrooms, for garnish

For the pickled mushroom liquid:

• .5 lb oyster mushrooms
• 1.25 cups white vinegar
• 1 tsp whole mustard seeds
• .75 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• .5 tsp whole allspice
• 3 dried bay leaves
• 1 carrot cut into slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare pickled mushrooms a week in advance, or use a jar of store-bought pickled mushrooms.
2. Add all vodka (or gin), vermouth, and pickled mushroom liquid to mixing glass.
3. Add ice and stir for up to 30 seconds.
4. Strain into chilled stemmed glass of your choice.
5. Garnish with pickled mushroom.
6. Serve and enjoy!

For the pickled mushroom liquid:

1. Boil mushrooms for 6 – 10 minutes. Remove from water and blanch in ice water.
2. Add all brine ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil.
3. Put cooled down mushrooms in a glass jar. Pour boiling brine over the mushrooms.
4. Close the lid and allow it to seal. Allow to cool down on the counter and then place in the refrigerator.

Recipe by Zack Durkin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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