Bewitching Halloween cocktails that are quite enchanting

While the witches might stir the bubbling cauldron as they conjure the perfect spell, these bewitching Halloween cocktails have their own version of hocus pocus. From the herbal qualities of a great gin to an enticing floral note, the first sip may not be the last. The cocktail shaker can conjure quite a captivating pour.

Picking a Halloween cocktail can be part name, part spirit, and part fun. While there are many cocktails that have a spooky twist, these bewitching Halloween cocktails have a common theme. Although it might not be the Sanderson Sisters behind the bar, these witchingly good sips could have their approval.

The Witching Hour

Created by Hendrick’s Gin West Coast Ambassador, Mattias Horseman

Gin, with its botanical notes, makes a great choice for a Halloween cocktail. In this beverage, the sweetness from the preserves makes it intriguing. The recommendation of a berry jam plays of the botanical notes. Plus, the lime adds a sweet and bright combination that will put people under its spell.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Hendrick’s Gin
• 1 Part Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 Spoons of a Fruit Preserve or Jam of your choice (Blackberry or Strawberry highly recommended)
• ¼ Part Simple Syrup (Optional)

Method:

• Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Fine strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with fruit matching the jam/preserve used. The rose and cucumber essences of Hendrick’s blend beautifully with any jam/preserve to create a curious Halloween cocktail, enjoy!

Ojos de Brujas

Created by Milagro Tequila East Coast Ambassador, Emmanuel Peña

Although the witch’s eye might ward off evil, this cocktail will be staring and enticing that first sip. The lychee juice has a touch of intrigue. For anyone who hasn’t tried lychee, this cocktail will definitely make them a fan.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Milagro Silver
• 1 part Lychee Juice or Syrup From Canned Lychee
• 1 part Lime Juice

Method:

• Build in a shaker, add ice, and shake for 5 seconds. Pour over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with two lychees filled with two Luxardo cherries to create the creepy “ojos” (eyes) garnish.

Witches Brew (serves 8 – or divide by 8 for a single serving)

Sometimes a batch cocktail is a great choice for the spooky season. The color of this “brew” can call all those witches, ghosts, and goblins out of their hiding places.

More importantly, the combination of ingredients will have people doing a double take. For anyone who hasn’t tried a pour of absinthe, this cocktail will have them under that green fairy spell.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 8 oz Grey Goose La Poire
• 6 oz Cucumber-Mint Juice
• 2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 oz absinthe
• 16 oz Sparkling Wine
• Garnish: dehydrated pear, mint crown, borage, grated nutmeg

Method:

• Build in vessel, add all ingredients, stir, add ice and garnish

Magic Potion

Sometimes simple combinations can be the star of bewitching Halloween cocktails. But, use care when choosing a prosecco, the St-Germain Elderflower liqueur should not be overpowered by too sweet of a note.

Ingredients:

• 1 part 12-year-old scotch whisky
• 1 part St-Germain Elderflower liqueur
• 1 part prosecco
• 1 part soda water
• 1/2 part lemon juice

Covens Cauldron

To make a big statement at Halloween, this large cocktail will call all the guests to put out their glass. The interesting part of this cocktail is the Earl Grey Tea. The combination of fruit, tea, and Jameson will have people rethinking flavor combinations at Halloween.

Ingredients:

• 16 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Whole Blackerry
• 6 ⅔ Parts Blackberry Syrup
• 6 ⅔ Parts Cranberry Juice
• 6 ⅔ Parts Earl Grey Tea (Chilled)
• 25 Parts Jameson Original
• 6/23 Parts Lemon Juice
• 6 ⅔ Parts Orange Juice
• 1 Wedge Orange

How to mix:

• Place all ingredients into a kilner jar or punch bowl, fill with ice and stir.
• Serve in an iced glass with a dehydrated orange wedge and berries.

Which bewitching Halloween cocktails will be poured at your party? Do you have a suggestion for the list?