Virginia liquor store trashed by drunk raccoon introduces new cocktails inspired by viral tipsy critter
In a Virginia liquor store, a wild spree by a drunken raccoon turned a night into pure chaos. The critter, described by witnesses as “very intoxicated,” broke into several bottles, guzzled the booze, and eventually collapsed face‑down in the shop’s restroom.
The incident sparked a viral frenzy, earning the raccoon a cheeky nickname from Hanover County’s Animal Protection and Shelter—the “trashed panda”—and even a cameo on “SNL.”
Capitalizing on the buzz, the store rolled out three new libations: the Rye Rascal Sour, Trash Panda Old Fashioned, and Midnight Gin Fizz. Each drink contains two ounces of its core spirit, plus a playful twist inspired by the raucous animal—think a dash of maple syrup in the Rye Rascal Sour or brown‑sugar syrup in the Trash Panda Old Fashioned. The concoctions, complete with photos of the raccoon clutching the cocktails, are highlighted on the official Virginia ABC website.
Full surveillance footage of the nocturnal escapade was also released. Viewers can see the raccoon meandering through aisles, shattering bottles, sipping a few more shots, and ultimately retreating to the restroom. The clip, shared by WRIC, depicts the animal leaving a trail of broken glass before finding its way to the bathroom.
After the ordeal, officials confirmed that the raccoon emerged unharmed, having slept a few hours and shown no injuries beyond a likely hangover and the usual poor life choices. The animal was safely released back into the wild, with the hope that it would learn that breaking and entering is no worthwhile strategy.
This coffee‑shop‑turned‑party has become a marketing staple. On the 92nd anniversary of Prohibition’s repeal in early December, Spirited Virginia posted a whimsical illustration of a raccoon at a bar holding a large bourbon bottle, captioned: “Cheers to repeal day… and to the raccoon who always knows where to find good spirits (just not this bottle).”
Hanover County also launched a T‑shirt campaign titled “Ashland Drunk Raccoon.” The shirt features the phrase “Trashed Panda,” a sketch of the dazed critter, and a spilled wine bottle—available on their online store.
Adding to the publicity, comedian Sarah Sherman stole the show on Saturday’s “Weekend Update,” donning a full raccoon costume, fumbling with a bottle that ended up on the desk, and riffing on raccoons’ reputations. She quipped, “We hear what you call us. Trash pandas. Dumpster dogs. The Sarah Shermans of the forest.”
The raccoon’s prank is just one example of wildlife mischief in Virginia—just last Tuesday, a tiny kitten caused a stir at a Richmond cat café, leading to a year‑long closure while repairs are made. The kitten is still up for adoption.
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