Six Halloween Drinks To Die For
It’s my favorite time of year! Once the spooky season hits, I lose all control of myself. (Just so we are clear, August marks the beginning of the spooky season.) It borders on worrisome. I am out there in the world buying decorations I don’t need, consuming all things pumpkin spice — daily, and wearing my horror tees back-to-back. To some, sure, I’m a freak. But to my fellow creepy aficionados, I’m your go-to person when it comes to sharing all things Halloween.
A little Halloween history
Have you ever wondered where the tradition of Halloween came from? No way someone just woke up one day and asked their friends if they wanted to run amuck, right? Like, “Hey John, I’ll be a ghost and you can be a witch and maybe we ask people for free snacks.” That’s where we are now in history but where did our spooktacular tradition come from?
Our Halloween comes from the Gaelic holiday Samhain (pronounced SAH-win). November 1st marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. The celebration began the night before with a festival (October 31st). On this night, pagan Celts believed the line between the living and the dead was blurred. This made it possible for ghosts on the other side to pass over and walk amongst us. Festival Goers dressed up in costumes to blend in with those who were no longer living. The ancient Celts would build huge bonfires and enjoy a feast of food.
They had traditions we still do today, like carving gourds into lanterns. They also went “guising” which was their word for trick-or-treating. They basically had a huge party and stuffed their faces with candy. Same as us.
Eventually, Christianity got a hold of Samhain, and a change began. November 1st became All Saints Day or All Hallows. Making the night before All Hallows Eve and then eventually shortened to today’s Halloween.
Halloween Party Drink Essentials
Halloween is — in my opinion — the best party day of the year. You know what you need to have the ultimate party. Themed cocktails, of course!! I love to create devilishly delicious drinks for my Halloween celebration as well as the events I bartend.
These Halloween-themed drinks I’m going to show you are very simple and can be made with basic home bar ingredients.
Monster Margarita:
This is my most popular drink at events. I am not a fan of Midori but if you are then this drink is for you. Plus, the bright green color of the cocktail with the black salt rim accent is a fan favorite for a spooky touch.
1 oz tequila of your choice
¾ oz Midori or melon liqueur
¼ oz simple syrup
1 oz sour mix
Black salt rim
Blood Spritz:
If you enjoy a refreshing drink with a little bitter bite, you’re going to love this one. It’s my favorite of the bunch. Plus, you make it right in the glass which means it’s super easy when you need a refill!
Fill a champagne flute about ¾ of the way
3/4 oz of Aperol
Top with cranberry
Garnish with an orange slice
Dark and Stormy
If you’re a drinker, you know I didn’t create this cocktail. It just feels like it has a spooky feel to it. The name, the look, and the flavor make this very popular drink feel just right for Halloween night.
1 ½ oz dark rum
½ fresh lime juice
Shake
Top with ginger beer
Garnish with a lime
Witches Brew:
Now, let’s add some candy!! I created this martini with nothing but fun in mind.
1 oz vodka
1 oz blue curacao
½ cranberry juice
Shake
In the bottom of the martini glass pour 1 oz of champagne
Strain contents of shaker in martini glass
Black sugar rim
Gummy worms
Magic Potion:
What makes this potion so magical? You won’t believe how the taste of alcohol has been masked. This strong yet flavorful drink will have you magically on your ass.
¾ oz vodka
¾ oz rum
¾ oz blue curacao
½ oz gin
1 oz sour mix
Top with sprite
Black sugar sprinkle
Evilini:
I named this one after Evilini from Wizards of Waverly Place. That’s all I think I need to say because if you know, you know.
1 oz gin
1 oz midori or melon liqueur
½ creme de menthe
1 oz cream
Enjoy these Halloween drinks all season and even all year. It’s always Halloween in my heart. No one is judging, trust me. So rage on with my Halloween party drinks!
