On May 11, Applebee’s announced the return of the “Poolio”—$14 Don Julio summer-themed margaritas that come with collectible pool-shaped cups. But one eagle-eyed bartender at the chain noticed a potential marketing issue with the name after seeing a promotional flyer for it.
TikToker and Applebee’s bartender Carl (@hot_carl) posted a video featuring the flyer. The flyer shows the two drinks being offered in the limited-time deal: the Sunny Sipper Margarita and the Belly Floppin’ Melon Margarita. The Sunny Sipper Margarita includes reposado tequila, coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and lime. The Belly Floppin’ Melon Margarita includes reposado tequila, vodka, triple sec, watermelon, and lime.
“POOLIO” is emblazoned on the top of the flyer in big, bold lettering.
Carl jokingly mispronounces the drink’s name as “Polio” (Poh-lee-oh) rather than “Poolio” (Pool-lee-oh), making the point that the name “Poolio” has the potential to create an unintended association with the disease for some customers.
The TikTok received more than 3.7 million views.
Poolio Or Polio?
Polio is a potentially deadly virus that has ravaged the United States and other countries. While leading experts no longer consider the virus endemic in the U.S., there are still outbreaks that occur across the world. In March of 2026, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a new travel advisory that reminded individuals to keep their vaccinations up to date.
Given the public sensitivity around infectious diseases after the COVID pandemic and amid high-profile hantavirus cases, some viewers agreed the name is unfortunate considering the circumstances. “WHO DID THIS???? HOW DID THIS GET PASSED THE BOARD ROOM!?” one questioned.
Carl responded, “exactly.”
“Is this real? email me,” another asked. Carl responded, saying, “Oh it’s real and for just $14 you too can have poolio.”
Do Customers Really Care?
However, the name of the promotion doesn’t seem to be holding customers back.
“I’m vaccinated but I’m on my way,” one quipped.
“I’m vaccinated it’s okay,” another made the same joke.
“ACT A FOOLIO WITH A POOLIO OF DON JULIO,” a third rhymed.
Furthermore, the buzz around this drink has more to do with the collectible cups. Previously, BroBible covered one guest’s review of the drinks. Despite finding the drinks to be a touch too sweet, he was excited to go home with multiple collectibles.
@hot_carl Come see ya girl at the bar and get #poolio #applebees #marketing #itbelikethat #🤣🤣🤣
Commenters even identified new rhymes for the drink, which reasserted its rhyming pronunciation.
“Coolioo off tha POOLIOO,” one person said.
BroBible reached out to Carl via TikTok direct message and comment as well as to Applebee’s via email.