The Best Halloween Cocktails & Bar Sets of 2020
October 29, 2020
This year has us feeling EXTRA, so we're taking you on a mixology journey and investing in a new Halloween themed bar set & decorations. BECAUSE IT MAKES US HAPPY, THAT'S WHY!
We're celebrating Halloween a little differently this year, but that's not going to stop us. Take the time to craft drinks by hand at home, and treat yourself to some beautiful upgrades to your bar while you're at it. We're learning to get creative and enjoy the little things that make us smile, like COCKTAILS and ONLINE SHOPPING!
Prices are accurate at the time of publication and subject to change.
Espolón Tequila
A tequila based upon paying homage to Mexican culture, enjoyed on la dia de las Muertos (The Day of the Dead)? What better combo can you come up with? This religious celebration honors deceased family members by constructing an alter in remembrance of those lost. It is believed that the souls of the departed are able to return to visit their living family. Celebrations include eating, drinking, and dancing while also praying and offering up their favorite foods that they can enjoy while visiting (Yes, we watched Disney's Coco, but we've done a bit of research on the subject too).
You'll cherish collecting each age statement and finding their "spirit animal" (all puns intended), Ramón the Rooster, on the various labels while picking up the different tasting notes of each mark. Roosters symbolize national pride and "stirring up trouble". You'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Mexican people if you delve into Espolón's site.
This year, we're serving up The Afterlife Cocktail and pouring it into these beautiful hand painted Sugar Skull stemmed glasses.
The Afterlife
Rim glass with salt and/or tamarind
1 1/2 ounces Espolón Tequila
1/2 ounce lime juice
3 ounces ginger beer
Splash of crème de cassis
Build all ingredients in your glass. Add ice, garnish with lime wedge, and enjoy. Salud!
Bacardi Superior
Looking to get that sweet candy fix in liquid form? Bacardi Rum is already subtly sweet on the finish thanks to being a spirit made of sugar cane; so add that lime green Midori for The Bacardi Goblin. Bacardi is incredible for mixing, so browse through their website for other ideas. They even have a dedicated Halloween Theme cocktail section!
The Bacardi Goblin
3 parts Bacardi Superior Rum
1 part Midori
1 part Real Coco
1 part fresh lime juice
4 parts pineapple juice
Shake with ice. Strain into a coupe or martini glass, rimmed with orange sugar.
As you mixologists know, any cocktail with juice should be shaken, not stirred. We found this gunmetal black bar set that will look stunning on your bar. Grab it quick, it's on sale for $79.99, down from $119.99. If you're looking ahead, it's masculine and refined, making the perfect holiday gift for the man in your life.
Jack Daniel's
Jack Daniel's has always done it right, but when it comes to their Tennessee Apple, we're talking about bringing it to another level here. The crisp sweet taste is so balanced with the original Old No. 7 that it's incomparable to any other apple flavored whiskey on the market. It truly tastes like APPLE. Not overly sweet or syrupy like you'll sometimes find with other brands. We love the Apple Fizz, which is simple and refreshing. For a spooky Halloween glow, grab some edible shimmer and you'll stir up something comparable to a poisoned apple potion or the full moon we're expecting this Saturday.
Jack Apple Fizz
2 ounces Jack Apple
3/4 ounce lemon juice
Pour over ice into a highball glass
Top with club soda
Add lemon slice for garnish
We're stunned that this set of Waterford Highball glasses are only $48.75, down from $100. If you're looking to upgrade your set or are gifting, shop now while they last.
The Glenlivet 12 Year
The Glenlivet has deemed this month "Scotchtober" and we're here for it. They've partnered with Sourced Craft Cocktails to bring you an at-home bartending kit curated by local mixologists, which is ideal for everything from celebrating Halloween to Thanksgiving. We're eyeing the Black Cherry Old Fashioned which includes tart cherries and premium bitters. The kit also comes with a jigger for measuring, a bottle of the fresh ingredients, a menu with instructions, & Sourced branded cups. But let's be honest, we're looking to step it up and are featuring our 12 Year Old Scotch in a ghoulish decanter with matching rocks glasses, a la Jack Skellington.
Pricing ranges bases on the size of the kit, so grab the 12 cocktail kit for just $8.99 per drink. You can find the Skull Decanter set here for just $57.95 We also love the version with a pour spout for $74.95.
Jägermeister
If the last time you've had Jägermeister was in college, it's time to give it another chance. Hailing from Germany, this herbal liqueur is a blend of 56 different botanicals. Not only is it bold and complex, all those botanicals are good for you. Believe us on this one. Most people enjoy as a chilled shot, but we're more creative than that. This season, we're loving the Jägermeister Hunter's Tea.
Jägermeister Hunter's Tea
1.5 ounces Jäger
1.5 ounces black tea
.75 ounce lemon juice
.5 ounce maple syrup
Combine ingredients in a rocks glass with ice, garnish with a lemon twist.
We're customizing this cocktail with a more on-theme stemware that's a lot less boring than the typical rocks glass. Find it here. Prost!
Sailor Jerry
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum was created in honor of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, the father of old-school tattoos. His story is fascinating, with every bit of his life in rebellion from the norm. He fought against the stigma of tattoos at the time, as well as copycat artists. He was in the Navy, had a shop in Hawaii, a radio talk show, a love for sailing, drove a Harley and a canary yellow Thunderbird, wrote poetry... the list goes on. You'll recognize his tattooing style immediately, with swallows, nautical stars, anchors, ships, and the classic "Mom" heart tattoo.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum brings the tropical taste of Hawaii along with the feel of a vintage pinup girl tattoo. We adore the idea of bringing these elements to your Halloween celebration with the decedent Savage Pumpkin Shake.
Savage Pumpkin Shake
1 1/2 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum or Sailor Jerry Savage Apple
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup ice
1 tbsp. canned pumpkin
Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth, pour into glass and top with whipped cream & a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Fans of the man and the brand will love knowing that there's plenty of signage and merch out there, but our favorites include bar signs, a decanter & glass set, and Sailor Jerry rocks glasses.
That's all for now! Thanks for checking us out and comment below with your go-to Halloween libations that you'll be shaking up this weekend. We hope you're inspired and are looking forward to seeing your creations! Tag us on social media @hartagency and you may get a feature on our story!
Cheers, witches!
The Hart Team
