At Halloween, fear goes hand in hand with fun. Ramp up both factors with cocktails suited to the night. These concoctions are inspired by genuine phobias, but presented in the spirit of the holiday, when we delight in fright. Think of them as liquid therapy to help you meet any of your fears head on.
FEAR OF SPIDERS
For those who couldn’t watch John Goodman exterminate those creepy crawlies in the 1990 classic “Arachnophobia,” never fear, this cocktail contains no actual spiders. The subtle fall flavors, paired with juicy orange and reposado (aged) tequila will give you the courage to combat any eight-legged foe that crosses your path.
3 orange slices
1 ounce lemon juice
3/4 ounce cinnamon syrup (see note)
2 ounces reposado tequila
1/2 ounce Aperol Aperitivo
Muddle (crush) orange slices with lemon juice and syrup. Add tequila, Aperol and ice; shake and strain over ice into bucket glass.
Garnish: Plastic spider
Cinnamon syrup: Bring 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water and 2 cinnamon sticks to a boil, then simmer 3 minunts. Cool completely and strain.
AFRAID OF THE DARK
This boozy cocktail, inspired by the Old-Fashioned, might be just right for someone who experiences distress in the dark (nyctophobia). It has a brooding quality brought on by earthy rabarbaro, a type of amaro liqueur made from Chinese rhubarb, while black sesame seeds add depth to the mix. Coffee notes from the Jameson Cold Brew whiskey add a welcome caffeine boost, keeping you alert enough to chase away the boogie man.
1/4 ounce black sesame syrup (see note)
1-1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
3/4 ounce Jameson Cold Brew Irish Whiskey
1/4 ounce rabarbaro liqueur (like Cappelletti Sfumato, Zucca or Fernet)
Combine syrup and liquors in mixing glass. Fill 2/3 full with ice; stir. Strain over large ice cube into bucket glass.
Garnish: Rim glass with black sesame salt (pulse 2 parts sesame seeds, 1 part turbinado sugar and 1/2 part sea salt in food processor until fine). Add skewer of luxardo cherries.
Black Sesame Syrup: Crush 1 cup black sesame seeds. Combine with 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in pot; bring to boil, then simmer 5 minutes. Let cool, then strain and refrigerate.
THE VACCINE
Although only one vaccine is really top of mind for us these days, here’s one you can concoct on your own. This drink may look daunting, but is probably the most palate-pleasing of the bunch, with clementine, a hint of peach and pomegranate juice. Apologies in advance for those with a fear of needles (trypanophobia), as the presentation speaks for itself.
1 whole clementine citrus, cut into wedges
3/4 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved in 1 part water)
1/2 ounce creme de peche liqueur (such as Briottet or Massenez)
1-1/2 ounces vodka
1 ounce high-quality club soda
Muddle (crush) clementine wedges with lemon juice and simple syrup in shaker tin. Add liquors and ice; shake and strain into bucket glass. Add club soda and fill glass with ice, leaving 1/2 inch at top.
Garnish: Plastic syringe filled with pomegranate juice to squeeze into the bottom of the glass
THE LIGHTNING AND THE THUNDER
If thunderstorms cause your heart to race (astraphobia), this drink might be the antidote. Herbal and bright, with lingering tiki flavors and a touch of 96-proof Green Chartreuse, this cocktail will bring the rumble to any Halloween party. The ingredients are elevated while still being refreshing.
1/2 ounce Green Chartreuse liqueur
2 ounces fresh pineapple juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce velvet falernum liqueur
1-1/2 ounces light rum
Dash bitters
Pour Green Chartreuse into highball glass; fill with ice. Add juices and liquors to shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain into highball glass. Float bitters on top.
Garnish: Orange peel cut into lightning bolt shape and an inverted paper umbrella
Chandra Lucariello is director of mixology for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Hawaii. Her column runs on the fourth week of the month. The liquors and liqueurs used in these recipes are widely available from Oahu liquor stores and some supermarkets.
