NYC's 8 Best Halloween Cocktails For Spooky Sipping
Halloween is around the corner, and bars and restaurants around New York City are gearing up with a some pretty spooky cocktail menus. Here are a eight of our favorites you can try (and try making at home).
by CHLOE
185 Bleecker St.
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If you're looking for a somewhat healthier alcoholic beverage this Halloween, then head over to by CHLOE. This popular vegan hot spot is serving up the tasty "Dreamsicle" cocktail during the month of October. This black-and-orange drink is made up of vanilla vodka, triple sec, orange juice, "half + half" (aka cashew and almond cream blend), and activated charcoal. This dark cocktail is garnished with a bright orange slice, making it the perfect Halloween-themed concoction.
Pearl's
178 N 8th St.
New York, NY
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Someone call the "Night Nurse!" Actually, now you can order one at Pearl's Caribbean restaurant. This sparkling cocktail is served in a coupe glass and made of just a few simple, but delicious ingredients – Prosecco, sorrel syrup, and a candied sorrel flower. The garnishes really make this drink spooky. Don't be surprised if you see an eyeball or a "dirty" syringe floating at the top.
Atwood Kitchen & Bar Room
986 Second Ave.
New York, NY
212-371-2233
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Head to the east side for a bourbon-inspired Halloween cocktail. Atwood Kitchen & Bar Room is toasting to Dracula with a fun drink created by Gil Bouhana. "Sip on The Count," is mixed with bourbon, crème de cacao, fresh lemon juice, egg white and garnished with every kid's favorite cereal, Count Chocula and marshmallows! This definitely beats a sack of candy.
Sons of Essex
133 Essex St.
10002
212-674-7100
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The "BoneYard" cocktail over at Sons of Essex is certainly inspired by the colors of the fall season. Topher Mickels has created a drink with a bit of smoke, and a bit of bite. It's made with Creyent Mezcal, guava puree, lemon, brown sugar, and a smoky, salted rim. The mixture of salty and sweet will have you ordering another.
Slowly Shirley
121 W. 10th St.
New York, NY
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The "Perla Negra" over at Slowly Shirley is not only tasty, but it's spookily beautiful. Served in a skull bowl with crushed ice and garnished with orchids and a candle, this cocktail is almost too pretty to drink. Jim Kearns, the man behind this ghostly libation, uses Santa Teresa 1796, activated charcoal, kalamansi, orange juice, honey, ginger, arrack, and Sorrel. The best part? He's sharing the recipe with CBS readers.
Start out by adding the activated charcoal to a shaker, add the rest of the ingredients (expect the Sorrel) and then shake with about three large ice cubes. Strain it over crushed ice into vessel, pack a lit votive candle into the crushed ice on top of the cocktail, and then pour the measured amount of Sorrel around the candle. You'll definitely be the coolest hostess this Halloween!
Pouring Ribbons
225 Avenue B
New York, NY
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If you're in a dark mood this Halloween then stop by Pouring Ribbons for their seasonal "Heart of Darkness" cocktail. This bewitching drink is made with Cimarron Blanco Tequila, Koch Espadin Mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, activated charcoal raspberry preserves, and a dash of Bittermens Mole bitters. Mixologist Courtney Colarik even serves it on a black lace heart-shaped doily and adds an activated charcoal-sprayed orchid as a garnish. It's pretty beautiful. Come try it for yourself!
Bounce Sporting Club
44 W. 21st St.
New York, NY
212-675-8007
Stop into Bounce Sporting Club to experience their "Wicked Black Forest" punch. This Jagermeister-based punch combines the exotic flavors of Kirshwasser, Velvet falernum, lemon juice, orange juice, Angostura bitters, hibiscus, passionfruit juice and fresh pineapple juice, topped with ginger beer. It's served in a clear tall tiki mug and garnished with a hibiscus flower. It may look like a potion, but it's definitely safe to consume!
Brooklyn Brew Shop
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Brooklyn Brew Shop make it easy to make your own seasonal beer this Halloween. For $40, you can create pumpkin beer, a light harvest ale with Autumn spices and fresh pumpkin. In addition to the traditional barley, hops, and yeast, this mix includes a cinnamon stick and cloves. Don't worry, it also comes with instructions and it includes everything you need to get started on your new fall hobby. Happy brewing!
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.