Super Festive Halloween Drinks for Adults and Kids

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When I was a kid, there was nothing more fun than themed food and drinks. I loved that the holidays meant that we would serve the same things every year, like sugar cookies for the holidays, seven-layer bean dip at the Fourth of July. Now that I’m a parent, I’m loving the chance to introduce my daughter to how seasons bring different produce and treats on the grocery store shelves. 

For us, Halloween is really the beginning of the holidays, and whether it’s just you and your family, or a slightly larger group, it can be fun to get into it with drinks that will warm you up for trick or treating, taste like fall, or even bring a little spooky vibe to the table. 

This punch is non-alcoholic, but is filled with fall spices for extra flavor. Add rum to make it adult-only. Check this recipe for some fantastically spooky ideas for garnishes which would work for a variety of the drinks here, or other concoctions you create in your own cauldron. 

Try it here: Witches’ Brew: Halloween Punch for Everyone | Kitchn

This green punch looks like it should be sitting in a cauldron, but though it’s scary looking, the taste is all delicious sherbet. Make this according to the recipe for a punch bowl cocktail, or leave out the booze and let everyone partake. 

Try it here: Recipe: Swamp Monster Sherbet Punch | Kitchn

Sometimes when you’re making a cocktail, more is more. This layered, adults-only candy corn punch is for one of those times. This recipe can be made in a large batch ahead of time, which is always a plus when entertaining. You’ll just want to adjust the other liquids accordingly to replace the vodka. Either way, it’s a tropical surprise. 

Try it here: Recipe: Layered Candy Corn Punch

Let’s be clear, this is a regular Manhattan recipe with a Karo syrup and red food coloring rim. That means that you can make nearly any drink (although a nice brown one is a good look) and add the “blood” rim. It also means you can borrow this technique for the kids who might really want to be grossed out on Halloween. May I recommend Bloody Shirley Temples? 

Try it here: Halloween Cocktail Recipe: The Bloody Manhattan

When I was a kid, nothing made me feel quite as grown up as sparkling cider. Sure, you could buy it, or you could use this two ingredient recipe to make your own. Bonus points for using fresh cider. Older kids will get a kick out of the chemistry involved. 

Try it here: How To Make Sparkling Cider with Just 2 Ingredients

This one is only for the grown-ups, but for me, it isn’t Halloween unless I’m having a Corpse Reviver #2. The numbering will clue you in to the fact that this drink was part of a series, before Prohibition. The idea was that these drinks were meant to be a sort of hair of the dog, something to consume in the morning after an evening of drinking. Because I’m a parent, I don’t generally use them that way anymore, but there’s no doubt that this is a cleverly named, delicious cocktail, perfect for your friends who like a little history along with their cocktails. 

Try it here: Classic Cocktail: The Corpse Reviver #2 | Kitchn

If you, or your kids, love the idea of a latte in the evening but don’t want the caffeine, look no further than this multi-spice steamer, which is finished in your blender for the perfect froth. 

Try it here: Cinnamon Latte (No Espresso)

Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about fall that makes me want to mull everything. Thankfully, this is easy to do, and it’s fun to stir it all together in the crock pot with your kids. Mull some wine, or this super tasty cider (or both). The mulled wine is also dark and a little goth, which is perfect for the season! 

Pro tip: when you do this ahead, it will make your house smell amazing. 

Try it here: German Glühwein and How To Make Mulled Cider in the Slow Cooker

Halloween is the perfect time to get into garnishes. You can go spooky (spiders, or gummy worms or little floating disembodied hands … you get the idea) or you can use the fruit or spice you’re working with: sliced apples or pears, a cinnamon stick. For the truly adventurous, you can even try some dry ice! Some of these drinks come with their own garnishes, like in mulled wine and apple cider. Feel free to have fun with it. Garnishes often make a drink more memorable. 

Drinks are great, but you’ll probably want something to eat to go with them. May I recommend an awesome snack board?