Bartenders Share Their Favorite “Boo-zy” Cocktails For Halloween

Whether you’re spending Halloween out with friends, are hosting a big costume bash at your place, or are just opting to stay in with a classic horror movie, this ghoulish holiday calls for a special cocktail. After all, this night of spooky revelry only comes along once a year.

Forget the sweet, gimmicky vodka drinks garnished with candy corns, though. This sophisticated trio of “boo-zy” Halloween cocktails from top bartenders showcase fall flavors, high-quality spirits, and some mixologist magic that you can easily replicate at home.

Starless Sky (pictured above)

Created by: Jes Gutierrez-Switaj

Available at: Not Today.. Maybe Tomorrow in Brooklyn, NY

“This cocktail is my favorite potion to serve at any Halloween party,” says Gutierrez-Switaj. “The All Spice pulls in classic fall flavors & the sour cherry liqueur and blackberries create a perfect party cocktail. Ramping up this cocktail with the smoke element pays off, it really creates that spooky vibe and will surely impress your guests.”

RECIPE

1 oz El Bandido Yankee Blanco

1 oz Bumbu XO Rum

.5 oz Sour Cherry Liqueur

.25 oz Allspice Dram

.25 oz Orgeat

.25 oz Lime Juice

4 Blackberries

Muddle blackberries, rum and orgeat. Fine strain and set aside. Pour sour cherry liqueur and allspice dram into the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass halfway with crushed or nugget ice. Pour in blackberry mixture. Fill the glass the rest of the way with ice. Top off with El Bandido Yankee blanco tequila and lime juice. Garnish with carbonized star fruit slice, or something equally spooky!

Forest For the Trees

Created by: Ben Rojo

Available at: Terasa North 9th in Brooklyn, NY

“Halloween is a time of transformation: leaves fall, shadows grow long and the autumn wind becomes chilly,” says Rojo. “This drink’s base of Don Papa Rum lends hints of baking spice and the warm glow of embers in a fireplace, while ginger and pear give it a refreshing bite. A bright crack of citrus will raise the hairs on the back of your neck while dark, bittersweet notes of alpine amaro recall Little Red Riding Hood wandering the woods.”

RECIPE

1.5 oz Don Papa Rum

.75 oz lime

.25 oz alpine amaro (e.g. Braulio)

.25 oz ginger syrup

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to combine, then strain over fresh ice into an old fashioned glass. Top with 3 oz of dry pear cider, then garnish with a dash of Angostura bitters and a lime twist.

Cardamom Mulled Wine

Created by: Deena Sayers

Available at: The Stand in New York, NY

RECIPE

1 oz Chambord

6 oz Red Wine

1 oz Apple Juice

1 Bag of Chai Tea

0.25 Teaspoon of Cardamom & Black Pepper Combined

Combine all ingredients in a pot and whisk well. Heat it on a very low setting. Once you start to smell the aromatics, give the mixture a stir and serve! Garnish with a lemon wheel.