Set the table for Cryptid
For a Cryptid game night, choose a creature-inspired snack and put on some forest atmosphere. The ideas below range from Bigfoot cookies to a full meal. You can keep it simple for solo play or add costumes for an evening with friends.
A menu for your expedition
In Cryptid, you follow the trail of your vanished uncle, Dr. Herbert Hughes. His expedition gives us a reason to bring Bigfoot and other unusual creatures to the table, at least in recipe form.
Choose a section below to find drinks, food and a few extras for the evening.
Some of these recipes borrow from mythology and fantasy as well as cryptid sightings. A unicorn lemonade made the menu because it looked fun. Our
Cryptid Fact or Fiction guide explains the distinction.
Beverages
Kraken cocktail
The kraken is a sea monster from stories told around Norway and Iceland, often described as a giant squid-like creature that attacks ships. Its name also inspired a rum brand. This Sea Monster Cocktail uses spiced rum with ginger beer and grapefruit; use whichever rum you prefer.
Loch Ness shot
The Loch Ness Monster, usually called Nessie, is Scotland’s best-known cryptid. This Loch Ness shot borrows the name and layers Jägermeister, Baileys and Midori in the glass.
Mermaid cocktail
Merfolk appear in stories from many cultures, sometimes as friendly sea creatures and sometimes as a danger to sailors. This mermaid cocktail takes its color from blue curaçao.
Leprechaun smoothie
This leprechaun smoothie gets its green color from spinach, with yogurt and banana in the mix. It’s an alcohol-free choice inspired by the green clothes leprechauns are often shown wearing.
Unicorn lemonade
For another alcohol-free option, try unicorn lemonade. Colorful ice cubes and sparkling sugar give it the rainbow look associated with the mythical creature.
Food
Garlic dip
Garlic is the connection between vampire stories and this garlic dip. Serve it with crackers, keeping the dish off the game table so the paper stays clean.
Kappa cucumber rolls
Kappa are water creatures from Japanese folklore, often shown with webbed hands and turtle-like shells. Cucumbers are said to be a favorite food, which gives cucumber sushi rolls the name kappamaki. Try this cucumber roll recipe.
Chupacabra sausage skillet
The Chupacabra is said to attack livestock, and its name combines the Spanish words for “suck” and “goat.” Reports began in Puerto Rico in the 1990s. This sausage skillet recipe uses a Chupacabra seasoning blend named after the creature. Serve it before you start the game.
Mothman pizza
Mothman sightings were reported in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in the 1960s. For the pizza version, Village Pizza arranges mushrooms, pepperoni and peppers into a winged figure. There’s no formal recipe here, but you can use the pizza photo above as a guide for topping a cheese pizza.
Thunderbird chicken wings
The Thunderbird has spiritual significance in several Native American traditions and is associated with thunder and lightning. This chicken wing recipe borrows the name. It’s a recipe suggestion, not a traditional dish connected to those stories.
Bigfoot cookie footprints
These Bigfoot cookie bars use chocolate, almonds, coconut and pretzels to make oversized footprints. They’re a good choice to bake ahead of the evening.
Yeti snowball bites
The Yeti, also called the Abominable Snowman, is associated with the Himalayas. These Yeti snowball bites, inspired by the film Abominable, use cake, blue frosting and coconut flakes.
Extras
Attire
If you’d enjoy a costume, use clothes you already own and add one recognizable detail. Here are a few starting points:
Bigfoot: Start with brown clothes. Furry slippers or a hat can add a recognizable detail without getting in the way of the puzzles.
Mothman: Black or gray clothes with red eye details suggest the creature. Add small costume wings if you like, leaving enough room to sit comfortably.
Yeti: White clothing suggests the Abominable Snowman. Add a furry hat or shoe covers if you have them, keeping your hands free for the game.
An explorer outfit also fits the game. You’re dressing for a kitchen table, so treat the list below as costume ideas and leave bulky equipment out of the way:
Clothing:
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Boots: Wear a comfortable pair you already own; this is a costume, so outdoor performance does not matter.
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Cargo pants: A pair with pockets gives an explorer look, but ordinary trousers work too.
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Shirt: A plain or khaki button-up shirt is an easy starting point.
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Hat: Add a wide-brimmed hat if you have one.
Accessories:
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Notebook: Carry a small notebook as a field journal; you can use it for puzzle notes.
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Bag: A small satchel can finish the costume. Set it aside while you play so it does not cover the clues.
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Belt: A simple belt is enough. Leave tools out of the costume so the table stays clear.
Music and podcasts
This Mothman playlist is a short option for the background while you solve. Try it before game night to see whether it suits the mood you want.
Sips and Spirits pairs stories about cryptids with cocktail recipes. Save the spoken episodes for before or after the game if you find narration distracting while reading clues.
See what comes in Cryptid if you’re ready to follow Dr. Hughes’s trail. The game plays with 1 to 6 people, is rated 14+, and takes 2 to 4+ hours across two parts.
