5 Dark And Delicious Red Cocktails For A Chilling Night

by · Forbes

Halloween isn’t all about the costumes—the atmosphere can really make or break a party. The eerie glow of candles, the slightly-spooky playlist and, of course, the perfect cocktails, with bonus points for blood-like hues.

Given I’ve carefully curated a list of five red cocktails that aren’t just visually striking but packed with bold, unforgettable flavors, if you’re hosting a Halloween party this year, these drinks will more than lend a helping hand (skeletal or otherwise)..

Whether you’re entertaining guests in a dry ice-filled living room or planning far in advanced for parties of the more classically festive variety (red is a fall-to-winter cocktail color, after all!), here are five dark and delicious red cocktails for a truly chilling night.

1. Blood Orange Margarita

Blood Orange Margarita in glass with salted rimgetty

Who would enjoy it?

This is a drink for anyone who loves the bright, citrusy punch of a margarita but wants something with a bit of dramatic flair. It’s refreshing and bold—the perfect welcome drink.

What ingredient makes the cocktail red?

The fresh blood orange juice provides a rich, deep red hue.

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Recipe:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1/2 oz agave syrup
  • Salt for the rim (optional)

Rim a chilled glass with salt, if you prefer, (a bit of lime juice on the rim will help it stick).

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously and strain into the glass.

Garnish with a blood orange slice.

2. Blackberry Blood Moon Smash

Blackberry Blood Moon Smash cocktailgetty

Who would enjoy it?

This is for someone who enjoys a fruit-forward cocktail with depth. It’s not overly sweet, making it a great choice for bourbon enthusiasts or anyone looking for something a little richer.

What ingredient makes the cocktail red?

Muddled blackberries give the drink its rich, dark red color.

Recipe:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 4-5 fresh blackberries
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Crushed ice

Muddle blackberries in a shaker.

Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters.

Fill with crushed ice and shake.

Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a blackberry skewer.

3. The Scarlet Negroni

Who would enjoy it?

This one’s for those who love the complexities of a Negroni but want something a little different. Its sweetness makes it more approachable, but the bitterness will still appeal to the classic cocktail aficionado.

What ingredient makes the cocktail red?

Pomegranate liqueur or juice adds a deep, blood-red hue.

Recipe:

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz pomegranate liqueur (or juice)
  • Orange twist for garnish

Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and pomegranate liqueur in a mixing glass with ice.

Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Garnish with an orange twist.

4. The Crimson Spritz

Who would enjoy it?

This is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing cocktail (see: the Aperol Spritz aficionados in your friendship group). The cranberry bring a welcome tartness, while the Prosecco keeps it bubbly and festive.

What ingredient makes the cocktail red?

Cranberry juice adds a bright, festive crimson to the drink.

Recipe:

  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 4 oz Prosecco
  • Splash of soda water
  • Cranberry garnish

Combine Aperol and cranberry juice in a glass filled with ice.

Top with Prosecco and a splash of soda water.

Garnish with fresh cranberries.

5. Dark Cherry Old Fashioned

Dark Cherry Old Fashioned cocktailgetty

Who would enjoy it?

This is a sophisticated cocktail for whiskey lovers who appreciate a subtle hint of sweetness. The dark cherry and walnut flavors add complexity, making it a perfect sip for the party’s Final Few.

What ingredient makes the cocktail red?

Dark cherry syrup brings a deep red tint to this otherwise classic cocktail.

Recipe:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/4 oz dark cherry syrup
  • 2 dashes black walnut bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish

In a rocks glass, combine the whiskey, cherry syrup, and bitters.

Add a large ice cube and stir until chilled.

Garnish with an orange peel.