Spooky season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a horror movie marathon and some frightfully delicious cocktails? Whether you’re seeking Halloween party ideas, or looking for scary movie marathon ideas for a cozy night in, we’ll guide you through crafting 13 spine-tingling cocktails paired with some of the best scary movies. So gather your friends, dim the lights, and enjoy a frightfully good night.
And if you need a costume, check out our list of 10 Cheap and Easy DIY Adult Funny Halloween Costumes.
Abigail and The Bloodsucker
Abigail: Need Halloween party ideas? Your guests will be cracking up with this horror-comedy about a group of kidnappers who discover their wealthy target is a bloodthirsty child vampire ballerina named Abigail. (Available on Peacock)
Bloodsucker: Pair this horror-comedy with the dark and mysterious Bloodsucker, a cocktail of rich, complex flavors that mirror the film’s blend of horror and humor. The dark color evokes the film’s gothic and macabre themes, while the sweet and tart blackberries resemble the sweet yet vengeful young Abigail.
- 2 oz. Dark Rum
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
- ½ oz. Elderflower Liqueur
- ¼ oz. Lime Juice
- A splash of Cranberry Juice
- Ice
- Blackberries for garnish
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the dark rum, pomegranate juice, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with blackberries.
Barbarian and The Uninvited
Barbarian: Let me start by saying this is one of the best scary movies I’ve seen in a while… A stranger arrives at her Airbnb only to find it already occupied. Strap in because this movie will take you on a wild ride. (Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu)
The Uninvited: This chilling cocktail will take your taste buds on a roller coaster of flavors and emotions.
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- 1 oz. Blackberry Liqueur
- ½ oz. Lemon Juice
- ¼ oz. Simple Syrup
- A splash of Soda Water
- Ice
- Blackberries for garnish
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a blackberry.
The Black Phone and The Ghostly Whisper
The Black Phone: A kidnapped boy receives chilling calls from the kidnapper’s deceased victims. (Available on STARZ and Hulu)
The Ghostly Whisper: Due to the dark, sadistic nature of The Black Phone, we crafted the Ghostly Whisper. This dark and mysterious cocktail captures the eerie, supernatural essence of the film and features haunting flavors that channel the chilling calls from beyond.
- 2 oz. Black Rum
- 1 oz. Crème de Violette
- ½ oz. Absinthe
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz. Activated Charcoal Syrup
- ½ oz. Simple Syrup
- Dry Ice (optional, for a foggy, ghost-like effect)
- Lemon slice
- Edible glitter
- In a shaker, combine the black rum, crème de violette, absinthe, lemon juice, activated charcoal syrup, and simple syrup. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass over a large ice cube. If desired, carefully add a small piece of dry ice for a fog effect (be sure not to consume until the dry ice has completely evaporated). Garnish with a slice of charred lemon and a sprinkle of edible glitter dust for a subtle shimmer, symbolizing the eerie messages from the other side.
Evil Dead Rise and Dead by Dawn
Evil Dead Rise: A family is tormented by demonic forces in this gruesome reboot of the iconic horror franchise. (Available on Netflix and Max)
Dead by Dawn: This bourbon-based cocktail provides a strong foundation, while the black cherry juice adds a deep, blood-like color representing the demonic forces in the film.
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- 1 oz. Black Cherry Juice
- ½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz. Maple Syrup
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Activated Charcoal Capsule (for color)
- Ice
- Cherry “eyeball” (maraschino cherry with a blueberry “pupil”)
- Sprig of fresh rosemary (for smoking)
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, cherry juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters. Open the activated charcoal capsule and add the powder to the shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with the cherry “eyeball” on a cocktail pick. Light the rosemary sprig and place it on the rim of the glass, allowing the smoke to infuse the drink.
Halloween (1978) and The Shape‘s Shadow
Halloween (1978): Escaped psychopath Michael Myers stalks the babysitters of Haddonfield on Halloween night. (Available on AMC+ and Plex)
The Shape’s Shadow: The cocktail’s name refers to “The Shape,” the credits listing for Michael Myers, emphasizing his lurking, shadowy presence throughout the film. The mix of strong whiskey with sweeter elements like orange juice and Curaçao represents the film’s blend of stark horror with more subtle, suspenseful moments.
- 1 oz. Whiskey
- 1½ oz. Orange Juice
- ½ oz. Ginger Ale
- ½ oz. Orange Curaçao/Orange Liqueur
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Longlegs and The Lurker
Longlegs: An FBI agent is in a race against time to catch the serial killer known as Longlegs. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
The Lurker: As dark as night and as mysterious as the Longlegs killer, the Lurker cocktail will keep you on your toes. Sip cautiously as you watch the chase unfold in what critics called one of the best scary movies of all time.
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Black Raspberry Liqueur
- ½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- ½ oz. Activated Charcoal Simple Syrup
- 2 Drops of Red Food Coloring
- Ice Dry Ice (for effect, optional)
- Plastic spider rings for garnish
- In a shaker, combine vodka, black raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, and activated charcoal simple syrup with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and combine ingredients. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Add 2 drops of red food coloring and gently stir to create a “blood trail” effect. If using dry ice, add a small piece to the glass for a smoky effect (Caution: Do not ingest dry ice). Garnish with a plastic spider ring on the rim of the glass.
The Nun II and The Unholy Veil
The Nun: Valak, the demon nun returns in this spine-chilling movie in The Conjuring Universe. (Available on Hulu/Disney + and Max)
The Unholy Veil: The Unholy Veil is as mysterious and foreboding as the demon Valak. As you sip this bewitching concoction, let the smoky aroma from the singed rosemary transport you to the eerie, incense-filled corridors of the abbey. Each taste is a dance between light and dark, sweet and bitter – much like the eternal struggle between good and evil depicted in the film.
- 1½ oz. Black Vodka
- 1 oz. Creme de Violette
- ½ oz. Elderflower Liqueur
- ½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Egg White
- Activated Charcoal Powder
- Edible Silver Luster Dust
- Ice
- Rosemary Sprig for Garnish
- In a shaker, combine black vodka, creme de violette, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and egg white. Dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Add ice and shake again for 20 seconds until well-chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Sprinkle a small amount of activated charcoal powder on one half of the drink’s surface. Using a straw or toothpick, create a swirl pattern to represent Valak’s sinister veil. Dust the other half of the drink’s surface with edible silver luster dust. Garnish with a rosemary sprig that’s been lightly singed for a smoky aroma.
The Omen and The Devil’s Playground
The Omen: Referred to as one of the best scary movies of all time, The Omen tells the chilling tale of a family whose lives unravel after adopting a mysterious child who may be the Antichrist. (Available on Hulu)
The Devil’s Playground: The Devil’s Playground is as complex and unsettling as the film itself. The flavors mirror the intricate plot of the movie, with each sip revealing new depths, just as each scene uncovers more of the terrifying truth.
- 1½ oz. Dark Rum
- ¾ oz. Campari
- ½ oz. Creme de Cassis
- ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- ¼ oz. Simple Syrup
- 2 Dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Dry Ice (for effect, optional)
- 3 Pomegranate Seeds for garnish
- In a mixing glass, combine dark rum, Campari, creme de cassis, lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Add ice and stir until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube. If using dry ice, carefully add a small piece for a smoky effect (Caution: Do not ingest dry ice). Garnish with 3 pomegranate seeds floating on top.
Poltergeist (1982) and The Other Side
Poltergeist: Poltergeist is arguably one of the best scary movies of the 1980s (I dare you to watch the clown scene without flinching). In the film, a family’s strength is tested when they learn their home is haunted, and poor Carol Anne is sucked into the TV. But the horror doesn’t end there… Shortly after the movie’s 1982 release, a string of misfortunes and tragedies struck many of those involved, leading many to believe the film is cursed…. (Available on Max)
The Other Side: The Other Side is as mesmerizing and unsettling as the infamous TV static in the film. The Blue Curaçao gives the drink an ethereal glow, reminiscent of the eerie light emanating from the Freeling family’s television set. As you sip, the tonic water’s gentle fizz creates a tingling sensation, mimicking the static electricity of supernatural presence. The cotton candy garnish represents the ectoplasmic mists that herald the arrival of spirits. Watch as it slowly dissolves into your drink, much like the boundary between the living and the dead dissolves in the Freeling home.
- 1½ oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Blue Curaçao
- ½ oz White Creme de Cacao
- ½ oz Coconut Cream
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Tonic Water
- Ice
- Cotton Candy for Garnish
- Edible silver glitter (optional)
- In a shaker, combine vodka, blue curaçao, white creme de cacao, coconut cream, and lemon juice with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and combined. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water, which will create a subtle fizzing effect. If using, sprinkle a small amount of edible silver glitter on top for a shimmering effect. Garnish with a large puff of cotton candy on top of the glass.
Smile and The Grinning Glass (Credit: Milagro Tequila)
Smile: A therapist witnesses a disturbing event and begins to experience terrifying visions. (Available on Hulu and Paramount +)
The Grinning Glass: This Spooky Season, you won’t be able to resist smiling as you sip the Grinning Glass cocktail and watch the protagonist descend further into madness.
- 1 Part Milagro Cristalino
- 5 Parts Champagne/sparkling wine
- ¼ Part Cointreau (or another citrus liqueur)
- A Splash of Pomegranate Juice
- Grapefruit wedge in the shape of a smile(for garnish)
- Combine all ingredients in a champagne flute. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge in the shape of a smile.
Talk to Me and The Witch’s Hand
Talk to Me: A group of teens experiment with a dangerous ritual involving a possessed hand. (Available on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount +)
The Witch’s Hand: Watch Talk to Me as you drink The Witch’s Hand, a hauntingly delicious cocktail that mirrors the film’s dangerous ritual. The Witch’s Hand perfectly captures the allure and peril of the teens’ supernatural experiments, making each sip a thrilling journey into the film’s dark world.
- ½ cup Pomegranate Juice
- Juice from 1 blood orange (sub orange juice or blood orange soda)
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 4 oz. Milagro Cristalino
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Agave
- Ice for shaker and drink
- 2 Sprigs Rosemary for Garnish
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks for Garnish
- 2 Slices Blood Orange for Garnish
- Combine pomegranate juice, blood orange juice, tequila, agave, ground cinnamon, and ice. Shake until well combined. Pour into two glasses with fresh ice. Garnish with cinnamon stick, sprig of fresh rosemary, and blood orange slice. *If you want to make the rosemary smoke just carefully light it to get a few seconds of smoking effect.
Train to Busan and The Zombie Express
Train to Busan: A zombie outbreak forces passengers on a high-speed train to fight for survival in what I consider to be one of the best zombie movies of all time. (Available on Tubi and Peacock)
The Zombie Express: With its intense blend of Korean soju, international spirits, blood-red hue, and spicy kick of ginger beer, there’s no better cocktail to drink while watching this adrenaline-pumping zombie movie.
- 1½ oz. Korean Soju
- ½ oz. White Rum
- ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur
- 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz. Grenadine
- Ginger Beer
- Ice
- Raspberry and Mint Sprig for Garnish
- Edible fake blood (optional)
- In a shaker, combine soju, white rum, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, and grenadine with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and combined. Fill a highball glass with ice. Strain the mixture into the glass, leaving some room at the top. Top off with ginger beer for a spicy kick and effervescence. Garnish with a raspberry and a sprig of mint. For an extra gory effect, drizzle some edible fake blood down the inside of the glass before pouring the cocktail.
Trick ‘r Treat and The Lingering Spirit (Credit: Hotel Dena)
Trick ‘r Treat: Anna Paquin stars in this anthology horror film of five clever horror short stories that come together on a terrifying Halloween night. (Available on MAX)
The Lingering Spirit: If you need Halloween party ideas, this cocktail and horror movie pairing is for you! The Lingering Spirit eerily embodies the film’s dark and mysterious atmosphere and is perfect for your Halloween party or horror movie marathon.
- 2 oz. Fords Gin
- ¾ oz. Garden Syrup
- ¾ oz. Lime Juice
- 1 vial of Coconut Charcoal
- Large Ice Cubes
- Garnish: Black spider
- Shake and strain before pouring over 1 large ice cube in a double old-fashioned glass.
