13 Spooky Halloween Cocktails

By now it's clear that this Halloween (like most of 2020) is not likely to be the same Spooktacular event as it was in years past. Luckily, there's still one festivity that we can still count on for comfort- themed cocktails! That's right, whether or not you decide it's worth the extra effort to don last year's costume, you can be sure that a ghoulish cocktail will complement whatever you're wearing (yes, even if it's just pajamas). No matter what spirits are haunting your liquor cabinet, here's 13 Halloween cocktail options sure to score you a few more BOOze out of the holiday.

1. Wolf's Bite

You've heard of "hair of the dog," but what about "bite of the wolf?" This Wolf's Bite shooter is the perfect companion to a night spent under the light of a full moon.

Melon liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine all seem innocent enough; but the secret addition of absinthe provides a bitter surprise that will leave you howling. Just try not to wake the neighbors.

2. Ghostbuster

"If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna' to call?" If your answer isn't the Ghostbusters, then you're overdue for an 80s movie marathon.

But don't worry- in the meantime, you can enjoy this delightful fruit-flavored take on the ghoul-stopping gang. It's easy! Just shake together peach schnapps, melon liqueur, and Irish cream liqueur. One sip and you'll be shouting, "I ain't afraid of no ghost!"

3. El Diablo

Feeling a little devilish? That might just be your craving for tequila. No worries, this Halloween cocktail can satisfy both vices.

El Diablo is an indulgent drink that combines tequila, lime juice, ginger beer, and crème de cassis- a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. Stir with a pitchfork, garnish with sliced lime, and enjoy!

4. Poisoned Orchard Cider

Keep Snow White away from this indulgent treat. To make your own Disney-villain worthy cocktail, you'll first need to make an apple spice simple syrup. Just simmer a mixture of sugar, water, sliced honeycrisp apples, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground cardamom.

Once the syrup is ready, shake it together with cran-apple juice, dark rum, apple brandy, ginger beer, and ice; then garnish with cinnamon and sugar. If you're feeling particularly witchy, you can add dry ice for an eerie fog effect. Cackling is also optional.

5. Monster Mash

If your version of a nightmare is listening to "Monster Mash" on an endless loop (ours too), then this beverage is sure to be the perfect pairing to your long evening of horrors.

Pair your favorite vodka with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, sliced jalapeno, and muddled basil leaves for a monstrously tasty concoction of spicy and sweet. Rawr.

6. Vampire's Kiss

You don't need fangs to sink your teeth into this Halloween cocktail. The Vampire's Kiss requires only three ingredients and won't take but a few minutes of your immortal life to whip up.

Just combine raspberry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, and cranberry juice, then shake with ice. Strain into a martini glass and pair with the screams of your next victim. That's bloody good (and bloody good fun)!

7. The Blackbeard

Shiver me timbers, you look thirsty friend! How about a Blackbeard? The shocking secret to this cocktail is a drop of squid ink which will have the drink turning as black as your heart. Of course, if the thought of wrestling your local kraken has you feeling lily-livered, then black food coloring will also do.

Hopefully you have the spine to gather up the remaining ingredients: spiced rum, crème de cacao, Fernet Branca, and chocolate stout. Saavy?

8. Liquid Web

No one likes spiders, but everyone likes chocolate. If you can get past the eight legs, then this recipe for a Liquid Web cocktail is sure to be a treat.

Throw together chocolate and coffee liqueurs and milk; then top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. If you want to add a little more trick with this treat, add in a few false spiders and watch the havoc unfold.

9. Blood & Sand

Blood & Sand is a reference to a tragic silent film on bullfighting, love, and death- but the phrase brings mummies more quickly to mind. Maybe meet in the middle and dress up like a mummified matador? Look, costumes aren't our thing- but drinks are!

Try this take on a Blood & Sand cocktail by blending together Scotch, rosso vermouth, cherry brandy (or liqueur), and fresh orange juice. The result is a sweet, bright and light concoction that is visually similar to- well, blood in the sand.

10. Bloody Mummy

Okay fine, you want a "real" mummy cocktail? We thought Halloween was all about dressing up as something you're not, but we'll play along.

This Halloween cocktail is better fit for the morning of Halloween- or perhaps the morning after. To make it the way mummy would, you'll need tomato juice, wasabi paste, soy sauce, shichimi togarashi, lemon juice, vodka or gin. Garnish with celery salt, celery stalks, pickled green beans, carrot sticks, and string cheese for a breakfast worthy of the pharaohs.

11. Butterbeer

If you're looking for something a little more magical to sip on while you dole out candy to trick-or-treaters, then grab a wand and summon up a frothy butterbeer.

Straight out of Harry Potter, this adults-only recipe calls for ginger beer, cream soda, and butterscotch ice cream topping. Accio whip cream!

12. The Zombie

2020 may feel apocalyptic, but to really set the mood you'll need zombies- or at least, a Zombie cocktail.

Here's what you'll need to make a horror classic that George Romero would be proud of: white rum, golden rum, dark rum, 151-proof rum (honestly, just grab every type of rum you have), plus lime juice, pineapple juice, papaya juice, and superfine sugar. Just make sure you drink plenty of water before bed or you'll be craving a new brain with your hangover.

13. Black Cat Cocktail

What's more ominous than the number 13? A black cat. Tempt fate by trying out this doubly misfortunate Halloween cocktail. Just combine blue curacao, vodka, lemon-lime soda, cranberry juice, and lime juice to create the deep, dark drink. It might look spooky, but it'll taste better than the cat's meow!

As you prepare for a weekend of strong drinks and trick-or-treating, your friends at Flavorman wish you a safe and spooky Halloween!

If you've got an innovative idea for the next take on your favorite seasonal cocktail, Flavorman can help you bring it to life. Get started by filling out this webform or by giving us a call at (502) 273-5214.