Halloween cocktails: Never frightening, just spirited, chilling sips

Halloween cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season. These spirits will surely make the haunted celebration a little less frightening.

Halloween cocktails make any spooky celebration a little more spirited. While the children might enjoy a bowl filled with candy, adults would rather celebrate the eerie holiday with a different treat. Although tricks are plenty during the season, these cocktails offer just the right amount of chill.

From celebrity parties to Instagram pictures, everyone seems to have a Halloween cocktail. Often one cocktail is the signature libation for an annual Halloween event. With so many options available it can be difficult to choose just one drink.

Bat-tito by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, photo provided by Tito’s

With so many spooky sips available, FoodSided decided to break down these Halloween cocktails groups. Instead of choosing based on the scariest (or puniest) name, this list is broken down by spirit (alcohol). Vodka, bourbon, gin and even a few more make our chilling sips list.

Don’t be frightened by all the options. It’s just like a great Halloween costume. Choose wisely or be haunted by that embarrassing picture for years to come.

Halloween vodka cocktails

Vodka cocktails can be some of the most approachable cocktails. Vodka seems to blend easily with a variety of flavors and mixers. From bright and tangy juices to savory and robust flavors, there are many options for even the casual cocktail drinker.

Also, vodka is a clear spirit that works well with colors. Since activated charcoal is a huge cocktail trend, vodka is a great choice for a Halloween cocktail.

A couple favorite Halloween inspired cocktails are Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s Bat-Tito Bite. This cocktail is a bright, bold cocktail in both flavor and color. The rich color from the blood orange soda and the pomegranate juice is perfect for the holiday. Also, the flavors are refreshing. Plus, it is a punch. Who doesn’t love a punch for a party?

For a more elevated cocktail option, try the Belvedere Black Tie. This vodka cocktail used the activated coconut charcoal. It is a lofty cocktail, but it adds a lot of drama to any Halloween event.

If you’re up for the challenge, here’s how to shake one up.

Belvedere Black Tie, photo provided by Belvedere Vodka

"Belvedere Black Tie1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka1 oz Pineapple Juice.75 oz Lime Juice.5 oz Honey Syrup25 mg Activated Coconut Charcoal2 dashes Phychuad BittersMethod: Build in shaker strain and fine strain into glass, garnish with Peychaud Bitter"

Not a fan of vodka, don’t worry. Check out these Halloween tequila cocktails.

Halloween tequila cocktails

Forget about those bad college memories of too much tequila. Tequila cocktails don’t have been frightening. With the right balance and ingredients, tequila cocktails are quite delicious.

A perfect cocktail for Halloween is a Sangrita. This classic tequila cocktail is relatively simple and easy to make. It takes bloody Mary mix, juice and a little hot sauce. Of course, you can amp up the spice levels for those flavor fans.

Cazadores Bloody Sunrise, photo provided by Cazadores

Another easy cocktail that works well for Halloween is a Bloody Sunrise, this one is by CAZADORES. Of course, the name is fitting for the spooky holiday. This particular version is fairly straight forward.

"Bloody Sunrise | Created by Manny Hinojosa, Global Brand Ambassador, CAZADORESIngredients:1 ½ oz. Tequila CAZADORES Reposado3 oz. Orange Juice½ oz. Grenadine1 Orange SliceCherryMethod: In a Collins glass, combine all the ingredients with ice top with grenadine. Garnish with orange & cherry."

If you are looking to adapt this particular cocktail to something a little more adventurous, add some beet juice. Hornitos Tequila created a version with ½ part of beet juice. While the color is impressive, the flavor is both amazing. Don’t be frightened by the beets. They aren’t scary.

Wine cocktails

While wine is a great pairing for horror movie watching, wine cocktails can cast a spell on a Halloween event. Wine doesn’t have to be just sipped from a classic wine glass. Adding it to a cocktail adds a layer of flavor that is quite delightful.

A classic wine cocktail is a sangria. The combination of a dry wine, a spirit and fruit is quite bright and refreshing. If you’re hosting a larger party, consider using Black Box Wine. The larger size makes for a wonderful big batch of sangria. For the fall holiday, try adding some fall spices. Cinnamon, clove and even all spice can bring the warmth to this classic cocktail.

Also, serving a sangria at a Halloween party is easy entertaining. A fun idea is to put a punch bowl inside a pumpkin. Or, add some Halloween shaped fruits to add the creepy factor.

Veuve Clicquot Rich’s Brew, photo provided by Veuve Clicquot

For a more adventurous take on Halloween cocktails, a champagne floater can add some bubbly excitement. Veuve Clicquot recommends this particular Halloween inspired cocktail for the season. It is relatively easy to make, too.

"Veuve Clicquot Rich’s Brew:Ingredients· 5-6 large ice cubes· 2-3 slices of blood orange· Candied orange peel· Veuve Clicquot Rich ChampagneDirections: Place 5 ice cubes in a large wine glass, add the slices of blood orange, top with chilled Veuve Clicquot Rich, and finish with a candied orange peel"

Not a fan of wine? How about some beer cocktails for Halloween.

Beer cocktails

Can beer be transformed into a cocktail? Of course it can. Why not take one of your favorite beers and use it in a cocktail.

While finding a beer cocktail for Halloween can be a little tricky, one particular cocktail has a perfect story for the spooky season. Guinness’ Black Velvet is a must try for Halloween.

Guinness Black Velvet, photo provided by Guinness

According to legend, this cocktail, the Black Velvet, was created after Prince Albert’s death. Guinness shared the story and said that “at Brooks’s, a private society clubhouse in London, the steward requested for the Champagne to be dressed in black, in mourning of the Prince’s passing.”

Given that this cocktail has been around since 1861, the cocktail has some strong history. While many people think of a black and tan or just a Guinness on its own, this cocktail is definitely something to ponder.

While it is doubtful that the spirit of Prince Albert will appear at your Halloween gathering, you will be able to impress your guests with this piece of historic knowledge.

Black Velvet

Ingredients
Half a flute of Champagne
Half a flute of Guinness Extra Stout

Rum, not run, Halloween inspired cocktails

While the pirates might love their rum, the ghosts and ghouls will enjoy a rum cocktail for the Halloween events. Finding a rum cocktail for the spirited occasion is rather easy. In pinch, just remember to channel your inner captain.

Victor Cruz at Captain Morgan Halloween Event, photo provided by Captain Morgan

Truthfully, one of the easiest Halloween cocktails featuring rum is the Captain Morgan Apple Jack-O. This cocktail features Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast and chilled apple cider. The combination is a classic 1-3 scenario (more cider than rum or you’ll be walking the plank).

If you prefer a rum cocktail with a little spookier name, consider the BACARDI Zombie. While this cocktail won’t have you walking around like a zombie, it could give you a little fright, in a good way. The combination of two rums, sour and sweet is a yummy cocktail.

Ready to shake one up?

"BACARDÍ ZombieIngredients:2 parts BACARDÍ Superior Rum1 1/3 parts BACARDÍ Black Rum1 part Triple Sec2 parts Sweet & Sour mix2 parts Orange juice1 part GrenadineGarnish: Fresh fruitMethod:Pour all ingredients into a shaker full of ice and shake vigorously. Strain and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh fruit."

Gin, a little herbaceous flavor for Halloween

Gin cocktails can be an unusual bunch. With all things royal becoming more and more popular, gin has been on the rise. While I don’t know if Meghan or Harry enjoys a good gin, it is a spirit that more people should discover.

Bombay Sapphire Gin Cocktails, photo provided by Bombay Sapphire Gin

Sometimes gin is considered just in a gin and tonic or even a martini. Still, the liquor works well in a variety of cocktails. The herbaceous flavor blends well with a variety of mixes and other flavors.

For the season, Bombay Sapphire created a quite unusual cocktail. While this cocktail might push people’s comfort zone, it is quite delightful. The lightness from the egg white and the sweetness from the pumpkin makes it a must try.

"SMOKEY PEAR AND PUMPKIN SOURIngredients:2 parts Bombay Sapphire East Gin.75 parts Pumpkin puree.5 part Xante Pear Brandy.5 part Simple syrup.75 part Lemon juice.5 part Egg whiteGARNISH: Pear slices and cinnamonMETHOD: Combine ingredients and shake hard, serving up or down in glass. Garnish with pear slices and cinnamon."

If you’re not quite ready for this gin cocktail, shake up a classic gin and tonic. Just give it a spooky name and no one will be the wiser about your special Halloween cocktails.

What cocktail are you serving for Halloween? Halloween cocktails come in all flavors, varieties and colors. Don’t let the spooky celebration pass without raising a glass of something creative.