And so it begins…Despite receiving tens of millions of dollars in campaign funds, Zohran Mamdani makes his loyal supporters pay their own way at the victory party.
BROOKLYN, NY – The celebration for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s upset victory turned sour when attendees at his election night watch party discovered they’d have to pay top-shelf prices for their drinks.
Some guests were stunned to find $13 beers and $22 cocktails at the Brooklyn Paramount venue, despite Mamdani’s campaign promises of free healthcare, free busing, and rent freezes for New Yorkers.
The socialist-leaning politician’s message of equality and access met an ironic twist when his own supporters were told to pay bar prices usually found at Manhattan nightclubs.
Key Points
- Guests at Mamdani’s election party paid $13 for beers and up to $22 for cocktails.
- The candidate has campaigned for taxpayer-funded free services.
- Critics say the costly drinks undercut his message of affordability.
Price shock at the Brooklyn Paramount
Guests who packed the historic Brooklyn Paramount Tuesday night to celebrate Mamdani’s win over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa were greeted by a posted drink menu that quickly made the rounds on social media. Politico reporter Jeff Coltin shared a photo of the price list on X, showing PBR at $13, Montauk Summer Ale for $16, and Indian Wells Chardonnay at $15.
For some attendees, the shock wasn’t the victory—it was the bill. “I arrived thinking everything would be free, only to be charged $13 for a Bud Light,” one campaign volunteer said. “I was shocked after all the hard work I put in.”
Critics call out contradiction
The optics drew swift criticism online, with detractors calling the pricey drinks emblematic of a growing gap between Mamdani’s populist promises and his campaign’s execution. While there’s no evidence the mayor-elect set the prices himself, the irony of a “free for all” politician hosting a pay-to-drink party was not lost on observers.
Others noted the irony deepened when non-alcoholic drinks cost $12 and pretzel-wrapped hot dogs went for $10—a far cry from the free busing and frozen rents Mamdani has championed.
Supporters defend logistics
Some supporters defended the setup, saying the venue—not the campaign—controlled the pricing. The Brooklyn Paramount, which reopened after a major renovation, has become known for its upscale concessions and concert-style menu. Mamdani’s team reportedly rented space at the venue but did not subsidize food or drinks.
Even so, the optics of a socialist figurehead celebrating a grassroots win with $22 cocktails has become a political talking point. Critics say the bar tab may prove more lasting than the party itself.
Political fallout brewing
As memes and posts spread across X and Instagram, some of Mamdani’s rivals seized the moment. Curtis Sliwa quipped online that “at least the drinks were as inflated as his promises.” Meanwhile, Cuomo allies hinted the episode underscored questions about how Mamdani’s big-ticket policies would actually be paid for.
Whether the controversy fades or lingers, the night that should have been a celebration of victory now serves as a cautionary tale about perception in politics—and the price of irony.
