First Grimace, now Wonka — 2023 seems to have a thing for purple menu items. In addition to the Instagram-worthy stack of Wonka’s Perfectly Purple Pancakes (loaded with layers of cream cheese mousse and purple icing on top), IHOP’s new menu also offers a Fantastical Wonka Burger with toppings like avocado, bacon, and hash browns. If that isn’t fanciful enough for your palate, you can wash it down with a “Dreamy” prickly-pear lemonade featuring an icing-coated rim and a cloud of cotton candy on top. IHOP instructs customers to mix the cotton candy into the lemonade. The result is an extra sparkly beverage with a side of childlike wonder, as showcased by a TikTok content creator.
@kristen.emilia__ introducing the willy wonka drink 💜 @IHOP #willywonka #ihop #cottoncandy
♬ Oompa Loompa (From “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”) – Geek Music
This brand partnership may seem like a curious pairing, but according to the announcement, “Both the restaurant and movie serve joy and bring magic into people’s lives by encouraging dreamers to keep dreaming.” While you can take your inner child out for dinner to try the Wonka items, actual children under 12 are entitled to a complimentary kids’ meal with every adult entree — an offer that’s available daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features kid-oriented plates like the Willy’s Jr. French Toast Dippers and Jr. Magical Breakfast Medley. IHOP’s “Wonka”-inspired menu is available until January 7.