JACKSON, NJ – October 9, 2026 – In a bold move to ignite anticipation for its highly anticipated 2027 season, Six Flags Great Adventure has announced a captivating collaboration with Atlantic Highlands-based Shipwreck Rum. The partnership culminates in the limited-edition release of "Bakunawa’s Wrath," a specialty cocktail designed to embody the spirit and mystique of the park’s upcoming world-record-breaking roller coaster, Bakunawa. This potent concoction offers a tantalizing preview of the immersive experiences awaiting guests next spring, blending local craftsmanship with the thrill-seeking ethos of one of the nation’s premier amusement destinations.
The "Bakunawa’s Wrath" cocktail, a vibrant purple blend featuring white rum, lime rum, blue curaçao, grenadine, lemonade, and club soda, is more than just a beverage; it’s a narrative in a glass. Topped with a playful green gummy serpent, it directly references the mythical sea serpent that inspires the colossal coaster. This creative initiative underscores Six Flags’ commitment to offering multi-sensory experiences that extend beyond the thrill rides themselves, allowing patrons to engage with the park’s attractions on multiple levels.
The limited-run cocktail is available exclusively from October 9th to October 11th at the Sea Gulps stand, located within the newly transformed Shoreline Pier midway area at Six Flags Great Adventure. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification to purchase alcoholic beverages. While pricing details have not yet been released, the strategic timing of this offering suggests a deliberate strategy to generate buzz and brand loyalty in the lead-up to Bakunawa’s official grand opening.
A Glimpse into the Mythical: The Genesis of Bakunawa’s Wrath
The inspiration behind both the roller coaster and its signature cocktail stems from the powerful and enigmatic Bakunawa, a creature of Filipino folklore. Often depicted as a colossal serpent or dragon, the Bakunawa is known for its insatiable hunger and its ability to swallow the moon, causing eclipses. This mythical beast embodies a force of nature, a primal power that Six Flags aims to translate into an unforgettable ride experience.
Ryan Eldredge, Director of Marketing & Sales at Six Flags Great Adventure, articulated the vision behind this unique collaboration: "Bakunawa has already captured the imagination of our guests, and we wanted to create a fun way for visitors to experience the brand before they ever board the ride. Partnering with a fellow New Jersey company like Shipwreck Rum allowed us to create something uniquely local while giving guests an exciting preview of what’s to come." This statement highlights a deliberate effort to foster local partnerships and leverage regional pride in the development of new attractions and associated experiences.
The creation of "Bakunawa’s Wrath" is not merely a marketing stunt; it represents a strategic extension of the Bakunawa brand into the realm of culinary and beverage experiences. By offering a themed cocktail, Six Flags is tapping into a growing trend of experiential marketing, where consumers seek not just a product or service, but an engaging and memorable encounter. The cocktail’s vibrant color and thematic garnish are designed to be highly Instagrammable, further amplifying its reach through social media.
The Craft Behind the Cocktail: Shipwreck Rum’s Island Spirit
Shipwreck Rum, the New Jersey-based partner in this venture, brings a rich heritage and authentic Caribbean flair to "Bakunawa’s Wrath." Founded in 2002 by father-son duo Bob and Zach Brinley, the company has carved a niche for itself with its meticulously crafted flavored rums, including popular varieties like coconut, vanilla, and spiced. The brand’s commitment to using natural ingredients and its artisanal production process on the island of St. Kitts lend an air of authenticity and quality to the collaboration.
The genesis of Shipwreck Rum is deeply rooted in the Brinley family’s connection to St. Kitts. Bob Brinley’s manufacturing business on the island eventually closed, but this setback paved the way for a new entrepreneurial journey. The family’s intimate knowledge of Caribbean rum-making traditions, combined with their entrepreneurial spirit, led to the establishment of Shipwreck Rum’s U.S. headquarters in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. This local foundation resonated strongly with Six Flags’ desire to collaborate with a New Jersey company.
Zach Brinley, who holds the title of "chief bootlegger," expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "New Jersey has always had a taste for thrills – from its legendary bootlegging past to today’s record-breaking coasters. Being a New Jersey-based brand, this collaboration with Six Flags feels like a perfect meeting of two worlds that are very close to our heart. Bakunawa’s Wrath is our way of bringing the spirit, flavor and energy of the Caribbean to New Jersey, while celebrating the arrival of an incredible new coaster. We wanted to create something bold, memorable and adventurous and there’s no better way to celebrate Bakunawa than with a purple rum bucket worthy of its wrath. Get ready to ride the coaster, toast the beast and get Shipwreck’d!" His words capture the essence of the collaboration – a fusion of local pride, adventurous spirit, and the thrill of a new amusement park icon.
A Look Back: The Journey to Bakunawa
The development of the Bakunawa roller coaster has been a significant undertaking for Six Flags Great Adventure. Following the demolition of the iconic Kingda Ka coaster in early 2025, the park embarked on the construction of what will become its 15th roller coaster. This strategic decision to replace a beloved, albeit aging, attraction with a state-of-the-art, record-breaking coaster signals Six Flags’ commitment to innovation and maintaining its competitive edge in the amusement park industry.
The Bakunawa coaster is engineered to be a marvel of modern engineering and thrill-ride design. According to Six Flags, the coaster will feature three high-speed launches, propelling riders to an astonishing speed of up to 100 miles per hour. The ascent culminates in a towering 382-foot climb, offering breathtaking panoramic views before the descent. A key innovation lies in its seating configuration: floorless, free-spinning seats that naturally rotate throughout the ride’s 2-minute and 17-second duration. This design ensures a unique experience with every ride, as the spinning seats offer ever-changing perspectives and sensations, maximizing the thrill and replayability of the attraction.
Upon its completion, Bakunawa is set to cement its place among the world’s elite roller coasters. It is projected to rank among the top five tallest roller coasters globally. Furthermore, it will claim the prestigious titles of the world’s:
- Tallest full-circuit coaster.
- Fastest full-circuit coaster.
- Longest full-circuit coaster.
- Most inversions on a full-circuit coaster.
These impressive statistics underscore the ambition behind Bakunawa, positioning it as a must-visit attraction for coaster enthusiasts worldwide. Six Flags recently announced that the final section of track has been installed, signifying a major milestone in the construction process. The focus now shifts to critical operational components, including electrical infrastructure, ride control systems, mechanical installations, and queue construction, all in preparation for rigorous testing phases.
Official Statements and Anticipated Impact
The collaboration between Six Flags Great Adventure and Shipwreck Rum has been met with enthusiasm from both organizations. Ryan Eldredge’s sentiment about creating a "fun way for visitors to experience the brand before they ever board the ride" emphasizes the strategic marketing value of this partnership. It’s a pre-emptive strike to build anticipation and brand association, ensuring that "Bakunawa" is on the minds of potential visitors long before the coaster officially opens.
Zach Brinley’s passionate declaration about "a purple rum bucket worthy of its wrath" encapsulates the playful yet powerful branding strategy. This approach aims to create a memorable and shareable experience that goes beyond the typical theme park fare. The "get Shipwreck’d" tagline adds a touch of rebellious fun, aligning with the adventurous spirit of both the coaster and the rum brand.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond immediate sales of the cocktail. It serves as a powerful example of how theme parks can leverage unique collaborations to enhance the overall guest experience and create buzz. By aligning with a local, craft beverage producer, Six Flags not only supports a New Jersey business but also taps into a growing consumer demand for authentic and locally sourced products. This strategy can foster stronger community ties and enhance the park’s image as a contributor to the local economy and culture.
Future Implications and the Road Ahead
The success of "Bakunawa’s Wrath" could pave the way for future collaborations between Six Flags Great Adventure and other regional beverage and food purveyors. The park’s stated intention to bring back a "signature beverage experience" next season, coinciding with Bakunawa’s official opening, suggests that this is not a one-off event but rather a glimpse into a broader strategy.
The successful construction and upcoming launch of Bakunawa are poised to significantly impact Six Flags Great Adventure’s standing in the amusement park industry. Its record-breaking statistics and innovative ride technology are expected to draw a large influx of visitors, not only from the immediate region but also from across the country and internationally. The "Bakunawa’s Wrath" cocktail, as an early manifestation of the coaster’s thematic elements, plays a crucial role in building this anticipation.
As the park gears up for the spring 2027 debut of Bakunawa, the "Bakunawa’s Wrath" cocktail stands as a testament to Six Flags’ innovative approach to guest engagement. It’s a perfect blend of thrill, myth, and local flavor, offering a memorable taste of the legendary serpent’s power before riders even step onto the platform. The partnership with Shipwreck Rum not only enhances the pre-launch excitement but also highlights the park’s commitment to celebrating New Jersey’s vibrant business landscape, promising an unforgettable experience for all who dare to embrace "Bakunawa’s Wrath."
