Halloween is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to whip up some festive cocktails. Whether you’re planning to enjoy a cozy movie night, host friends for trick-or-treating, or attend a costume party, specialty drinks can enhance the spirit of the season. Here’s a selection of Halloween cocktails recommended by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts that capture the essence of the holiday—ranging from spooky to playful.
1. The Scream Queen
Created by Liz Pearce, Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador
- Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Hendrick’s Original Gin
- ¼ oz Midori melon liqueur
- ¼ oz Chareau aloe liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz pineapple gomme
- Pinch of salt
- Cucumber “broom” for garnish
- Method: Shake ingredients over ice and double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cucumber broom and perhaps some magical stars.
2. Cloak and Dagger
By Four Walls Staff
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Calvados
- 1 oz Salignac Cognac
- 0.5 oz Tawny Port
- 0.5 oz Pecan syrup
- 0.25 oz Fig balsamic
- 3 dashes Cardamom bitters
- Method: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, stir with ice, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a piece of fig coral.
3. Blood Moon
Bacardi
- Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz BACARDÍ Superior Rum
- ½ oz Monin Blood Orange Syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz ginger beer
- Blood orange slice and Amarena cherry for garnish
- Method: Shake rum, syrup, and lime juice with ice, strain into a glass, and top with ginger beer and garnishes.
4. Spiced Pumpkin Miracle
Created by Luis Lopez, Milagro Tequila Ambassador
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz Milagro Reposado
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz orgeat syrup
- 1 oz pumpkin puree
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise
- Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and enjoy.
5. Monster Mash
Created by Kevin Haxho, Monkey Shoulder Whisky Ambassador
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz Monkey Shoulder Whisky
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1.5 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz Midori
- 6-8 mint leaves
- 1 oz Green Apple Cordial (homemade from green apple juice, ascorbic acid, and sugar)
- Method: Shake all ingredients, strain into a glass filled with crushed ice, and garnish with mint and a neon glowing stick.
6. Bloody Black Bush
Bushmills
- Ingredients:
- 50 ml Bushmills Black Bush
- 50 ml orange juice
- 50 ml red vermouth
- 35 ml berry syrup
- Blackberries and an orange wedge for garnish
- Method: Stir together in a glass, serve with garnishments.
7. Black Friday
Reyka Vodka
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz Reyka Vodka
- 1.5 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Top with lemon-lime soda
- 1 activated charcoal capsule
- Method: Combine all but soda in a shaker, shake well, strain, and top with soda.
8. Pumpkin Pie Martini
Serves 2
- Ingredients:
- 4 oz Mozart Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Liqueur
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 tbsp half and half
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Graham cracker crumbs for rimming glasses
- Method: Prepare whipped cream, rim glasses with maple syrup and crumbs, shake all ingredients, and serve topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
These recipes range from sweet and sour to rich and warming—ideal for setting the Halloween mood. Enjoy mixing these clever concoctions and cheers to a spooky celebration!