Halloween fun doesn’t have to be just for kids. If you’re thinking of throwing a spooky party this year and need some inspiration, wine expert Jonny Inglis has shared his advice on creating show-stopping wine cocktails. Whether you fancy hosting a grand Halloween bash or a more intimate get-together, these creative cocktails are guaranteed to thrill your guests.
Jonny Inglis, founder of Winedrops.com, comments: “Halloween is a great time to get creative with drinks, and wine provides the perfect base for some spooky, fun cocktails that are both affordable and delicious,” said Inglis. “At Winedrops, we believe wine can be enjoyed in so many ways, and these recipes are a great example of how you can turn an everyday bottle into something extraordinary for your party.”
Try these Halloween-themed wine cocktails:
1. Blood Red Sangria
A classic, crowd-pleasing wine cocktail with a Halloween twist.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet)
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120 ml brandy
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240 ml orange juice
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60 ml triple sec
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Sliced oranges, apples, and berries (for a “bloody” look)
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15-30 g sugar (optional)
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Sparkling water (optional, for a lighter version)
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Add ice before serving, or float a frozen “ice hand” (freeze water in a rubber glove) for extra spooky flair.
“Sangria is a fantastic option for a Halloween party because it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients like red wine, fruit, and a touch of brandy or triple sec, which you might already have at home or can easily buy in bulk to save money,” says Jonny Inglis, founder of Winedrops.com.
“Since it’s made in large batches, you don’t need to spend on multiple expensive spirits—one bottle of wine combined with affordable fruit and juice goes a long way. Plus, it’s flexible. You can swap in seasonal fruits, use a more affordable wine, or even skip the triple sec without losing flavor.”
2. Witch’s Blood Spritz
A refreshing, eerie take on the classic wine spritz.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of dry red wine
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480 ml cranberry juice
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120 ml pomegranate juice (for a deeper red colour)
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60 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
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Club soda or sparkling water
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Pomegranate seeds or blackberries for garnish
Instructions: Mix the wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Add ice, top with club soda or sparkling water, and serve in glasses garnished with blackberries or pomegranate seeds to resemble creepy “eyeballs.”
3. Black Widow’s Poison
This dark and eerie cocktail features red wine and black vodka for a dramatic effect.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of red wine (Syrah or Zinfandel)
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120 ml black vodka (or dark rum for a substitute)
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60 ml blackberry syrup or purée
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Sparkling water (optional)
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Blackberries or liquorice for garnish
Instructions: Combine red wine, black vodka, and blackberry syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glasses, and top with sparkling water if desired. Garnish with blackberries or liquorice.
4. Zombie White Wine Punch
A creepy, citrusy punch that uses white wine for a ghostly appearance.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
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240 ml peach schnapps
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480 ml lemonade
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Sliced peaches and lemons
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120 ml soda water (optional)
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Edible glitter or gummy worms for garnish
Instructions: In a large punch bowl, combine wine, schnapps, lemonade, and sliced fruit. Chill for at least an hour. Add soda water before serving and garnish with gummy worms or a pinch of edible glitter to make it extra spooky.
5. Vampire’s Kiss Wine Cocktail
A rich, dark cocktail made with red wine and enhanced with darker fruits.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of red wine (Malbec or Shiraz works well)
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120 ml dark rum
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120 ml cranberry juice
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60 ml pomegranate juice
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60 ml fresh lime juice
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Fresh raspberries and a splash of grenadine for garnish
Instructions: Mix the wine, rum, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and lime juice in a pitcher or punch bowl. Pour over ice, add a splash of grenadine for a “blood” effect, and garnish with fresh raspberries to look like drops of blood.
6. Ghostly White Wine Mojito
For a lighter, citrusy option, this cocktail offers a fresh spin on a traditional mojito using white wine.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio)
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Fresh mint leaves
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60 ml lime juice
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2 tablespoons sugar
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120 ml club soda
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Frozen grapes or lychee (peeled) for garnish
Instructions: Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a pitcher. Add the wine, lime juice, and club soda. Serve over ice and garnish with frozen grapes or lychee for an eerie “eyeball” effect.
Perfect for a Vampire’s kiss cocktail: Demuerte Gold 2021, was £25.95 now £18.95. Available on Winedrops.com on the 31st October, while stocks last.
