The kids can keep the candy—treat the grown-ups to one of these fiendishly good holiday drinks.
Black Velvet
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.
Get the recipe: Black Velvet
Black Sun
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.
Get the recipe: Black Sun
El Diablo
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.
Get the recipe: El Diablo
The Last Word
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.
Get the recipe: The Last Word
Blood and Sand
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.
Get the recipe: Blood and Sand
Chartreuse Smash
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.
Get the recipe: Chartreuse Smash
Caramel Apple Punch
This autumn punch calls for just four ingredients—apple cider, spiced rum, lemon juice, and a sliced apple (naturally) for garnish.
Get the recipe: Caramel Apple Punch
Chocolate Malted Martini
Rich and creamy, this decadent cocktail—made with chocolate syrup and vodka—will bring out your dark side.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Malted Martini
Pumpkin Martini
Stay away from those cloying pumpkin-flavored liqueurs—this drink uses pure pumpkin puree, with vodka for the kick.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Martini
Vampire Punch
A generous dash of juicy pomegranate seeds adds a sweet-tart bite to every cup.
Get the recipe: Vampire Punch
Deviled Margarita
A cayenne-spiced salt rim gives this easy margarita its heat.
Get the recipe: Deviled Margarita
Dark and Spooky
Use ginger beer—not ginger ale—and dark rum for the deepest, most intense flavor.
Get the recipe: Dark and Spooky
Bloody Maria
Shake up your usual brunchtime beverage with a shot of tequila instead of vodka.
Get the recipe: Bloody Maria
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