Halloween is upon us, and while we cannot promise that the ghosts will stay away, we can at least make sure they have something interesting to drink. We asked a few of our experts to come up with some ideas for Halloween cocktails, and, whilst we got a few rolling eyes and huffs, probably in the sprit of Halloween itself, we have managed to put together something a little bit fun. 🙂
Whether you are throwing a Halloween party, entertaining a few friends, or simply looking for an excuse to make a weekend night a little more interesting, these four Halloween cocktails have you covered. There are three with a little spirit in them — and one alcohol-free option for those who prefer to keep the ghosts strictly imaginary.
So dim the lights, put on something suitably sinister, and let’s get creative.
💀 The Skull & Blood
A Bloody Mary with a bottle made for Halloween.
Some bottles simply look as though they belong at a Halloween party. The Crystal Head Vodka Bone 70cl is very definitely one of them. We used the transparent Crystal Head Vodka 1.75L as inspiration for our featured image.
For our Halloween version of a Bloody Mary, combine:
- 50ml Crystal Head Vodka Bone
- 100–120ml tomato juice
- 10ml fresh lemon juice
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes of Tabasco or other hot sauce
- Some Gozo Cottage Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Ice
Add everything to an ice-filled glass and stir well. Taste, adjust the seasoning and garnish with celery or a lemon wedge. I mean, you COULD use another Vodka, but is it really the day to do so??
It’s savoury, spicy and suitably blood-red. And if anyone asks why you have a skull-shaped bottle on the table : wahahahaaaaa… .
🧙 The Witch’s Brew
Smoky, citrusy and with a little magic hiding underneath.
Halloween is a particularly good time to discover mezcal. The Ojo de Dios Café Mezcal 70cl combines Espadín agave with Mexican coffee, giving it a rich character that makes an unusually good Halloween cocktail.
Try:
- 40ml Ojo de Dios Café Mezcal
- 20ml fresh lemon or lime juice
- 10ml simple syrup
- Ginger beer
- Ice
Shake the mezcal, citrus juice and syrup with ice, then strain over fresh ice and top with ginger beer.
The result is smoky and refreshing, with the coffee character adding something darker and more mysterious. Garnish with an orange or lime slice — or, if you happen to have some rosemary, add a sprig and let it resemble a little bundle of witch’s twigs.
🩸 The Red Sky at Night
A dramatic red cocktail with a floral twist.
If you want something that looks as though it has been poured straight from a Halloween cauldron, we suggest yet another Mezcal, the Ojo de Dios Hibiscus Mezcal 70cl. The name was changed after we saw the red sky this morning over in the East!
For each cocktail, use:
- 40ml Ojo de Dios Hibiscus Mezcal
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- 10ml simple syrup
- Fentimans Ginger Beer or Fentimans Victorian Lemonade
- Ice
Shake the mezcal, lime juice and syrup with ice. Strain over fresh ice and top with ginger beer or lemonade.
The hibiscus brings colour and floral notes, while the lime keeps the drink bright and refreshing. Add a lime wheel and, if you really want to embrace the occasion, serve it in your darkest glass.
Just don’t blame us if someone asks whether it is actually glowing.
👻 The Ghostly Gin Fizz — Alcohol-Free
There is no reason for anyone to be left holding a glass of water while everyone else enjoys the cocktails.
Because every Halloween party needs a drink for the living as well.
This simple alcohol-free fizz is refreshing, fruity and easy to prepare.
You will need:
- 30ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- 60ml apple juice
- Fentimans Soda Water water
- Ice
Shake the lemon juice, syrup and apple juice with ice. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, top with soda water and give it a gentle stir. As an alternative you could use Fentimans Victorian Lemonade.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or thin apple slice. A few frozen berries can add a suitably mysterious touch too.
The final ingredient? A little theatre.
Halloween cocktails are about more than what goes into the glass. Dark glasses, dramatic garnishes, citrus twists and plenty of ice can turn even a simple drink into something rather special.
And, naturally, the whichever Crystal Head vodka you chose deserves a prominent position on the outside window sill. After all, if you’re going to invite the spirits over for Halloween, you might as well make sure they bring their own bottle.
Happy Halloween — and wahahahaaa.. from Captain Caruana! 🎃
