As the shadows grow longer and the air turns crisp, the eerie magic of Halloween is upon us. It’s the time of year when the veil between the living and the dead feels thin. When whispers from the shadows seem just a little too close, and the chill in the air carries with it secrets long forgotten. The night is alive with mystery, and what better way to celebrate than with potions that promise both delight and danger?” Whether you’re hosting a full-blown Halloween party or a more intimate séance this list of cocktails is bound to contain the witches brew for you.
From timeless classics like the Corpse Reviver No. 2, a drink designed to bring even the most lifeless partygoer back to life. To playful concoctions like the glowing green Witch’s Brew, there’s a bewitching drink for every spirit in the room. The Blood and Sand offers a hauntingly rich blend of Scotch and cherry, while the Black Widow Martini wraps its webs of pomegranate and black vodka around your taste buds.
But beware—these cocktails may look and taste enchanting, but they carry a delicious danger all their own.
Corpse Reviver No.2 |
Blood and Sand |
Death In The Afternoon |
El Diablo |
Black Russian |
Witch’s Brew |
Vampire’s Kiss |
Poison Apple |
Black Widow Martini |
Zombie Punch |
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic cocktail from the Prohibition era, known for its bright, refreshing taste and eerie name. The drink is part of a family of “Corpse Reviver” cocktails, originally designed as hangover cures—hence the name. Wwith a hint of citrus, a slight sweetness from the Lillet Blanc, and a touch of intrigue from the absinthe, It’s a popular choice for Halloween.
Named after a 1922 silent film about a bullfighter, the Blood and Sand is a classic cocktail with a name that evokes both drama and danger. Its deep red colour comes from Cherry Heering and orange juice, while Scotch provides a smoky backbone. It offers a layered experience of sweet, smoky, and fruity flavours, all while looking like something straight out of a gothic tale. A complex, elegant drink with just a hint of the macabre.
Created by the legendary Ernest Hemingway, Death in the Afternoon is as much a literary artifact as it is a cocktail. The combination of absinthe, known for its, albeit undeserved, hallucinogenic reputation in the early 20th century. The light, bubbly effervescence of champagne makes this drink seem otherworldly. The resulting cloudy appearance makes it especially fitting for Halloween or any ghostly gathering.
El Diablo is a devilishly good cocktail that combines tequila with the deep, rich sweetness of crème de cassis, the sharpness of lime, and the fizz of ginger beer. This cocktail is bold, with a fiery name that’s perfect for Halloween. The deep red hue from the cassis and the hint of spice from the ginger beer create a drink that’s both playful and dramatic. If you’re into living dangerously, then why not try using really fiery ginger beer.
The Black Russian is a simple yet mysterious cocktail, with its dark, brooding appearance fitting for Halloween. This drink dates back to 1949 and is named in reference to its Cold War origins. The combination of vodka and coffee liqueur is smooth and rich. Made with minimal effort its simplicity, combined with its midnight black look, makes it a perfect choice for a Halloween nightcap—strong, dark, and undeniably cool.
With its electric green colour and refreshing taste, Witch’s Brew is a cocktail that looks as magical as it sounds. Midori provides a sweet melon flavour, balanced out by the tartness of lemon juice and the fizz of club soda. The bright green hue and playful name make this drink a perfect addition to any Halloween gathering. Light, refreshing, and just a little bit mischievous, it’s a fun drink that’s sure to enchant your guests.
The Vampire’s Kiss is a seductive, sparkling cocktail that’s perfect for Halloween. With its deep red hue and a touch of sweetness from the Chambord, this is truly sweet vampiric nectar. It’s fruity nature is really disguised by its sinister appearance. If you can get some the red sugar rim adds a theatrical flourish.
Inspired by the infamous poisoned apple from fairy tales, this cocktail is both visually stunning and dangerously delicious. The sharp tartness of sour apple schnapps is balanced by the sweetness of cranberry juice, giving the drink a vibrant red colour. With the crisp, autumnal flavor of apples, the Poison Apple is a perfect seasonal cocktail for Halloween. It’s light, refreshing, and a little bit wicked—just like the forbidden fruit it’s named after.
The Black Widow Martini is a dark, sleek cocktail that’s perfect for Halloween. The deep red hues of pomegranate and cranberry juice contrast with the black vodka, creating a drink that looks as sinister as it sounds. This cocktail is a mix of sweet and tart, with bold flavors that will make you feel like you’ve been bitten by its namesake! If you can’t locate black vodka, then a few drops of food coloring into plain vodka, or switching to dark rum can have the same affect. If you can get some black sugar round the rim of the glass, then you’re really onto a winner.
Its blend of light and dark rum with apricot brandy and fruit juices creates a fruity, flavourful drink that packs a punch. The rich combination of tropical flavours is balanced by the sweetness of grenadine, while the punch format makes it perfect for sharing. This cocktail is playful and strong—just the thing to bring your Halloween bash to life!