Halloween is the time of year where we embrace all things spooky, mysterious, and thrilling. It's a time where we get to indulge in our love for dressing up in costumes, decorating our homes with spider webs, and lighting up pumpkins.
But what really gets us in the Halloween spirit is the thought of a delicious, warming drink to sip on while we sit by the fire and tell ghost stories.
Enter bourbon. This rich, smooth, and smoky spirit is the perfect base for a Halloween cocktail. With its distinct notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, bourbon pairs perfectly with the flavors of fall, like apple, cinnamon, and ginger.
And when you add in some spooky ingredients like bitters, absinthe, or blackberries, you've got a drink that's sure to send shivers down your spine.
But with so many Halloween bourbon cocktail recipes out there, how do you know which ones are worth trying? That's where we come in. As bartenders, we've tried and tested dozens of bourbon cocktails, and we've rounded up the best of the best for you to try this Halloween season.
From classic bourbon cocktails with a spooky twist to brand new creations that will become instant favorites, we've got you covered. So grab your shaker, your favorite bourbon, and let's get mixing.
1. Nightmare on Bourbon Street
Looking for a spooky and delicious cocktail to serve at your Halloween party? Look no further than the Nightmare on Bourbon Street. This cocktail combines the warming flavors of apple cider, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon with a generous shot of bourbon and a splash of hard apple cider.
The result is a sweet and spiced drink that is perfect for cozying up on a haunted night. The addition of sparkling hard cider adds an unexpected and delicious fizz to the cocktail. This is a simple and easy cocktail to make that is sure to impress your guests. So why not give it a try this Halloween?
2. Haunted Graveyard Halloween Cocktail
Looking for a spooky and delicious bourbon cocktail to serve at your Halloween party? Look no further than the Haunted Graveyard Halloween Cocktail. This cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of maple syrup and the complexity of bitters, all shaken together with an orange slice and rosemary leaves.
But the real showstopper is the smoking rosemary garnish, which adds a touch of theatrics to this already impressive cocktail. If you're looking for a Halloween cocktail that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more, the Haunted Graveyard is definitely worth a try.
3. Midnight Fog Cocktail
If you're looking for a Halloween cocktail that will send shivers down your spine, the Midnight Fog Cocktail is a must-try. Made with a homemade rosemary spiced cola syrup and a mix of bourbon and scotch, this jet black libation is smooth and balanced with just a hint of intrigue.
The addition of activated charcoal powder gives it a spooky look, while a touch of dry ice creates a smoky effect for an even more haunting experience. Whether you're hosting a Halloween party or simply want to enjoy a spooky drink at home, the Midnight Fog Cocktail is sure to impress.
4. Bourbon Maple Apple Cider
If you're looking for a Halloween cocktail that's sweet, spicy, and boozy, then the Bourbon Maple Apple Cider is a must-try. This cocktail is perfect for fall celebrations, whether you prefer it hot or cold. The combination of bourbon, lemon, maple syrup, and spiced apple cider creates a unique flavor that's sure to impress your guests.
The garnish of a slice of apple adds a touch of elegance to this already beautiful cocktail. If you're a fan of maple-flavored anything, then you'll definitely love this cocktail. Give it a try and let the flavors of fall warm you up from the inside out.
5. Blackberry Bourbon Halloween Cocktail
The Blackberry Bourbon Halloween Cocktail is a perfect addition to your Halloween party. The cocktail is a simple yet delicious blend of blackberries, fresh orange, honey syrup, ginger liqueur, and bourbon. The use of fresh ingredients gives the cocktail a natural sweetness without being overly sugary.
The orange bitters and citrus oil add a refreshing twist to the drink, making it perfect for a nightcap. The cocktail can be garnished with orange peel and fresh blackberries to add a spooky touch to the drink. Overall, the Blackberry Bourbon Halloween Cocktail is a must-try for bourbon lovers who want to add a touch of Halloween spirit to their drinks.
6. Death Eater's Draught
Looking for a spooky yet delicious bourbon cocktail for Halloween? Look no further than the Death Eater's Draught. This twist on the classic Manhattan is perfect for any themed party. With its dark, smoky flavor and pomegranate twist, it's sure to be a hit with bourbon lovers.
The name itself is a nod to the followers of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already mysterious drink. If you're a fan of bourbon-based cocktails, the Death Eater's Draught is a must-try this Halloween season.
7. The Half Blood Prince Cocktail
"The Half Blood Prince Cocktail" is a spooky and delicious Halloween-inspired drink that is perfect for any bourbon lover. Made with a mix of pomegranate, bourbon, Chambord (raspberry liquor), and lemon, this blood-red cocktail is both simple to make and surprisingly flavorful.
The addition of Chambord adds hints of fresh raspberries and a deep red color, making it perfect for achieving the "bloody" look. This bone-chilling cocktail is sure to impress your guests and is the perfect addition to any Halloween party. So, if you're looking for a moody and delicious bourbon cocktail to serve up this Halloween, "The Half Blood Prince Cocktail" is definitely worth a try.
8. Bourbon Sour Cocktail
The Bourbon Sour Cocktail is a classic drink that is perfect for Halloween gatherings. This cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and refreshing flavors that will leave you wanting more. With its golden color and garnish of a cherry and lemon twist, it is a visually appealing drink that will impress your guests.
The combination of bourbon, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a unique taste that is sure to please any bourbon lover. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cool autumn night while enjoying the spooky festivities. So, if you're looking for a Halloween Bourbon Cocktail that is both classic and refreshing, the Bourbon Sour Cocktail is a must-try.
9. Bourbon Butterbeer
Looking for a magical Halloween cocktail? Look no further than the Bourbon Butterbeer! Inspired by the famous wizard beverage from the Harry Potter series, this cocktail combines sweet bourbon with apple cider, ginger beer, and a buttered brown sugar syrup for a rich and flavorful drink.
But what really sets this cocktail apart is the addition of dry ice, which creates a smoky, bubbling effect that's sure to impress your guests. Sip on this enchanting drink and let it transport you to a magical place. Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this spellbinding cocktail.
10. Cherry Bomb Cocktail
The Cherry Bomb Cocktail is a delightful bourbon cocktail that is perfect for Halloween. The blend of bourbon and cherry brandy creates a heavenly combination that is sure to please any bourbon lover. The frothy head, created by the egg white, adds a fun and girly touch to the drink, but don't let its appearance fool you – this is a grown-up drink.
The maraschino cherries add a pop of color and sweetness to the drink, making it a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to serve at your Halloween party, the Cherry Bomb Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
11. Guinness Black Magic Cocktail
The Guinness Black Magic Cocktail is a bewitching bourbon-based drink that combines the rich and creamy flavor of Guinness draught with the tartness of lime juice and the sweetness of blackberries. This cocktail is perfect for Halloween parties or a spooky night in.
The blackberries add a dark and mysterious element to the drink, while the bourbon gives it a warm and comforting feel. The Guinness Black Magic Cocktail is a unique and unexpected twist on the classic Irish stout, and it's sure to impress your guests with its complex flavor profile. Give this cocktail a try and experience the magic for yourself!
12. Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail
If you're looking for a Halloween cocktail that's both sophisticated and spooky, then the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is a must-try. This twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail incorporates red wine, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The drink is garnished with an orange peel and maraschino cherry, adding a touch of Halloween spirit to the mix.
It's perfect for cozy nights in or for entertaining guests at a Halloween party. Plus, at less than 150 calories per drink, it's a guilt-free indulgence. If you're a fan of bourbon, this cocktail is a must-try. But even if you're not, the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is sure to impress with its stunning color and delicious taste.
13. Blackberry Bourbon Smash
The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a perfect cocktail for Halloween parties. It is a beautiful dark color that reminds us of spooky Halloween drinks. The cocktail is made with fresh blackberries, mint, honey, lemon juice, bourbon, ice, and ginger beer. It is a fast and simple cocktail that takes only five minutes to make.
The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is sweet and refreshing, and the addition of bourbon gives it a perfect kick. The cocktail can be garnished with mint and lime sugar on the rim of the glass for a fun and sweet touch. Overall, the Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a must-try cocktail for any Halloween party.
14. Apple Butter Old Fashioned
The Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a perfect Halloween Bourbon Cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. This cocktail is a twist on the classic old fashioned, with the addition of apple butter and apple cider. The apple butter adds a unique and delicious flavor that complements the bourbon perfectly.
The aromatic bitters add a nice balance to the sweetness of the apple butter and cider. The garnish of apple slices and cinnamon sticks adds a festive touch to the cocktail. Overall, the Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a delicious and festive Halloween drink.
15. Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail
Looking for a sultry and smoky cocktail to add to your Halloween party? Look no further than the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail. This classic cocktail is infused with new sweet and smoky flavors, thanks to the smoked, muddled cherries and smoked cherry simple syrup.
The addition of Anastoga bitters and campfire whiskey creates a rich, musky flavor that is perfect for the spooky season. The subtle hint of smoke is softened by the sweetness of seasonal cherries, making this cocktail a must-try for any bourbon lover. Whether you're hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a unique cocktail to enjoy, the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned is sure to impress.
16. Smoked Manhattan With Cinnamon
Looking for a Halloween cocktail that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than the Smoked Manhattan with Cinnamon. This cocktail takes the classic Manhattan to the next level by adding the warm, spicy flavor of smoked cinnamon.
The bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and maraschino cherry syrup blend together perfectly to create a rich, complex flavor. The burnt cinnamon stick adds an extra layer of smokiness that elevates this cocktail to the next level. Whether you're hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a cozy fall cocktail, the Smoked Manhattan with Cinnamon is the perfect choice.
