The Season of Spooky Sips

Around this time of year, when one catches that first whiff of pumpkin spice and the nights grow longer and colder, thoughts turn to Halloween party planning. And whether it’s for an intimate scary-movie night or a monster bash, terrifying tipples will play a starring role. But for those seeking spooky sips that aren’t the candy-inspired kind, peruse this list of cocktails with hauntingly Halloween-appropriate names and seasonal flavors.

Beetlejuice!

A bittersweet Halloween cocktail based on the classic Americano recipe. 

Black Gato

When you can’t decide between an after-dinner coffee or an amaro, this nightcap offers the best of both worlds.

Corpse Reviver No. Blue

For an eerie (or fun) take on the classic Corpse Reviver #2, simply add blue curaçao.

The Dead Rabbit

Arbella in Chicago envisions a Halloween cocktail as a mezcal sour with berry sweetness and a hint of amaro bitterness.

Dead to Port

A richly spiced cranberry syrup lends a wintry vibe to this tropical cocktail by Strong Water in Anaheim.

Devil in the Moonlight

In this tropical pisco cocktail, the funky notes of the spirit are bolstered with fresh mango for a bright but dry fruit-forward drink.

Golden Ghost

In this Bijou cocktail riff, mezcal and tequila step in for gin, while crème de cacao and génépy add layers of sweetness to the mix. 

Headless Horseman

A somewhat tropical take on the classic pumpkin spice flavor combo.

How To Kill a Friend

A tropical cocktail that hits all the right flavor notes.

Memento Mori

For Lady Jane in Denver, Memento Mori translates to a cognac and bourbon sour with dark fruit and chocolate notes.

Muertito Vivo

Shannon Mustipher tweaks the classic Zombie formula by incorporating the complex flavor of Jäger.

Murder by Numbers

In this raicilla cocktail, the agave spirit brings a rich depth to an otherwise pomegranate-forward mix.

Nightshade

Bell peppers lend a savory character to this low-proof highball.

Nightwish

In this refreshing vodka cocktail from Halloween pop-up Black Lagoon, banana liqueur and sherry round out the flavors while just a bit of salinity amps them up.

Oaxacan Dead

The classic Zombie gets an earthy update thanks to the addition of tequila and mezcal.

Obituary Martini

An absinthe-laced classic from New Orleans.

Queen of the Damned

A hibiscus cordial and fresh lime juice brighten up this delicious rye whiskey cocktail from Scotch Lodge in Portland, Oregon.

River Styx

Coffee and chocolate liqueurs play off the richness of bourbon and allspice dram.

Satin in a Coffin

This Mai Tai riff swaps rum for mezcal, lending an earthy sweetness to complement the tropical vibes.

Spirits of the Dead

This potent cocktail blends a bold base of scotch and Cognac with amaro, Campari, and Bénédictine, as inspired by a grandfather’s liquor cabinet.

Toxic Avenger

Chris Martin of Chicago’s The Loyalist elevates the 1970s Swamp Water cocktail with mezcal, sage honey, and frozen grapes.