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How to Make Spooky Drinks for Halloween
These Halloween-themed drink ideas are super fun and easy to prepare for your social gathering. From searching for creepy cocktail glasses, to adding spooky elements, to garnishing a cocktail.
When you’re planning a Halloween party, the drinks are nearly as important as your costume. Seeing as no one wants to sip on the same-old cocktail on the spookiest night of the year, we’ve outlined a few simple tips to set the mood (and the table) this October 31st.
From searching for moody glassware, to adding a few spooky elements to garnish a cocktail or mixing up a bright green Casamigos Witch’s Margarita, here’s how to take your Halloween bash to especially spooky levels this year.
Lean into creepy barware
When it comes to making cocktails, the glassware you serve them in can substantially change the vibe. That said, you definitely don’t need to drop a small fortune on all new seasonal glassware. Instead, hit up a vintage shop or thrift store for absinthe glasses, which are a distinct column-shaped goblet. Aged silver and pewter pitchers (the more patina, the better) will give your drinks an occult vibe too. For something a bit more versatile, invest in a set of moody-toned cocktail glasses that will feel spooky on Halloween, but elevated any other time of you.
You can also look beyond traditional cocktail glasses: skull-shaped mugs, themed cups or even tiny spider toys can be used to give your drink a bit more spookiness, too. No time to head to a store? A pumpkin can do double duty as a serving vessel for large format cocktails, too.
Use dry-ice to set the scene
Dry ice sounds complicated on paper— it’s carbon dioxide in a solid form that turns into a gas as it melts — but it's safe to use at your party, as long as you follow proper procedures. First, don’t touch the dry ice with your bare hands, as doing so for longer than 10 seconds can cause frostbite, so make sure to wear a pair of dry ice gloves while you handle it. (Tongs are also essential!)
Many grocery stores and big box stores sell dry ice in 1 or 2 pound blocks, so you’ll need to use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to chip pieces off (make sure you clean the tools beforehand!). From there, you can add dry ice to punches or glasses for a spooky, foggy effect, but tell guests that they shouldn’t be consumed. Also, it will keep drinks very cold, so keep that in mind when making your concoctions.
Celebrate the season’s ingredients
While there’s nothing particularly scary about fall produce, you’ll want to utilize the season’s best in your cocktails for particularly tasty drinks — the same way you do in the kitchen. In October, that means apples and cranberries, as well as earthy herbs like thyme and rosemary. Of course, you can incorporate plenty of pumpkin and baking spices too, as they pair perfectly with the barrel and roasted agave notes in Don Julio Reposado Tequila, mezcals or bourbon.
Go bold with color
Make your own “potions” with neon green, bright red and deep blue cocktails for an especially spooky aesthetic this Halloween. To achieve them, use brightly colored liqueurs like grenadine or blue curacao or absinthe, which is typically bright green. Then, go equally bold with the garnishes: scorch a dried blood orange so that it appears wilted or drop a rich, burgundy maraschino cherry into the bottom of a cocktail glass for a blood-red libation. For a little inspiration, try this Witch’s Margarita with Casamigos tequila — complete with a witchy green color thanks to melon liqueur.
Elevate your gathering with a custom menu
Download The Bar's Halloween menu to add a personal touch to your spooky soirée.