This Halloween, area mixologists are putting the b-b-b-boo in boozy with positively “defrightful” cocktails. And they’re sharing those howl-raising recipes, so you too can get in the spirit – starting with a Blood Orange Margarita.
“It’s a really fresh-tasting drink. A lot of people like it,” said Perry “PJ” Dortone of PJ Bartending in Broomall. “The Blood Orange Margarita is popular not just for Halloween, but for fall in general.”
Other favorites include an Almond Joy Martini and Witches’ Brew, a wickedly good concoction of coconut rum, cranberry, pineapple and 7-Up.
“It’s a spin on a Malibu Bay Breeze,” he described. “The 7-Up helps enhance the taste” and lends some sparkle to the cauldron.
Hang around for a spell at The Butcher & Barkeep in Harleysville, serving a bewitching, cloudy-topped drink dubbed The Second Sip.
“The flavor profile will slightly change as you are enjoying it while remaining clean and crisp,” explained bartender Jessie Minnick. “It features a fantastic local gin from Boardroom Sprits, located in Lansdale, and would make a great conversation piece at anyone’s Halloween party!”
So will a Spider’s Den, starring probiotic-packed kombucha, pumpkin puree, shaved chocolate and star anise “spiders.”
“Halloween is all about garnishes. You can really do anything and give it a creepy name,” said Olga Sorzano of Baba’s Brew and A Culture Factory in Phoenixville. “The glass itself can make a huge difference, or you can drink out of a pumpkin.”
Skip the shot of dark rum or bourbon, and it’s a monstrously healthy mocktail for non-drinkers and pint-sized spooks alike.
“My kids will be super-duper delighted about that,” she added.
After all, even little ghouls just want to have fun.
Almond Joy MartiniIngredients1 ounce Three Olives chocolate vodka
1 ounce Frangelico1 ounce Malibu coconut rum
InstructionsPut ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an Almond Joy.
RECIPE COURTESY OF PJ BARTENDING
Blood Orange MargaritaIngredients
3 ounces blood orange juice1/2 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
3/4 ounce lime juice2 ounces tequila
1/2 ounce simple syrupInstructions
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake. De-lid the shaker and pour into margarita glass, including ice. Garnish with a slice of blood orange. Can rim glass with salt if desired.
RECIPE COURTESY OF PJ BARTENDING
Witches’ BrewIngredients11/2 ounces Malibu coconut rum
1 ounce cranberry juice1 ounce pineapple juice
2 ounces 7-UpInstructionsCombine rum and juices in a shaker with ice. Shake. De-lid the shaker and pour into a highball glass, including ice. Top with 2 ounces of 7-Up. Don’t shake with 7-Up!
RECIPE COURTESY OF PJ BARTENDING
The Second SipThe cocktail will be layered with purple on the bottom and a cloudy mix toward the top. A very fun and festive cocktail for any Halloween party!
IngredientsIn a shaker add:2 ounces Boardroom Gin
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur1/2 ounce simple syrup
In a rocks or highball glass add:
1/2 ounce Creme Yvette or another violet liqueur
Large ice cubeInstructionsShake first set of ingredients well with fresh ice. Double strain mix from shaker into glass. Top with a lime peel.
RECIPE COURTESY OF THE BUTCHER & BARKEEP
Spider’s DenIngredients1 bottle Asian Pear Ginger, Spiced Apple or Rosy Apple Kombucha
1/2 cup pumpkin puree3 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
A pinch of cinnamonStar anise for decoration
Shaved chocolate for decoration
InstructionsIn the bowl, gently mix kombucha with pumpkin puree, sugar and cinnamon until well incorporated. Rim your glass with shaved chocolate and carefully pour pumpkin kombucha concoction in it.
Optional: Dark rum or bourbon (1 or 2 shots) would make a delicious, adult-friendly cocktail with subtle caramel notes.
RECIPE COURTESY OF BABA’S BREW
