It’s frighteningly close to Halloween and that can only mean one thing … themed cocktails! Grab your cauldron and get ready to brew these spooky, creative libations that will haunt your guests’ nightmares — er, at least it will get them pretty buzzed. We’ve ranked these recipes by difficulty and booze level (from 1-5), so you can pick and choose the right adult beverage for your ghoulish get-togethers. Pro tip: don’t forget to blast “Monster Mash” and Jimmy’s “Desperation Samba” on repeat while you shake and stir.
Walker Blood Sangria
Difficulty Level: Amateur Bar Goblin (1)
Booze Level: Will Get You Twisted (2)
This blood-red sangria is a little something to warm the insides before you take the kids out Trick-or-Treating. Merlot, Cointreau, and pomegranate juice lend the dark red hue, while a red sugar rim seals the deal. Try at your own risk.
Morgue-A-Rita
Difficulty Level: Not Too Threatening (2)
Booze Level: Medium Potion (3)
Not your average Margaritaville marg’, this one has a scary twist! Dripping green food coloring down a wine glass and freezing to set adds a slime-tastic touch that will mesmerize your guests while they sip their yummy margaritas.
Pina Ghouladas
Difficulty Level: Easier than Magic (3)
Booze Level: You Will Probably See Ghosts TBH (4)
For the feeling of lounging at a haunted beach, blend 4 ounces of pina colada mix, 1 ounce of coconut rum, and 1-1/2 cups ice, served with a black and white striped straw. A few of these may leave you and your friends in a cackling fog.
Bloody Brain Shooter
Difficulty Level: Evil Scientist (4)
Booze Level: Hauntingly Strong if You Have a Few (4)
Put science to creative use with this shooter, where the Bailey’s Irish cream curdles in lime juice and strawberry vodka to create brain-like strands. Shots, shots, shots!
Shrunken Heads in Spiced Cider
Difficulty Level: Expert Witch Mixologist (5)
Booze Level: Eerily Light (1) or Virgin (0)
Nothing pairs better with a Halloween costume party than a spiked cider with floating skulls. Your guests – or your kids, for a non-alcoholic version – will delight at having to ladle around creepy-looking shrunken heads to get their cider fix. While this drink can be mixed on the lighter side, we’re sure you know what to do to kick up the alcohol a notch.