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By Suzanne Blake
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Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar kicked off the new year with menu updates, introducing fresh entrees, innovative appetizers, and the return of fan-favorite $6 cocktails.
Beginning this week, the chain's $6 "Mucho Smoocho Sips" cocktail deal features the return of the Tipsy Cupid, an alcoholic lemonade made with Smirnoff Vodka, orange liqueur, strawberry, and lemon sour.
The chain is also introducing the new Prickly Ever After Rita, a margarita made with Cuervo Tradicional Blanco Tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and prickly pear.
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The new cocktails are garnished with gummi lips for a playful twist, according to the restaurant's release. Guests can further customize drinks with optional Grey Goose vodka or Don Julio Reposado tequila "Vibe Drops."
Meanwhile, the non-alcoholic Prickly Melon Rush, featuring Red Bull Watermelon, prickly pear, lime juice and lemon-lime soda, was introduced for guests seeking mocktail options.
“It’s easy to find something (or someone) to fall in love with at Applebee’s – like our Mucho Smoocho Sips,” said Nate Grover, executive director of bar and beverage at Applebee’s, in a statement. “Our $6 Mucho cocktails or our new mocktail are perfect for the ultimate night out, so toast to 2026 with your nearest and dearest at your local Applebee’s today.
Applebee’s operates 1,512 franchise locations in the U.S. and internationally as of September. The chain has historically positioned itself as a budget-friendly, community-focused brand, emphasizing both flavor and affordability in its latest menu revamp.
"Many major restaurant chains have struggled over the last year to attract customers back through their doors, as inflationary pressures weigh on consumers and dining in becomes favored over dining out," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek.
"Applebee's is the latest to introduce holiday-themed menu items at discounted prices to appeal to cash-strapped customers. The theming around Valentine's Day is smart and strategic: even customers who are cutting back spending on dining out at the current moment will be looking for an evening out during holidays like this one."
The neighborhood restaurant chain has long incorporated new menu options as a way to boost sales for momentous occasions like holidays.
In the summer of last year, Applebee's also launched a customizable Ultimate Trio appetizer sampler and added new alcoholic cocktails as part of a broader summer menu refresh tied to NFL sponsorships.
The customizable Ultimate Trio appetizer sampler allowed guests to choose three appetizers and three dipping sauces for $14.99.
"We're always looking for new and creative ways to deliver abundant value, flavor and innovation, and the Ultimate Trio lets us do just that," a spokesperson for Applebee's told Newsweek at the time. "Today's guests want value, choice, flavor, and a little bit of fun in every bite. There are over 80,000 possible combinations guests can create."
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