The New P.F. Chang's Cocktails Are Only $9, and I Tried Them All

It seems like just about everything is more expensive these days. From the grocery aisle to the gas pump, the sticker shock is never ending. That’s why we were pleasantly surprised when we caught wind of the shockingly affordable new menu of P.F. Chang’s cocktails—and we needed to get a taste ASAP.

There was a time not that long ago when a quality cocktail out didn’t you back $15 or more, and that’s exactly the nostalgic vibe that the casual dining giant is channeling with its new $8.99 Cocktail Collection.

But are the new P.F. Chang’s cocktails actually worth it? We put each of the chain’s new bevvies to the test during a recent night out at one of the company’s U.S. locations.

What are the new P.F. Chang’s cocktails?

P.F. Chang's core6 fall menu cocktails — Courtesy P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang’s new collection boasts six core handcrafted cocktails, including four brand-new offerings:

Lychee Martini (new): This sweet and punchy drink is made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, lychee, pure cane and lime.
Tokyo Mule (new): A slight twist on the classic cocktail, the Tokyo Mule is made with Wheatley vodka, Fever-Tree ginger beer and lime, and garnished with mint and candied ginger.
Lemon Drop Martini (new): This tart sipper has a sugar rim, and is made with Wheatley vodka, triple sec, pure cane and lemon.
Crimson Tiger Long Island (new): P.F. Chang’s take on the infamous boozer is made with Bacardi rum, New Amsterdam gin, Lunazul tequila, Wheatley vodka, triple sec and a splash of Coca-Cola.
Jade Margarita: The Jade Margarita is a crowd favorite made with Espolòn Reposado tequila, lime and a float of Cointreau.
Golden Buddha Mai Tai: This Bacardí Superior rum-based cocktail is made with orange curacao, Chinese five-spice and lime, and is topped off with Zacapa No. 23.

In addition to these, the chain also offers two additional tiers of upgraded cocktails at both the $10.99 and $12.99 price points, but for the purposes of this taste test, we focused on the $8.99 drinks.

Is it worth going to P.F. Chang’s for the cocktails?

Pf Chang's Dropped 4 New Cocktails Cocktailscore4fall Joe Erbentraut For Taste Of Home — Joe Erbentraut for Taste of Home

Once I got over the minor social anxiety associated with immediately ordering four cocktails upon being greeted by a server, I was ready for my boozy adventure.

The first of the new P.F. Chang’s drinks I tasted—the lychee martini—ended up being my favorite of the four. The flavor was syrupy and nostalgic, almost like the fruit cocktail I remember loving as a kid, but with just enough acid to balance out the sweetness. I truly could have ordered another and happily sipped it all night. The drink also paired nicely with my entree, the chain’s signature Chang’s spicy chicken.

Next, I tried the Tokyo mule, a riff on the classic Moscow mule complete with the requisite copper mug. The first sips were refreshing and the candied ginger slice was a nice touch, but I wish the drink’s flavor was more ginger-forward. Especially as the drink’s ice started to melt, it ended up tasting pretty mild.

The Crimson Tiger Long Island brought me back to my college days, when this was my cocktail of choice. I was shocked at how delicious this was—strong but sweet, and another formidable pairing for the chain’s rich and warm flavors. This was my second favorite drink of the night.

Finally, it was time for the lemon drop martini, which just didn’t work for me. While the drink’s sugar rim provided a welcome respite from its sour flavor profile, I found that the cocktail had an overwhelming aftertaste. In particular, it was at odds with the flavor and texture of the tempura-battered crispy green beans appetizer I was simultaneously noshing on.

Overall, though, this drink menu is a hit. Where many other casual dining chains offer overly sweet, watered-down drinks, P.F. Chang’s was a pleasant departure from the norm. We will certainly be back to the restaurant, which has an overall ambiance that matches this drink collection’s whole ballin’-on-a-budget vibe.

Of course, you never know how long—or if—new menu items like these will stick around, so if you want to try them for yourself, head to P.F. Chang’s the first chance you get.