Easy Halloween Drinks
Most of the Halloween cocktail recipes we included on this list are a snap to make, using no more than three or four ingredients. Throwing a party doesn’t always allow a ton of time to mix up complicated drinks, and while there’s a lot of fun, spooky stuff you can do with things like dry ice and syringes, we mostly kept things simple.
That said… we also included a couple over-the-top creations, just in case you want to really go for it this year. Because there’s nothing quite like curling up by the fireside with a stiff drink that’s garnished with an eyeball, and then taking it to the door and scaring some neighborhood kids while you pass out candy.
So get your costumes ready, grab some black vodka at the liquor store, and get mixing.
16 Halloween Cocktails That Are Scary Delicious
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Vampire’s Weakness
What this drink lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in almost being a Boulevardier . The Vampire’s Weakness riffs on the classic combo of bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth with the Irish whiskey treatment—upping the ratios slightly from the traditional equal parts. The cocktail is spirit-forward and bittersweet, making a fine nightcap, whether you’re closing down a bar, sitting fireside or, in this case, hosting a Halloween party. Because you really shouldn’t garnish your drinks with an anatomically corr… View Vampire’s Weakness Recipe -
The Darke Daiquiri
Halloween cocktails don’t need to be black as night, but it sure helps to set the scene. Like this Darke Daiquiri, a Jäger-and-rum drink that, on the surface, is a modified sour. But toss in a capsule’s worth of activated charcoal, and you get an extra spooky sour. Despite its sinister appearance, the Darke Daiquiri is an easy-drinking proposition. Used in small quantities, the charcoal is flavorless, so you’re left tasting only the good stuff. And given its propensity for soaking up toxins, it might eve… View The Darke Daiquiri Recipe -
Murderer’s Row
Murderer’s Row refers to the 1927 Yankees, whose devastatingly good lineup was a dominant force on the diamond. But here, it refers to a cocktail, whose ingredients are equally impressive, just in a less baseball-y way. Starting with a full two ounces of Fonseca Bin 27 Port, the drink is then accented by a smaller measure of bourbon, which adds a little extra heft to the spirited side of things. From there, fresh pear juice keeps things bright and autumnal, while lemon, agave, and blackberries provide extr… View Murderer’s Row Recipe -
Zombie
The Zombie is a tropical drink that was reportedly concocted by legendary tiki proprietor Don the Beachcomber in the late 1930s as a hangover cure. In reality, it’s probably created a lot more hangovers than it’s cured, considering most recipes include a full four ounces of rum (one of which is 151 proof ). The classic Donn Beach Zombie recipe uses something known as “Donn’s Mix,” which is basically just a blend of cinnamon simple syrup and grapefruit juice. To make it, heat 0.5 cup water, 0.5 cup s… View Zombie Recipe -
Corpse Reviver #2
The Corpse Reviver #2 (one of a whole cadre of variations, obviously) was initially devised as a hangover cure, hence the name. While it probably won’t make you feel any less like a corpse after a long night out, it does play better in the morning than a lot of other cocktails. Soft and a little sour, this classic goes great with brunch. View Corpse Reviver #2 Recipe -
Blood in Hand
The Blood in Hand is… you guessed it: a thinly-veiled riff on the classic Blood and Sand . The main difference here, in addition to the Halloween-themed name, is the switch from scotch to Irish whiskey. The whiskey swap softens the cocktail slightly, and provides a milder base for the remaining ingredients. With Cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange juice, there’s plenty of flavor to go around. And with a name like Blood in Hand, there’s plenty of reason to mix up one of these on Halloween. View Blood in Hand Recipe -
Witches’ Brew
The Witches’ Brew is a Japanese-inclined cocktail from Gallow Green, the rooftop bar atop New York’s McKittrick Hotel. Famous for Sleep No More, the immersive and psychologically jarring theater experience, the McKittrick Hotel is a fine place to imbibe a green-hued cocktail called the Witches Brew. But the drink is actually a lot friendlier than it sounds. For starters, it’s got a base of Japanese whisky , and everyone loves Japanese whisky. Throw in some Midori—which has made a major comeback in recent … View Witches’ Brew Recipe -
Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a simple Manhattan variation that was invented at famed San Francisco bar Bourbon & Branch by bartender Todd Smith. It replaces the sweet vermouth with Amaro Averna , a classic Sicilian amaro that’s known for its bittersweet herbal and caramel flavors. The Black Manhattan cocktail has become something of a modern classic, inspiring a number of related variations. View Black Manhattan Recipe -
Velvet Night
The Velvet Night is an intricate, fine-looking cocktail that’s part of the new art-centric drinks menu at Upstairs at The Gwen, a rooftop bar located atop the Gwen Hotel. This cocktail is inspired by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and his unique artwork that was exhibited at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary art. It’s combining a few seemingly simple ingredients—vodka, pineapple, jalapeño, and lime—and turning them into a gorgeous display of liquid and ice. The Velvet Night isn’t the easie… View Velvet Night Recipe -
The Spooky Neighbor
The Spooky Neighbor is a spirited concoction combining the always-solid Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Scotch with China China (a bittersweet liqueur made with orange peels, seeds, and spices), Suze (a French aperitif), and a coffee liqueur of your choice. With just four ingredients, it’s simple to mix (though might require a trip to the liquor store), with a complex taste that belies that simplicity. It’s bitter, herbal, and flush with the taste of scotch and coffee. Despite the name, this one’s more of a ta… View The Spooky Neighbor Recipe -
Blood Sucker
The Blood Sucker cocktail is a fun Halloween drink that’s made to look like it’s dripping with gore—but don’t worry, it’s just berry puree! The base recipe is simple, calling for orange- flavored rum ( spiced rum or regular white rum works fine too), Cointreau , and pineapple juice, but the real fun comes with the addition of raspberry or strawberry puree. To get the right effect, stick a drinking straw into the puree, then place your finger over the opening and dribble it down the inside edges of the … View Blood Sucker Recipe -
Witch’s Hat
The Witch’s Hat cocktail is a fun, spooky drink that’ll keep your Halloween party guests happy all season long. Made with black vodka (a novelty vodka with coloring added, but if you can’t find it at the store you can either infuse regular vodka with raspberries or simply add food coloring), Chambord raspberry liqueur, and dark cherry juice, as well as a decadent rim of crushed chocolate wafers, this cocktail certainly looks like an upside-down witch’s hat—and it’s a great addition to any Halloween menu… View Witch’s Hat Recipe -
Black Cat
The Black Cat is a cherry-flavored vodka cocktail, typically served in a highball glass. A popular cocktail around Halloween, the Black Cat is anything but spooky, and is enjoyable throughout the year. View Black Cat Recipe -
Bloody Margarita
The Bloody Margarita is a delicious Margarita variation made with blood orange juice. This gives it a slightly sweeter, fruitier profile than the classic recipe, as well as a bright red hue that makes it great for Halloween parties. That said, the Bloody Margarita is fantastic all year round, whether as a midsummer refresher or a tropical escape from the dead of winter. View Bloody Margarita Recipe -
Liquefied Ghost
The Liquefied Ghost (or Liquid Ghost) is a simple, creamy Halloween cocktail that’s a fun way to round out your costume party drink menu. All you need is vodka, vanilla simple syrup (just make this simple syrup recipe and add a few drops of vanilla extract), cream, and a bit of soda water. Shake it up, and BOO! You’ve got yourself a cocktail. View Liquefied Ghost Recipe -
Mulled Wine
This is such a cozy drink on a cool night, but be make sure you don’t drive anywhere – this one sneaks up on you! View Mulled Wine Recipe
