These Halloween cocktails and drinks combine eerie effects with incredible flavors, from bubbling alcoholic drinks to spooky classic cocktails! These creepy beverages will wow everyone (mocktails included).
Themed cocktails make any party more fun: especially when it comes to Halloween! As a cocktail expert and huge fan of this fall holiday, I’ve spent the last few years creating some fun drink recipes for my favorite time of year.
I’ve been perfecting Halloween drinks for over a decade now, and I’ve learned the best spooky drinks are a combination of both drama and flavor. So here are my top Halloween cocktails to fit the season, including bubbling dry ice drinks, classic cocktails that fit the ghoulish theme, and fall favorites that are easy to serve a crowd. Let the haunting begin!
Tip: If you’re planning to use dry ice in your Halloween alcoholic drinks, read the safety and handling instructions in How to Make Dry Ice Cocktails.
Top Halloween drinks and cocktails
My favorite Halloween cocktail is the Witches Brew! This neon green potion may look menacing, but it stars the sweet-tart flavors of melon and citrus from Midori and Cointreau. Add a chunk of dry ice and transforms into a bubbling cauldron that'll have your guests mesmerized.
It looks like a spooky Halloween drink but the Vampire's Kiss is actually a martini made with vodka, Chambord, and cranberry juice! The dry ice makes it bubble like fresh blood, but the taste is all sophisticated cocktail with sweet-tart berry flavors and a fruity finish.
I've transformed the classic margarita with my spiced apple cider syrup, which adds warming fall flavors without overwhelming the lime and tequila base. Rim the glass with black colored sugar and garnish with blood orange slices for the full spooky effect.
This blood-red cauldron bubbles and smokes thanks to dry ice, but it's actually a balanced fruit punch made with cranberry and apple juices. I love that it works for both kids (skip the rum) and adults (add aged rum) while maintaining that magical smoking effect.
My Halloween twist on sangria pairs red wine with cinnamon sugar and sparkling cider for a drink that tastes like fall in a glass. I've developed two variations—one sweeter for casual sipping, one more dry for wine lovers—both featuring DIY colored sugar rims.
This light, bubbly cocktail pairs Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco for the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. Build it right in the glass with an apple slice garnish, and you have a fun Halloween drink that's perfect for any party skill level.
My take on the wizarding world favorite is bubbly with butterscotch flavor and a frothy top that actually tastes magical. Many recipes are extremely sugary, but I've toned mine back so all the flavors shine through without intense sweetness.
This fun Halloween cocktail made with coconut rum, vanilla vodka, and coconut cream tastes like a tropical vacation in Halloween disguise. Top it with a ghost Peep if you can find one, or decorate the glasses like ghosts for the full spooky effect.
This is the ultimate cozy Halloween drink, infused with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves for incredible warmth in a mug. You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stove, and it has both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink options. Add bourbon or rum for the adult drink!
This Detroit original combines bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and ginger beer in a refreshing highball that's bubbly, floral, and bittersweet. The floating orange bitters create a hazy effect that makes this modern classic the ideal Halloween drink, without any over-the-top theatrics.
This classic 1930s gin sour has the perfect spooky name for a Halloween drink! It's a mix of gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and a hint of absinthe. It's sophisticated enough for serious cocktail enthusiasts but approachable for party guests, too.
This spiced and warming cocktail stars bourbon, apple cider, and maple syrup with ginger and cinnamon. It's a fun haunted cocktail to cozy up with on Halloween night if you're a bourbon fan!
I make mine with real pumpkin purée, not just pumpkin spice syrup, creating a creamy cocktail that tastes like liquid pumpkin pie. The graham cracker rim adds a hint of sweetness and crunch that complements the smooth texture perfectly.
Sometimes simple is best: this two-ingredient Halloween drink combines apple cider with Fireball whiskey for spiced perfection. The spicy cinnamon blends seamlessly with tangy sweet cider in a way that will blow you away with its simplicity.
This bourbon-forward cocktail is barely sweet and features pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warming spices. It's great for bourbon lovers who want something seasonal with a spirit-forward profile (try a different drink in the list if you love sweet cocktails).
Ernest Hemingway invented this iridescent green classic cocktail that pairs absinthe and sparkling wine for an intriguing flavor profile. It's bubbly with a distinct black licorice finish that makes it perfect for Halloween party guests who love a good classic cocktail.
This sweet and spiced margarita features pumpkin butter, apple cider, tequila, and ginger beer for a complex flavor profile. It's got layers of fall spices and just enough spicy finish from the ginger beer.
Full of apple cider, cranberry juice, and caramel vodka, this drink delivers fruity flavors and spooky dry ice effects. The grenadine adds a "poisoned" red swirl that makes it look dangerously delicious.
This classic tiki cocktail is completely over-the-top with four types of rum, three fruit juices, and two fruit syrups. It delivers tropical flavors that make you forget you're drinking something so potent: great for Halloween daredevils. It's another spirit-forward drink!
My version of this fall classic is a great Halloween cocktail: It balances tangy cider with citrusy orange liqueur and just a hint of cinnamon on the finish. It has a great balance of fall flavors without being overly sweet.
This spooky Halloween drink is actually just a cucumber margarita in disguise, made with tequila, lime juice, cucumbers, and simple syrup. Add some fake blood around the rim for a fun twist that adds Halloween magic.
This classic brunch cocktail was practically made for Halloween with its blood-red color and savory, spicy flavor profile. Dress it up with spooky garnishes like pickled onion "eyeballs" or celery "bones" for the full Halloween treatment.
Everyone loves a classic Moscow Mule, and this seasonal spin pairs apple cider and ginger in a bubbly, effervescent mix. It looks perfectly cozy nestled in a copper mug and builds easily in the glass, making it ideal for parties!
This haunted cocktail brings all the graveyard vibes with mezcal, spiced apple cider, and ginger beer for smoky fall flavors. The combination of mezcal's earthiness with sweet spiced cider makes the ideal Halloween cocktail flavor profile.
This 1920s classic made with Scotch, blood orange juice, and cherry liqueur tastes like a Manhattan with fruity notes. The name makes it perfect for Halloween, and the reddish color adds to the spooky appeal without any artificial coloring. It's great for classic cocktail lovers!
My version of this historic drink is subtly sweet and cozy-spiced with cinnamon and allspice, but also spirit-forward with boozy dark rum. There's just enough butter to make it lightly creamy without overwhelming the rum. It's perfect for sipping by a bonfire!
Combining the classic cream and Kahlua base with pumpkin spices makes a dessert-like cocktail that's great for entertaining. It's sweet, creamy, and tastes like fall comfort in a glass—great for guests who prefer sweeter cocktails! (it's not my personal favorite, but I prefer a good sweet tart drink.)
"It was a dark and stormy night" makes this rum and ginger beer classic perfect for Halloween storytelling. The dark rum with vanilla notes pairs well with spicy, bubbly ginger beer and tangy lime.
Blood oranges create a brilliant red color naturally while delivering balanced sweet-tart flavors that make any margarita better. The name and dramatic color make it perfect for Halloween -- without any artificial additives!
Last up in these Halloween cocktails, the Halloween mimosa! This blood-red, bubbly cocktail is made even more perfect with lychee eyeballs. Serve it up for a scary drink everyone will be talking about!
Expert tips for Halloween cocktail success
As a Halloween enthusiast, I love to host Halloween parties. Here are some of my top tips for a successful gathering:
- Start with a signature drink. Choose one show-stopping cocktail like the Witches Brew or Vampire’s Kiss. Or, offer a few simpler options like the Apple Cider Mule or Fireball and Cider, which are easy to build in the glass. It’s also so simple to make Halloween Punch to serve a crowd.
- Prep ingredients ahead. I always make my syrups, colored sugar, and garnishes the day before. For drinks like the Apple Cider Martini, I prep the cider syrup in advance so I can focus on mixing during the party.
- Consider your crowd. If you’re hosting cocktail enthusiasts, lean into classics like the Corpse Reviver or Death in the Afternoon. For a mixed crowd, stick with approachable options like the Halloween Margarita or Apple Cider Spritz.
Spooky garnish ideas
Here are some fun ideas that go above and beyond for garnishes:
- Use colored ice cubes. Freeze cranberry juice in water for blood-red ice that slowly colors clear drinks.
- Consider dry ice. It adds a fun bubbling, smoking element to a punch or single drinks!
- Garnish dramatically. Think lychee “eyeballs,” plastic spiders, or these festive Halloween cocktail picks.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to use dry ice, read my complete guide on How to Make Dry Ice Drinks & Cocktails before you start. Proper handling is crucial for both safety and the best visual effects.
Make-ahead Halloween cocktails
Here are the easiest in the list above to make ahead:
- Halloween Punch: Scale this up and keep it chilled. Add the dry ice right before serving.
- Halloween Margarita: Make the pitcher variation up to 1 day in advance.
- Syrups and Mixers: Make apple cider syrup, colored sugars, and other components up to a week in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Get creative with gummy worms, candy eyeballs, plastic spiders, or even edible glitter. You can also rim glasses with colored sugar or chocolate syrup for a festive touch.
Yes! You can easily create spooky mocktails using colorful juices, sodas, and garnishes. Try a Pumpkin Smoothie or a Green Goblin Punch with lime sherbet.
Absolutely! Punches are a great option for serving a crowd, like Halloween Punch or Halloween Sangria.
30 Halloween Cocktails & Drinks: Witches Brew & More!
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeThese Halloween cocktails and drinks combine eerie effects with incredible flavors, from bubbling alcoholic drinks to spooky classic cocktails! These creepy beverages will wow everyone (mocktails included!).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces* Midori
- 1 ½ ounces Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- For the garnish: 1 small dry ice cube**, cocktail cherry
Instructions
- Make the drink: Add the Midori, Cointreau and lemon juice to a cocktail mixing glass (or cocktail shaker). Add 2 handfuls regular ice cubes and stir until cold. Strain the drink into a lowball glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
- Break the dry ice into 1-inch chunks (if using): Do this as close to the time you’ll be serving the drinks as possible, though you can buy the dry ice a few hours in advance. Start by dropping the plastic bag with the dry ice on the ground several times to allow it break into large chunks. Remember never to touch the dry ice with your bare hands! Put on goggles and gloves. Use a chisel to break the dry ice into smaller pieces using a screwdriver or ice pick. The ideal size is 1/2-inch to 1-inch chunks that are large enough to sink to the bottom of the drink, but small enough to disappear in a few minutes. Wrap the small chunks in a towel in a cooler until you’re ready to serve the drinks. Do not place the dry ice in the freezer.
- Add the dry ice: Using tongs (do not touch the dry ice!), add a 1/2-inch to 1-inch chunk of dry ice to the glass, which will sink to the bottom and immediately make a smoking effect. The ice cube will disappear in about 5 minutes. Do not drink the dry ice! Wait until the cube disappears before enjoying your drink (or you can take sips with the dry ice in the bottom). Review the dry ice handling instructions above.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
**Dry ice is available at many grocery stores and comes in a large block. Buy it a few hours before you plan to serve the drinks (it does not store in the freezer). Read more about Dry Ice Safety here.
More cocktail recipes
There are so many cocktails to try outside of these Halloween drinks! Here are 300+ cocktail recipes for every occasion:
- Classics: Try Classic Cocktails or Great Cocktail Recipes.
- Easy: These Easy Mixed Drinks and Cheap Drinks have just 2 to 3 ingredients.
- Fancy: Opt for the best in Craft Cocktails.
- The Big 5: Try all our cocktails with Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila or Rum.
- Fall Drinks: Try Fantastic Fall Drinks or Fall Cocktails for the Season.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/Mi36cXa
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