Illinois AMC Theaters Beetlejuice Drink Goes Viral For Ridiculously High Price

There are many things in life that we expect to be expensive: luxury handbags, high-end dining experiences, and front-row concert tickets. But a drink at the movies? Well, AMC Theatres has flipped the script with its "Sandworm Slayer" cocktail, a blue, gummy-topped drink inspired by Beetlejuice Beetlejuice that's been causing quite a stir on social media. And why, you ask? Because at some AMC theaters in Illinois, this drink could set you back a whopping $31.

AMC’s $31 ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Drink Goes Viral

via GIPHY

A blue drink in a generic plastic cup to enjoy while watching your favorite film costs $31. People are sounding off all over social media with their opinions. One commenter humorously noted, “Naw, Beetlejuice would’ve had to show up and bring me my drink for that price.” Another chimed in, “You could have bought 6 shares of AMC Theatres stock with that $31, not sure which one would have been worth the price.”

But before you clutch your wallet in horror, there’s a reason why the drink cost so much.

What Exactly is the "Sandworm Slayer"?

The “Sandworm Slayer” is a 24-ounce cocktail featuring a blend of blue and black raspberry juice with “premium vodka.” Now, we can debate what exactly AMC means by "premium," but that's what the press release says. And the drink isn’t just a colorful soda—it's a full-fledged cocktail topped with some gummy worms, which might explain part of the sticker shock.

Why $31?

According to AMC's internal research, the standard price for the Sandworm Slayer at most AMC Theatres is around $21. So why the $31 price tag? Well, this particular price was noted at AMC locations in Illinois, where unique liquor pricing laws come into play. These laws, which we won’t bore you with, bumped the price up to $28.25, plus tax. Hence, when you order a Sandworm Slayer at one of the Illinois AMC theaters, be prepared to shell out about $31 after tax. And if you’re feeling generous, maybe even throw in a tip and push that blue juice closer to $40.

Reality vs. Expectation

Like many things in life, the drink doesn’t quite live up to its promotional photo. The actual drink looks like a standard blue cocktail with a few gummy worms on top. But that hasn’t stopped it from flying off the shelves. AMC reports that, like many of their movie tie-in drinks, the Sandworm Slayer has been “wildly popular” across their theaters and sold quite well over the weekend.

So, if you find yourself in an AMC theater in Illinois, perhaps reconsider your drink choice—or embrace the madness and say “Beetlejuice” three times while chugging the Sandworm Slayer. You might just forget the hefty price tag.

Get our free mobile app