Viral ‘Drunk Raccoon’ Liquor Store Releases 3 Cocktails Inspired by Its Boozy Visitor

The boozy raccoon that went viral for breaking into a Virginia liquor store and throwing himself a one-animal party is still enjoying the spotlight. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) has now honored the tipsy troublemaker with three themed cocktails inspired by his antics.

The chaos began early on Saturday, Nov. 29, when Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter (HCAP) responded to a call from the Ashland ABC Store in Ashland, Va. Officer Martin arrived to find a “very intoxicated” raccoon passed out on the bathroom floor, according to a statement shared on HCAP’s Facebook page.

Store surveillance showed the masked intruder clambering along the shelves, knocking down and opening multiple bottles before finally stumbling off to his makeshift “bedroom” in the restroom. HCAP joked that Officer Martin “safely secured our masked bandit and transported him back to the shelter to sober up before questioning.” After a few hours’ rest and with no injuries beyond “maybe a hangover and poor life choices,” the raccoon was released back into the wild — hopefully a bit wiser about breaking and entering.

Since the incident, the furry party animal has become an internet folk hero. HCAP has raised more than $100,000 by selling “Ashland Drunk Raccoon” t-shirts, sweatshirts and tumblers featuring illustrated versions of the critter and his new nickname: “Trashed Panda.” The shelter noted on Facebook that the outpouring of support is more than just a good laugh — it helps pay for training, equipment and care for animals and the officers who protect them.

Not to be left out of the fun, the Virginia ABC — which owns the store the raccoon invaded — created three cocktails inspired by the episode. The drinks, featured on the ABC website, put a playful spin on classics: the Rye Rascal Sour, the Trash Panda Old Fashioned and the Midnight Masked Gin Fizz.

Each recipe includes a description, ingredient list and step-by-step instructions so fans can mix them at home. The Rye Rascal Sour combines rye whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup and Angostura bitters into a “tangy and rich” drink presented as something any mischief-loving raccoon would happily endorse.

The Trash Panda Old Fashioned takes a scruffier approach to the traditional cocktail, using bourbon, brown sugar and Angostura and orange bitters. The directions suggest finishing it with a tiny pinch of smoked salt or brown sugar to evoke the vibe of a raccoon rummaging through the woods.

Rounding out the trio is the Midnight Masked Gin Fizz, a twist on the classic gin fizz made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water. A drizzle of blackberry syrup is added so it slowly sinks, creating a dark, mask-like streak in the glass — a fitting tribute to the most infamous “masked bandit” in Virginia.