Easy Halloween Cocktails

Easy Halloween Cocktails – Halloween is such a fun, party time of year. You get to dress up and pretend like you’re someone else, splurge on some candy, have a good laugh and a couple of cocktails. In years past we’ve gone over Spooky Pumpkin Punch bowls, homemade Halloween props and ghoulish treats for your guests but this year I decided it was time to take the adults into consideration and breakout the cocktails.

There are several different Halloween cocktails but my favorite is simple, easy to make, and has a nice fruity flavor on top of a rich foundation – The Blood Orange Brown Derby. On Halloween, guests are looking for a cocktail that is colorful and fun. And, I should say, in all fairness, that I swiped this recipe from the website for Clyde May’s Bourbon Whiskey. They boast a fabulous reputation, the Whiskey is 92 proof and aged 4-5 years in oak barrels, so it does make for a smooth clean taste making this recipe a favorite for Halloween guests.

Before we get on to the recipe lets quickly discuss your drink station set up. Since Halloween does fall on a weeknight this year I would suggest going with plastic cups to keep clean up to a minimum, and of course, you will likely want to offer some hot beverage options like coffee and tea.  Ideally, you would chill the glasses in your freezer for about for about 10 minutes before serving your cocktail however if you’re going plastic for the sake of quick clean up, just be sure to have ice available at the drink station.

Blood Orange Brown Derby Recipe

• 1.5 oz Clyde May’s Whiskey
• 1/2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz Ruby Red grapefruit juice
• Honey (the pour-able kind)
• the juice from 1 orange wedge

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker, squeeze orange wedge into shaker (discard wedge). Stir well, strain into ice filled glass and garnish with orange. Enjoy!

TIP: You can pre-measure your mixed drink ingredients and prepare them for your guests in advance to save on time, then just add your honey, give one last shake before pouring over ice and serve with a smile! Don’t forget the plastic for quick clean up! ☺