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Last Minute Halloween Inspired Cocktails

Fall cocktail with dried lemon wedge for a garnish

Many people celebrated Halloween over the weekend. Others wait until the actual day. Then there are those who do both. I have friends who live in Southwest Florida neighborhoods that are super popular for trick or treating. But here, it's not just about the kids. They make the night fun for the adults too with Halloween themed food and drink. For those of you still pulling together your gatherings, here are some last minute Halloween inspired cocktails to add to the fun.

Sure you can open wine, have a cooler of beer and the standard cocktail mixers. But with just a little more effort, you can pull off a signature drink that will leave your guests even more impressed than they already are with your entertaining skills. In addition, there are some quick and mostly easy ways to up your appetizer game this week while keeping to the Halloween theme. Click here for a few. I tried the pizza bites shown in that post and they were a big hit. Just add extra cheese.

Halloween Inspired Cocktails

Adding dry ice to any beverage, even red wine, is an easy way to add some spooktacular fun. Just be sure to follow instructions and use caution when handling, like wearing gloves. Now, let's talk about that cocktail pictured above. It is pretty unique, works through Thanksgiving, and it's a mocktail which is always good to have on hand. However, you can easily add vodka or tequila to this one.  It is from Wren Kitchens and here is the recipe:

Fruity Mix

  •  1/3 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and deseeded and cut into chunks
  • 1 pear
  • 8.5 ounces orange juice
  • Thick slice ginger, 1 cm
  • 3.4 ounces water

Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Serve the cocktail in tumblers and garnish with your favorite fall or Halloween accoutrements.

Here are four more last minute Halloween inspired cocktails for your gatherings this year.

A Vampire's Kiss

This is a drink for fans of rum. In addition, it's a good example of how to use dry ice as well.

A Vampire’s Kiss Halloween Cocktail

1 ½ oz Kōloa Kaua'i Gold Rum
4 oz tart cherry juice
½ oz lime juice
½ oz simple syrup
4 oz sparkling water
Ice
Garnish with dry ice (optional)

Add ingredients (except soda water) into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until shaker is frosty. Next, strain ingredients into a glass with ice. Finally, top with soda waterand stir. For an extra spooky effect, use dry ice. For an extra spooky effect, use dry ice. Remember to follow instructions for handling.

Candy Corn Punch

I LOVE how this looks in the glass. So much fun.
Candy Corn Punch 

  • 2 oz Proper No. Twelve
  • Splash of sour mix
  • top with blood orange juice

Directions: In a Collins glass, pour 2 oz Proper No. Twelve and a splash of sour mix over ice. Top with blood orange juice.  Garnish with a fresh orange slice.

Candy Corn Cocktail

It looks similar to the one above but uses different ingredients for a second option with this cool cocktail.

Candy Corn Cocktail
0.5 oz Sorel
2 oz Skrewball Whiskey
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.75 oz Simple Syrup
1 Egg White

Combine whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Shake until combined and foamy, about 10 seconds. Add ice and shake until chilled, about 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with a liqueur.

Bettle Juice

Great color and it sounds a bit refreshing...kinda

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Espolon Blanco tequila
0.75 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
0.75 oz Orange Juice
0.5 oz Lime Juice
0.5 oz Beet Syrup

Method: Add all ingredients to tin and shake with ice. Strain into a double old fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange half moon.

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.