Is it time for a Barbie cocktail? Here's where you can drink pink

It was only a matter of time before bartenders hopped on the Barbie bandwagon. Heck, the blockbuster hit movie has spawned such pink-hued essentials as scented candles, toothpaste, iPhone cases, hoodies, hydration kits, frozen yogurt, and — why not — burgers (Burger King, pink sauced, apparently exclusively in Brazil).

So why not cocktails?

"We try to stay on top of the culture," said Regan DeBenedetto, director of operations for the Shannon Rose Irish Pub, when asked why it began offering two bright pink Barbie cocktails at its two locations: Ramsey and Clifton. "We thought it would be fun."

Fun? Of course. But maybe, just maybe, also, cha-ching. As CBS News put it, "go pink to see some green." Or, more green.

Jackie Donnelly, a mixologist at Bar Boutique in Ramsey, isn't coy about it. The swanky bar and wine shop decided to rename its quite popular, somewhat tweaked, classic Pink Lady cocktail (it uses dragon fruit in the gin-based drink for its pink tint as opposed to grenadine) to — wait for it — bBarbie.

"It's the same drink," she said. "We just thought it would sell even better. It looks very Barbiesque." Very sexy indeed, thanks to its bright pinkish-purplish tone and stunning edible flower.

We should note here that original Barbie not only never drank but she didn't ever eat. Her dreamhouse didn't have a kitchen. (Hey, is that what accounts for her va-va-voom body?)

But never mind. You can drink. And for fun — and a little buzz — why not try a Barbie cocktail?

Here are some spots in our region offering glammy rosy drinks that would make Barbie proud, if, that is, she actually imbibed.

Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Ramsey and Clifton

The Shannon Rose offers two Barbie drinks — one for adults and one for kids. Both shine, thanks to edible glitter. Teetotalers can enjoy a strawberry lemonade christened Skipper (for those who didn't grow up playing with Barbie, Skipper is Barbie's younger sister) and everyone else can enjoy "Hi Barbie!", prosecco, strawberry lemonade and an edible glitter rose. Whether you wear pink is completely up to you.

Go: 1200 Route 17, Ramsey; 201-962-7602 and 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton; 973 284-0200, theshannonrose.com.

Bar Boutique, Ramsey

Bring along your camera for Bar Boutique's Barbie, formerly Pink Lady (the classic you may have heard of). It's made with Botantist gin, dragon fruit, St. Germain and fresh Lime. Yup, you can eat that gorgeous flower on top but not before you snap a photo for your social media followers.

Go: 110 E. Main St., Ramsey;  201-735-7717, barboutiquenj.com.

Czen, Englewood

Do they play with Barbie in the Caribbean? Asia? You bet. Barbie is a worldwide sensation (it is sold in 150 countries). So it may not surprise that modern Caribbean-Asian fusion restaurant Czen (pronounced "season") has concocted a drink in honor of the doll and movie. Dubbed the Barbie Bliss, it features lemon vodka, strawberry puree, rose syrup and a watermelon-sugar rim. May I recommend getting the heavenly moshi moshi surf and turf ($65) also; it's humongous — share it with a friend.

Go: 36 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood; 201-431-9199, czenrestaurant.com/czen-englewood

Under the Boot, Jersey City

By now, you should have heard of BBQ joint Boots & Bones in Jersey City. Barbecue lovers are flocking to it, even from across the river. But have you heard of Under the Boot, Boots and Bones's speakeasy yet? Well, maybe its Barbie drink, really a Pink Lady, will inspire you to head on over there. Actually, if a Barbie drink is not enough, what do you say to a Barbie brunch?

On August 12, Under the Boots is hosting a Barbie-themed brunch ($75/person with three drinks, entree and desserts. Reservations? Yes. Pink attire? A must. Text 201-710-0147 for reservation or email marjory@theashfordjc.com.

Go: 116 Newark Ave., Jersey City; 201-706-3237, .bootsandbonesjc.com.

CoZie Cafe, Fair Lawn

Okay, this cafe is not offering alcohol drinks. But how can I not include a striking pink-topped latte in a darling local cafe? It's the brainchild of barista Bella Carmenatty, who grew up playing with Barbie, loves the color pink and likes her drinks sweet. The Barbie latte is made with coconut simple syrup ("Coconut is my favorite," she said), espresso coffee and strawberry puree-blended milk foam. "It's really pink," she said. "Lots of people have come in and asked for it."

Has Carmenatty seen the movie yet?

"No."

Why not?

"Work. It's what's preventing me. But I want to see it."

Go: 14-25 Plaza Road North Fair Lawn; 201-254-9029; ordercoziecafe.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Barbie cocktails in North Jersey: Where to find them