14 Deliciously Spooky Halloween Cocktail Recipes

By Real Simple Editors
Updated September 15, 2020
Credit: Getty Images

Believe it or not, Halloween cocktails can be much, much more than a basic orange cocktail or food-coloring concoction. The best Halloween cocktails have some spooky vibe, of course, with a name that plays off of popular Halloween quotes or Halloween puns, but the kitschy Halloween conventions can end there if you prefer. 

If you want them, feel free to toss ice cubes molded into spooky shapes or eyeball-like grapes into your Halloween cocktail. If you don’t, you can still get into the festive spirit with a great drink. These Halloween cocktails are absolutely delicious, and though they have a spooky or autumnal twist, they’re so good that you may find yourself wanting to make them all times of year.

RELATED: The Best Halloween Movies on Netflix

There are plenty of things to do on Halloween, but if drinking a great cocktail is on your list, look no further than these Halloween cocktails and punches. From bittersweet witches’ brews to citrus and tequila blends, these drinks are sure to start your Halloween off right. (Just don’t forget to prep your last-minute Halloween costume before you take your first sip.)

Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Spooky Halloween Punch

Credit: Jennifer Causey
Get the recipe

This Halloween cocktail is plenty tasty—and an orange cocktail, for all the spooky cheer you could hope for—but you can make it even spookier by adding a little dry ice vapor to your presentation. Even without the creepy fog, though, it’s sure to be a delicious hit.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Black Velvet

Credit: Sarah Karnasiewicz
Get the recipe

It may look like the stuff of witches brew, but this disarmingly simple combination of beer and bubbly wine is true to its name: rich, smooth, and lush. It’s also perfectly balanced, with the dark, chocolate notes of the stout (perfect for Halloween!) offset by the crisp fizz of the champagne.

3 of 14

Black Sun

Credit: Sarah Karnasiewicz
Get the recipe

The bittersweet orange edge of Cointreau liqueur adds citrus complexity to this tasty twist on the classic Cuba Libre. Add a spooky swizzle stick for a festive note or an orange garnish for a punch of seasonal color.

Advertisement

4 of 14

El Diablo

Credit: Sarah Karnasiewicz
Get the recipe

Despite its name, the only thing devilish about this tequila cocktail is how easily you can slurp one down. Even traditional margarita drinkers will have to admit that the combination of sweet crème de cassis, earthy tequila, bright lime, and spicy ginger beer is a stroke of utter genius.

5 of 14

The Last Word

Credit: Sarah Karnasiewicz
Get the recipe

Electric green Chartreuse liqueur is the star of this crisp, Prohibition-era classic. While some of the ingredients may seem a bit obscure, trust us, they’re worth the investment: you’re going to want to make more of these.

6 of 14

Blood and Sand

Credit: Sarah Karnasiewicz
Get the recipe

This elegant cocktail is nearly a century old and takes its name not from gruesome ingredients, but a 1920s movie starring Rudolph Valentino. Though the components may seem a little odd, they blend seamlessly, and the warming scotch and sweet vermouth are a welcome nod to early autumn.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Chartreuse Smash

Credit: Sarah Karnasiewicz
Get the recipe

This is one cocktail that will make you happy to drink your greens. Muddled mint and a bit of brown sugar take the medicinal edge off of the Chartreuse, resulting in a crisp, refreshing riff on the julep that is as delicious as it is eye-catching.

8 of 14

Caramel Apple Punch

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

This autumn punch calls for just four ingredients—apple cider, spiced rum, lemon juice, and a sliced apple (naturally) for garnish. For even more Halloween vibes, leave a few uncut apples floating in it so (adult) guests can bob for apples.

9 of 14

Chocolate Malted Martini

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

Rich and creamy, this decadent cocktail—made with chocolate syrup and vodka—will bring out your dark side. If you’re avoiding candy this Halloween, this cocktail will still satisfy your sweet tooth.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Pumpkin Martini

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

Stay away from those cloying pumpkin-flavored liqueurs—this drink uses pure pumpkin puree, with vodka for the kick.

11 of 14

Vampire Punch

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

A generous dash of juicy pomegranate seeds adds a sweet-tart bite to every cup of this Halloween cocktail.

12 of 14

Deviled Margarita

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

A cayenne-spiced salt rim gives this easy margarita its heat. Serve this if you want to feel festive this Halloween but just can’t bear to give up your beloved margarita.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Dark and Spooky

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

Use ginger beer—not ginger ale—and dark rum for the deepest, most intense flavor in this Halloween cocktail.

14 of 14

Bloody Maria

Credit: Joseph De Leo
Get the recipe

Shake up your usual brunchtime beverage with a shot of tequila instead of vodka this Halloween.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Real Simple Editors