The Upside Down Meets Citrus Cooler Nostalgia
The Upside Down just got a cool flavor burst. As the highly anticipated final chapter of Stranger Things nears its Netflix debut, Gatorade has entered the dimension of nostalgia with a refreshing twist. The sports drink giant is reviving one of its most requested flavors—Citrus Cooler—to celebrate the beloved show’s climactic conclusion.
First introduced in the 1980s, Citrus Cooler became a cult favorite among athletes and fans alike. Its smooth blend of sweet and tart flavors perfectly captured the era's energy, and for years, fans have begged for its return. Now, thanks to this limited-edition collaboration, Gatorade brings the flavor back from the vault—complete with a retro label design and a darkly playful “Upside Down” makeover inspired by Hawkins, Indiana.
Much like the series it honors, this release thrives on nostalgia and clever detail. Each bottle features the classic orange hue fans remember, framed by Stranger Things–themed artwork that merges Gatorade’s sporty aesthetic with the show’s supernatural tone. It’s the kind of collectible cross-branding that excites both longtime fans and new viewers diving into the series finale.
The hero of this collaboration, the Upside Down Citrus Cooler, stands out as the ultimate collector’s item. The limited-edition bottle features an eerie, inverted label design that nods to the chilling atmosphere of the alternate dimension. Its packaging captures the spirit of 1980s Hawkins with a contemporary edge, reflecting how Stranger Things has bridged generations through shared nostalgia.
Adding to the excitement, the collaboration includes multiple bottle designs featuring the show’s most iconic characters. From Eleven to Dustin and Max, each character edition taps into the collect-them-all appeal that has driven pop-culture merchandising since the 80s. Just like rare trading cards, some designs are expected to become harder to find than others—fueling a frenzy similar to the famed Haribo “Ron” candy chase among collectors.
The partnership goes beyond packaging. Gatorade has also launched a dynamic marketing campaign titled “No Ordinary Athlete.” The cross-promotion stars Cleveland Browns player Myles Garrett and weaves in imagery, villains, and locations from Stranger Things’ fifth and final season. The campaign blends athletic energy with cinematic mystery, highlighting how strength, endurance, and creativity connect sports and storytelling.
As part of the rollout, Gatorade will stage themed takeovers across major U.S. landmarks, including Times Square in New York City, Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, and Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland—home turf for Myles Garrett. These activations aim to immerse fans in the spirit of both the show and the brand’s legacy of fueling peak performance.
Ultimately, this partnership reflects Gatorade’s ability to stay culturally relevant while honoring its past. By merging one of television’s biggest pop-culture hits with a classic flavor from its own history, the brand bridges generations of fans and celebrates a shared love of endurance, excitement, and a bit of supernatural flair.
The limited-edition Gatorade Citrus Cooler x Stranger Things bottles are available now at select retailers and on Gatorade’s official website. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or binge-watching the final season from your couch, one sip of this throwback flavor might just transport you to the 1980s—minus the Demogorgon.
Tags: stranger things, gatorade, netflix