It’s Halloween weekend and the perfect time for a horror movie marathon. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch to celebrate, or throwing a killer bash, here’s a list of 8 of our favorite horror movies and signature cocktail pairings to conjure up a night of terror and spine-tingling fun.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe: A father and son team of coroners, become entangled in a terrifying mystery while performing an autopsy on a mysterious young woman. Available on Amazon Prime Video/Apple TV/Sling TV/Vudu.
Witches’ Brew
- 2 c. Apricot nectar
- 1/2 c. Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 c. Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 c. Fresh orange juice
- Sparkling wine, for serving
- Citrus zest, for serving
- Instructions: In measuring cup, stir together apricot nectar and fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and fresh orange juice. Divide between 2 ice cube trays and freeze. Fill glasses with cubes and top with sparkling wine. If desired, serve with twists of citrus zest.
Halloween/Halloween (2018)/Halloween Kills: Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc on Halloween night. Available on Amazon Prime Video/AMC/AMC+/Peacock (Halloween Kills)/Sling TV/Vudu.
Death in the Afternoon
- 1/4 to 1/2 oz. Absinthe OR Whiskey
- 4 oz. Chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine
- Instructions: Pour absinthe/whiskey into a glass, and top with Champagne.
The Conjuring/The Conjuring 2: Real life married couple/paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren fight demons and evil spirits for the souls of the innocent. Available on HBO/HBO Max/Netflix.
The Ghost Rider
- 1 1/2 oz. El Sativo Reposado
- Dashfire Hibiscus Bitters
- 1 oz homemade Ghost Pepper Agave Syrup (50/50 agave nectar and water infused overnight with one bruised ghost or chili pepper
- Instructions: Shake ingredients and strain over a glass with one large ice cube. Garnish with sliced pepper.
- This spooky version of the beloved Old Fashioned hails from Riviera 31 Bar & Lounge’s Director of Nightlife and cocktail creator, Aidan Demarest. Demarest and his team will be serving this libation at Riviera 31 Bar & Lounge at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills – 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.770.1654
Fear Street Trilogy: Based on the classic young adult book series by R.L. Stine, this trilogy features 80s and 90s nostalgia and a kick-ass soundtrack. Available on Netflix.
Good and Evil Cocktail
- 1 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. ApplePucker
- 1 oz. Midori
- 1 oz. Triple Sec
- 1 Handful ice
- Pineapple juice
- Sprite/Sierra Mist
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Instructions: Combine vodka, ApplePucker, Midori, and Triple Sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake. Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass, then top with pineapple juice and soda. Garnish with a slice of lemon (optional).
The Babysitter/The Babysitter Killer Queen: A shy young boy discovers more than he bargained for when he decides to spy on his babysitter. Available on Netflix.
The Esqueleto
- 2 oz. Spicy Tamarind Smirnoff Vodka
- 1/2 oz. Lime juice
- 1/2 oz. Agave syrup
- 1/2 oz. Passion fruit
- Instructions: Shake with ice. Serve in a martini glass with a Tajin rim and garnish with a slice of spicy dried mango.
- This spicy drink will also be served by Director of Nightlife/cocktail creator, Aidan Demarest and his team at Riviera 31 Bar & Lounge at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills – 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.770.1654
Army of the Dead: Ocean’s 11 meets The Walking Dead in this zombie heist film. Available on Netflix.
Risen From the Grave
- 3 oz. Absolut Citron vodka
- 2 oz. St. Germain
- 1 Handful ice
- 1/4 oz. Strawberry puree
- Strawberry and mint leaf (for garnish)
- Instructions: Combine the vodka and St. Germain in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake. Pour strawberry puree into the bottom of a martini glass. Top with the vodka-St. Germain combination. Garnish drink with a strawberry and a mint leaf.
Trick ‘r Treat: Anna Paquin stars in this tale of five clever horror short stories that come together on a terrifying Halloween night. Available on AMC/AMC+
Sunset Sangre
- 1.5 oz. Volcan Reposado
- .5 oz. Bigallet China-China
- .5 oz. Agave Nectar (2:1)
- .5 oz.Lime Juice
- .75oz Blood Orange Puree
- Orange peel
- Cinnamon stick
- Instructions: Serve in sour coupe glass garnished with orange peel + cinnamon. Combine in a shaker with ice and shake well. Fine strain into a sour coupe and garnish.
- This ghoulish cocktail is also being served at the Lobby Bar ($20) at the West Hollywood EDITION – 9040 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.953.9899
Children of the Corn: Stephen King’s classic tale of creepy kids will make you think twice the next time you decide to veer off the highway and take the scenic route. Available on Hulu.
Calaveras Bebidas
- .75oz. El Tesoro Blanco
- .75oz. Bruxo Mezcal
- .75oz. Marigold syrup
- .5oz Lime juice
- .5oz Blood orange juice
- Salt
- Marigold for garnish
- Instructions: Serve in rocks glass rimmed with salt and garnish with marigolds. Combine all ingredients in a tin and add ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass that is rimmed with the salt. Add fresh ice and garnish.
- This skull crushing drink is also being served at Broken Shaker ($14) at Freehand Los Angeles – 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.612.0021
Need ideas for snacks and food to complete your Halloween movie marathon? Check out these 3 local L.A. foodie destinations.
Full Proof Pizza: Pizza and horror movies go hand in hand. Full Proof Pizza’s New York-style pies are the perfect addition to any Halloween movie binge or party. Available for takeout or delivery. $23+; Wednesday – Sunday, 5 – 10:00 pm; 11918 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066; 424.384.5097
Café Gratitude: These plant-based DIY Halloween Cookie Kits, include nine pre-baked cookies in a variety of flavors and pre-made icing. Available for nationwide shipping or pickup. $28
Huckleberry Bakery & Café: The Haunted House Kit ($65) comes with a mixture of organic and plant-based candies, sprinkles, icing, chocolate cookies and is available to pre-order until October 31st. The Fall Cookie Decorating Kit ($18) includes 4 chocolate acorn cookies, vanilla icing and plant-based decorations and is available until November 14th. Both kits are available for pickup with 24 hours’ notice. 1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.451.2311
