While we often think of Halloween as being for the kids, grown-ups are entitled to their treats, too.
Here are some spooky twists on a few classic cocktails and some fun new tricks. These premium cocktails might have spooky names but after one bewitching sip, guests will certainly be back for more.
Dark and Stormy Night
This classic gets amped up with extra intense ginger and lime flavours. The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is synonymous with Bermuda and its Gosling’s Black Seal rum. This version uses dark rum, ginger beer (which is stronger tasting and spicier than ginger ale) muddled fresh ginger and lime juice. Plus, with just one shot of alcohol per serving, those pacing themselves can sip it well past the witching hour.
Ingredients
Ice (made with equal parts lime juice and water)
30 mL dark rum
1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped fine
3 oz. 90 mL ginger beer
Lime wedge (for garnish)
Muddle fresh ginger at the bottom of a rocks glass. Fill glass with ice made from lime juice and water. Stir in rum. Slowly pour ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge.
Dracula’s Kiss
This martini is a variation on the classic Licorice Stick, using black sambuca as its base. Not everyone loves the taste of sambuca, but the inclusion of chocolate-flavoured liqueur gives this drink wider appeal. The cocktail’s dark colour will help it fit right in to your party decor — just keep it away from any klutzy ghosts. For extra dramatic effect, pour grenadine into a small vial and add a drop of “blood” to each drink before serving.
Ingredients
45 mL black sambuca
15 mL vodka
15 mL crème de cacao
Drop of grenadine
Red or black licorice sticks (for garnish)
In a martini shaker, shake ice, black sambuca, vodka and crème de cacao. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Add drop of grenadine. Garnish with licorice.
