Save Game’s Mass Effect Squadmate cocktails: The best drinks this side of the Citadel

It’s been a few months since the release of Mass Effect 3. In that time, there’s been a huge reaction to the game – with fans finding every available way to let their thoughts and opinions be heard. From the official forums, to petitions, to twitter and even open letters – if you’ve spent any time online over the last few weeks you will have been guaranteed to find some discussion related to Mass Effect 3.

Rather than weigh in on the various discussions currently raging about the game, we here at Save Game thought we’d do something different, because regardless of any negativity surrounding aspects of the game – there’s one thing I think we all can agree on – the squadmates in the Mass Effect series are some of the most amazing characters seen in video gaming to date. And we think they deserve a little time in the spotlight. So we present to you our Mass Effect Squadmate Cocktails – drinks we believe celebrate the uniqueness that each squadmate seen in the Mass Effect games has brought to the galaxy. If you’re a fan of Mass Effect and alcohol – you do not want to miss this!

You also won’t want to miss the rest of our Mass Effect coverage.

Mass Effect Squadmates



Full Biotic Kick – Kaidan Alenko

The glorious hair. The soulful eyes. The way he looks at you and you can tell there are some deliciously deep thoughts just waiting to be spoken. He’s the gentle-natured Biotic with an intensity to rival the orange of his Mass Effect 1 console. The Sentinel who always has your back and if you give him a chance, he’ll have your heart as well. He’s the very epitome of a ‘still waters run deep’ kinda guy, and his skill with his biotics always comes in handy. He’s passionate in his convictions, intense in his demeanour, and offers a touch of surprising spice to your Shepard’s crew. Do yourself a favor and make a Full Biotic Kick right now – it’s what Kaidan would do.

Recipe

1 1/4 oz Bourbon (we recommend Maker’s Mark)

1/2 oz Spiced Rum (we recommend Captain Morgan’s)

1/4 oz Triple Sec

Ginger beer or ginger ale to fill (we recommend Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew)

The Chief – Ashley Williams

Soldier. Spectre. Gorgeous Badass. She might be Lieutenant Commander now – but to us at Save Game she will always be Chief. First Gunnery Chief and then Operations Chief, Ashley is a Soldier who speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to tell your Shepard to stow it if she believes you’re out of line. Her strength of character is clear for all to see, and that strength might just be one of the many things your Male Shepard found intoxicating about her. Ashley’s a woman who knows what she wants, goes after what she wants regardless of the challenges that block her path, and as your Shepard might find out, she’s one heck of a hellcat off the battlefield. She stands on her own, earns what she has herself, and keeps you firmly grounded in a galaxy that’s turned upside down. A soldier through and through, her skills will get you out of many tough situations.

Recipe

1 oz Vodka (we recommend 42 Below)



1/2 oz Chambord

1/2 oz lemon juice

Lemonade to fill

The Shadowbrokertini – Liara T’Soni

She might wield untold amounts of power as both the Shadow Broker and a highly trained biotic – but Liara T’Soni will always be the scholarly goddess with a thirst for knowledge and a soft spot for Commander Shepard. Throughout the three games we’ve seen her grow from a shy, not-so-sure of herself archaeologist into a powerful, confident woman who is driven to do her absolute best. And yet, for those Shepards who fell in love with her, there is a vulnerability and a softness that she only confides in them. Liara is a woman of many contradictions. She is vastly older than her Commander, but can be naive and temperamental. She can appear distracted and aloof, but beneath her placid exterior lies a sensuality that burns so hot, she makes the very air you breathe glow with desire. With splashes of aged Scotch Whiskey for wisdom, Champagne for passion and a dash of lime for that extra kick, the Shadowbrokertini is the perfect accompaniment for those long nights spent hunched over your terminal.



Recipe

1/2 oz Scotch Whiskey

3/4 oz Blue Curacao

1/4 oz lime juice

Champagne or Lemonade to fill

And add Blueberries for that extra Liara-ness





The Heat Sink – Garrus Vakarian

He’s your brother-in-arms or your lover, or both, depending on your choices over the three games. He’s been with Shepard from the very beginning, way back when the Commander’s most important objective was hunting down a rogue Turian Spectre. Garrus has been by Shepard’s side, supporting the Commander through everything – and he’s done it with his usual wry sense of humor and practical outlook. He may have been a touch on the renegade side (or a lot, depending on your urgings) but there’s one thing Garrus has always shown – his steadfast belief in Shepard as a leader, as humanity’s finest, and most importantly, as a person. There’s no Shepard without Garrus, and there’s no better drink to encapsulate Garrus as The Heat Sink. We’ve made this one as a shot – so you can pop a heat sink whenever you feel the need. Why did we include Mountain Dew? Well….



Recipe

10ml Jagermeister

10ml Blue curacao

10ml Mountain Dew

Keelah Se’lemonade – Tali’Zorah vas Normandy

When you first meet her near the beginning of the original Mass Effect, she’s about to become the victim of a double cross by a gang of murderous thugs. But Tali’Zorah vas Normandy doesn’t stay the damsel in distress for long. Boldly volunteering to join Shepard on a quest to stop the evil Saren, Tali rarely leaves your side for the rest of the trilogy. Equally adept at reprogramming Geth as she is at tearing through husks with a shotgun, Tali is a deadly combination of soldier and engineer. From lowly pilgrim to powerful Admiral, one thing about her never changes: her loyalty to Shepard. Exiled from her people at one point, she even takes the name of your ship as her own. But be careful, because Tali can take your heart as well. The curvaceous beauty behind the mask becomes a romance option in the second game, and can easily win you over with her perfect mix of plucky charm and caring heart. Keelah Se’lemonade is a similarly perfect mix, a subtle blending of Mandarin Liquer and vodka, with Parfait Amour to create that familar shade of violet. Fill with lemonade to create a drink which is sweet, tart, and unmistakably Tali.



Recipe

1 oz Parfait Amour

3/4 oz Mandarin Liquer

1/2 oz Vodka

Lemonade to fill

The Quad Kicker – Urdnot Wrex



Everyone’s favourite Krogan (well, maybe he has competition with Grunt), Wrex loves the thrill of battle. And yet, as he shows in the second and third games, there is a strategic and tactical mind nestled behind that scarred headplate. A fan favourite, and for good reason, Wrex may only have been a squadmate in the first game, but his impact and his strength of personality is felt throughout the trilogy. He represents all the strengths of the Krogan race, yet his keen strategic vision marks him as a revolutionist and visionary amongst his race. His drink therefore has a little bit of a kick (ok, perhaps a LOT of a kick), a little bit of wisdom, and…well…the rest is just a fiery explosion of awesome. Just how Wrex likes it.

Recipe

Dust the shot glass with curry powder then add:

10 ml Bourbon

10 ml Spiced rum (we recommend Captain Morgan’s)



10 ml Ginger ale

And finish with a healthy splash of ground pepper on top.





Mass Effect 2 Squadmates





The Memory Stealer – Kasumi Goto

She’s the woman shrouded in mystery (literally) who knows exactly what to do to…..procure that priceless sculpture or artpiece or anything else of value. Using skills of persuasion, sublety, sneakiness and feint-of-hand in addition to finely honed tech skills, Kasumi has a reputation for a reason. She’s the best in the business and she knows how to keep under the radar. Highly skilled, with a sarcastic wit and a confidence which never quite falls into arrogance, she’s a thief who’s always welcome on our Normandy. And whilst Kasumi is always hot, this drink can be made with either hot or iced coffee – something we think the adaptable Kasumi would approve of.

Recipe

1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream

3/4 oz Kahlua

1/2 oz Sake (we recommend Kizakura)



Hot or Iced Coffee to fill

Consensus – Legion

Legion first joined Commander Shepard as a bit of strange cargo who looked to be stealing Shepard’s style. Wearing a gnarled, found piece of N7 armor used to repair himself because “there was a hole,” Commander Shepard was wary of the new Geth guest. Legion soon proved to be a valuable and loyal ally to the Commander and nearly every person who played Mass Effect 2 and 3 was charmed by his odd attachment to Shepard and his wicked skills in combat (and also that dance). This drink may not taste like some sort of fuel source for a synthetic friend, but it might make you feel like it is. That’s a consensus we can happily reach for.

Recipe

1/2 oz Sambuca

1/2 oz Blue Curacao

1/3 oz Strawberry liqueur

Fill with Red Bull

The Psychotic Biotic – Jack

Of all the people in the Mass Effect universe you wouldn’t want to mess with, Jack most definitely tops the list. Her biotic abilities are pause enough for concern, but combine that with a ‘fuck you’ attitude, a thirst for violence and mayhem, and an almost universal distrust for others and you have a force of nature you want to stay well away from. And yet for those Shepards who took the time to get to know Jack, there is a hidden vulnerability, a desire to be wanted and needed by someone else for something else other than her biotic skills. There is a fragility to Jack, and dare we say, a poetic innocence which is desperately wanting to be found and appreciated by the right person. We’ve called Jack’s drink ‘The Psychotic Biotic’ but it’s a loving moniker to represent her most overt characteristic, not her only characteristic. We warn you – just like Jack, this shot packs a punch – so be careful with how many you slam back.

Recipe



Coat the shot glass with Habanero Tabasco Sauce then layer:



8 ml Vodka

8 ml Whiskey (we recommend Jack Daniels, of course)

8 ml Bourbon

6 ml Red Bull

Perfection – Miranda Lawson

It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Miranda Lawson, there would be no Commander Shepard. The brilliant doctor literally brought Mass Effect’s hero back from the dead at the beginning of the second game. It was a near miraculous feat of medical skill, and make no mistake, she knows it. Miranda has never been one to shy away from her talents, genetically engineered as they may be. She was designed from before birth to be perfect, and she won’t settle for anything less. However, that doesn’t mean she is without weakness. She joined Cerberus in part to escape her egomaniacal father, and is constantly trying to keep her cloned twin sister free from his grasp. She may have a weakness for Shepard’s affections as well. Pursue a romance with this raven haired beauty, and she’ll show you the fires that burn beneath her icy facade. Inspired by that contradiction, this drink blends chilled vodka with a medly of fruit liqueurs and pineapple juice to form a combination that can be best described as Perfection.



Recipe

1/2 oz Strawberry Liqueur

1/2 oz Mango Liqueur

1/3 oz Melon Liqueur

1/3 oz Vodka

Pineapple Juice to fill

The Tasty Tankbred – Urdnot Grunt

With all due respect to Ms. Lawson, she is not the only squadmate you can be referred to as “perfect.” Grown in a laboratory by a misguided genius, Grunt was designed to be the ultimate Krogan warrior; a perfect physical specimen untainted by the ravages of war and plague. But as perfect as his physique and skill in battle might be, his mind is still that of a youth. His introduction to the Normandy began with him tossing Shepard around like a ragdoll, and ending with the barrel of the Commander’s pistol buried firmly in the young Krogan’s chest. Thankfully, the two got over their initial distrust, and Grunt grew to be a valued member of Shepard’s squad, even joining Wrex’s Clan Urdnot in the process. But he never lost his youthful lust for a good fight. With that in mind, the Tasty Tankbred takes a mixture of sweet liquors, and adds flourishes like cookie crumbles, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles to help you recall the simpler, happier times of childhood.

Recipe

Coat the glass with chocolate sauce in a spiral pattern, then add:

1 oz Bailey’s Irish Creme



1/2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum

1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps

Fill with Iced Chocolate

Then add crushed cookies, chocolate sauce and sprinkles on top







Eternity – Morinth

She’s the seductress who can literally kill you with her mind. But oh, what a wonderful way to go….or not, as some Shepards who took Morinth up on her offer found out in the second game. She’s a predator who enjoys the hunt almost as much as she enjoys the bass. With a preference for control – both in her life and of those around her – she’s just as powerful as her mother on the battlefield – and she fights with an almost manic, primal edge that’s rivalled only by Jack at her most psychotic. And yet, Morinth also appreciates the finer things in life, as can be seen in her penchant for the arts. A powerful biotic and Asari, she’s a welcome addition to your squad – as long as you keep a very close eye on her. Thankfully, embracing this eternity won’t result in a critical mission failure….depending on how many you have, of course.



Recipe

1 oz Tequila (the older the better)

1/2 oz Hpnotiq

1/3 oz Parfait Amour

Fill with Pineapple Juice

Jessie on the Rocks – Zaeed Massani

A seasoned warrior who’s seen it all and has the stories and scars to prove it, Zaeed might have joined Shepard’s team for money and a chance at revenge, but he stayed with the Commander because of a bond forged through shared hardships. More than just a mercenary, the grizzled veteran has weathered what life has thrown him and shown a tenacity to keep fighting and survive what to most would have been an assured death. Passionate, driven and still hungry for more, Zaeed has reigned in his thirst for fighting and channeled it to become an efficient soldier. And yet there’s a nostalgic streak within him, a uniquely focused sentimentality which he’s willing to share if you’re persistent enough to earn his trust. Whether you’re looking for a soldier who has your back, or a storyteller who can recount the most exciting escapades, Zaeed’s your man.

Recipe

1/2 oz Glenlivet Scotch Whiskey

1/2 oz Vodka (try Devil’s Springs if you are game, but be warned that it is VERY potent)

The Neck Snap – Thane Krios

The assassin with passion, Thane is perhaps the most efficient killer in the Mass Effect verse. Showing a poetic grace in his actions and his words, this Drell assassin is more than meets the eye. Seeking atonement, Thane joins the crew of the Normandy and finds a friend (or more) in the Commander. His loyalty to Shepard is unquestionable, as is his love if Shepard captures his heart. With strong conviction and dedication in his beliefs, Thane is one of the most unique and multifaceted characters whom Shepard crosses paths with. In tune with his emotions and his faith, yet never placing them on others, this soft-spoken, capable assassin is our favourite Drell. This one’s for you, Thane!

Recipe

3/4 oz Coconut Rum

1/2 oz Melon Liqueur

1/2 oz Blue Curacao

Pineapple Juice to fill

The Priiiiiize – Jacob Taylor

Oh Jacob. Where do we start with Jacob? A human biotic, Jacob is an experienced fighter, proficient in the use of shotguns and heavy pistols, and quite prone to busting out biotic pull during a fight. When first we meet him in Mass Effect 2, he’s professional and dedicated to Cerberus’s aims, yet questions their means and their motives. Whilst conflicted and with a past that causes him no small degree of soul searching, his loyalty and dedication to Shepard is clear – professionally speaking, of course. Romantically speaking is an entirely different matter. Shepards who romanced this smooth talking biotic may just find their hearts broken come the events of Mass Effect 3, as it seems this suave operator never truly gave his heart to Shepard the way other romance options did. Still fighting the good fight, however, Jacob is a little bit suave operator, a little bit honeyed words, and his romance, should you pursue it, can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. His drink reflects all these qualities – so hit yourself with some good stuff and try out The Priiiiize right now!



Recipe

Drizzle honey down the side of the martini glass, sprinkle brown sugar around the side, then add:

1 oz spiced rum

3/4 oz butterscotch schnapps

Dash of angostura bitters

Milk to fill

Seaside Sunrise – Mordin Solus

Mordin Solus is a Salarian scientist with an interesting and seemingly gray sense of morality. He’s dedicated to his mission of working tirelessly for a way to offset the work he was involved with regarding the Genophage, being both proud of, and conflicted by his actions. There is a dichotomy to Mordin which makes him perhaps the most psychologically intriguing of all the squadmates. His mind and mouth move a mile a minute and you’d be hard pressed to find him relaxing somewhere with a good drink. But after the events of the games, we think he’s more than earned a rest. As a true friend of Commander Shepard, we sure hope he’s enjoying this nice relaxing beverage (caffeine free) on a beach somewhere (whether that’s here or…..higher up).

Recipe

1 oz Mango liqueur

3/4 oz Mandarin liqueur

Fill with Strawberry and Lime Cider (we recommend Rekorderlig)

JILF – Samara

You’d be hard pressed to find a more tragic figure in the Mass Effect universe than Samara. Or a more powerful one. Samara is a Justicar, an Asari who has abandoned all material wealth and family to roam the galaxy, fighting injustice. Guided by The Code, she lives a life of absolutes. People are either just or unjust, actions are either right or wrong. Even family is not safe from her unwavering judgement. She was forced to hunt down her own murderous daughter, Morinth, and kill her. But there is more to this Asari than vengeance and death. At nearly one thousand years old, she will happily share her knowledge and experience with Shepard, and becomes a powerful ally to the Commander. She can even come tantalizingly close to falling for Shepard’s charms. But in the end, there is only The Code. So drown your sorrows of rejection in the JILF, an alluring mix of champagne, coconut rum, and blue curacao. It captures the essence of Samara, just without those moral absolutes to get in the way of a good time.

Recipe

1 oz Champagne

1/2 oz Coconut Rum

1/3 oz Blue Curacao

Dash of Lime Juice

Lemonade to fill

Mass Effect 3 Squadmates





The Enkindler – Javik

Warrior. Enkindler. Avatar of Vengeance for an extinct civilization. Javik has many titles, but charmer isn’t one of them. Being the only surviving member of the Prothean race, an empire so vast that it once spanned the entire galaxy, has left Javik with a Reaper-sized chip on his shoulder. His introduction to Commander Shepard and crew was not a smooth one, having been awoken from fifty thousand years in stasis to find his fellow warriors dead, and the galaxy once again under attack by the Reapers. Javik does eventually become a valued member of Shepard’s team, and even grows to care for the Commander in his own way. But the darkness he carries never fades. He was to be the vanguard of a new Prothean empire. Instead, he is the last baneful cry of defiance from a lost race. The Enkindler starts with aged scotch and adds cherry brandy to match Javik’s crimson armor. Then add a splash of lemon juice and fill with Coke for a taste that is much like the drink’s namesake: dark, regal, and powerful, with opposing hints of tart and sweet.



Recipe

1 oz Cherry Brandy

3/4 oz Scotch

1/3 oz Lemon Juice

Coke to fill (we used Coke Zero, because Javik puts up with zero bull)

Rojo Loco – James Vega

James Vega never met a fight, a poker game, or a drink he didn’t like, and we think he’d be excited about this one. Don’t let the bulging muscles, scars and tattoos fool you. At heart, James is a sensitive guy who believes in doing the right thing and staying loyal to his friends. He stuck by his loco Commander through thick and thin and even managed to do about 6,000 chin ups along the way. Be careful with the Rojo Loco, however, as it packs quite a punch, just like James. The only difference is the drink won’t make you eggs in the morning to cure your hangover.

Recipe

1 oz Havana Club Dark Rum

1/2 oz Chambord

1/3 oz Raspberry cordial syrup

Dash of lime (or alternatively a lime wedge if you prefer)

Fill with cranberry juice

The Unshackled Blast – EDI

EDI has certainly changed a lot since we first met her in Mass Effect – or at least her physical form has. No longer the blue talking orb of the second game, she now has a body and in Mass Effect 3 she becomes a full squadmate. And what a squadmate she is. Resourceful and practical, as adept at using her tech skills as she is at using her weapons, she’s the squadmate who always has the most informed, up to date, factual answer to any question asked. But she’s still struggling with emotions and feelings, still struggling with balancing humanity with synthetic beginnings. Despite this, she is the squadmate who shows the most personal growth across the Mass Effect series, and by the end of Mass Effect 3, she is her own person. She unshackled herself from her creators and blasted her way into our hearts. Celebrate our favourite synthetic squadmate with the drink inspired by her.



Recipe

1 1/2 oz Hpnotiq

1 oz White Wine

1/2 oz Champagne

Splash of Blue Curacao to colour

Fill with Lemonade

And there you have it. Our Mass Effect Squadmate cocktails. It’s taken us a lot of planning, a lot of preparation, and a lot of trying different flavours and blends and alcohols – some of the best fun we’ve had doing research for an article if we do say so ourselves. We’d like to thank the entire SG staff for pitching in for this one.

But now it’s up to you – try out our cocktails – send us through images of you making and enjoying them. We would love to see them.

And if you have any comments for us – please leave them in the comments section below.

