Halloween is not just about costumes and candy - it’s also the perfect time to serve creative, enchanting cocktails! Whether you’re throwing a haunted house party or enjoying a cozy night in, these spooky drinks will add a touch of eerie fun to your celebrations.
Let’s dive into 5 Halloween Cocktails that will make this holiday all the more special.
➎ Kraken
Cure scurvy in style with this citrus-packed cocktail! A splash of squid ink keeps the oceanic theme afloat, turning the drink a deep, inky black, ideal for spooky nights or Halloween gatherings. But don’t worry, if the ink feels a bit too adventurous, you can skip it and still enjoy all the vibrant, tangy goodness this cocktail has to offer.
Setting a nautical ambiance or embracing the eerie spirit of the night, this drink promises bold flavors with a playful twist.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Caramelized Fig Syrup
- barspoon Fiery Ginger Syrup
- 2 oz spiced rum
- ¾ oz lime juice
- pinch of salt or 2 dashes saline
- dash squid ink
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Add ice and shake hard for 10 seconds
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass
- Garnish with lime wheel or pirate's gold
➍ Jackalope
Drawing inspiration from the mythical creatures of American folklore and the creative spirit of old-school taxidermists, this cocktail blends tradition with imagination. Its ingredients evoke the rugged charm of the Old West, making each sip a nostalgic journey back to campfire nights under open skies.
For the best experience, mix it with a smooth wheated bourbon and don’t skimp on the bitters, yes, all three dashes!
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Real Grenadine
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 2-3 dashes of Fire & Damnation bitters
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Add ice and shake for 10 seconds
- Strain into a chilled glass
➌ Oaxacan Dead
A smoky rendition of the tiki classic, the Zombie cocktail. This version highlights the harmonious pairing of aged tequila and aged rum, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. The smoky undertones elevate the drink, adding depth and intrigue to every sip.
Ingredients:
- barspoon Real Grenadine
- ¾ oz reposado tequila
- ¾ oz aged Jamaican rum
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz falernum
- ¼ oz grapefruit juice
- ¼ oz cinnamon syrup
- barspoon mezcal
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Add a small amount of ice and shake until chilled
- Strain over crushed ice into a chilled glass
➋ Zombie Apocalypse
This autumn-inspired, spooky twist on a classic zombie cocktail is just what you need! With a dash of activated charcoal, it delivers an eerie black hue, without affecting the flavor, making it an ideal centerpiece for any Halloween gathering.
Activated charcoal may sound unusual, but it has almost no taste, allowing the drink's vibrant flavors to shine. Note: activated charcoal can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs, so if you or a guest is taking prescription meds, it's best to avoid or wait an hour after taking.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Real Grenadine
- ½ oz Pineapple Gum Syrup
- ½ oz Tropical Passionfruit Syrup
- 1½ oz Applejack
- ¾ oz gold rum
- ¾ oz aged Jamaican rum
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- ¼ oz falernum
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ¼ oz cinnamon syrup
- 1 dash absinthe
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 capsule activated charcoal
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Add a small amount of ice and shake until chilled
- Strain over crushed ice into a chilled glass
➊ Yeti
This wintery tiki cocktail channels the spirit of the mythical great ape said to roam the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. It’s cozy, yet exotic blend is perfect for chilly nights. For an extra layer of depth, try experimenting with different teas. This cocktail brings both worlds together in one adventurous sip.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz Almond Orgeat Syrup
- ½ oz banana liqueur
- 1 ½ oz unaged fruit brandy
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- 1 oz black tea
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
- Fill with ice and shake for 10 seconds
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass
- Garnish with a banana chip and lemon ash
As you prepare for Halloween festivities, don’t forget that the right cocktails can set the perfect mood for your celebration. These Halloween cocktails are sure to raise the spirits at any celebration.
Cheers to a spooktacular Halloween! What’s your go-to cocktail for this time of year? Share your ideas in the comments!
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