Spooky Cocktails: 100+ Spirited and Wickedly Delicious Drinks by Clair McLafferty, a Review

 

Spooky Cocktails by Clair McLafferty, scheduled for release tomorrow, is a bewitching masterpiece that transforms happy hour into a thrilling witching hour. As someone who once trembled at the thought of Halloween as a shy child, I’ve grown to adore the spooky season, and this book has elevated my love for it to new heights. With over 100 enchanting recipes, this cocktail compendium is a must-have for anyone looking to add a dash of frightful fun to their mixology adventures.

The book is a visual and culinary delight, brimming with creative concoctions like the Witch’s Brew, Black Magic Margarita, Bloody Fang Sangria, Poison Apple Cider, and Crypt Keeper Cooler. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted, easy to follow, and caters to both novice mixologists and seasoned bartenders. The diversity of drinks is astounding—many of which I’d never encountered before—and every one sounds wickedly delicious and intriguing. From potions to tonics, there’s something for every palate, whether you’re hosting a haunted gathering or sipping solo during a horror movie marathon.

What sets this book apart is its attention to detail. The full-color photography is nothing short of spellbinding, showcasing each drink with eerie elegance. The suggested garnishes, like gummy worms and smoking dry ice cauldrons, add a playful yet macabre flair that’s sure to impress guests. The book’s aesthetic is so captivating that it doubles as a stunning coffee table piece, perfect for year-round display, not just Halloween.

As a seasoned reviewer of cocktail books, including Halloween-specific ones, I can confidently say Spooky Cocktails is unparalleled. Its clever themes, innovative recipes, and gorgeous presentation make it the best in its class. Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or simply love a good cocktail, this book will inspire you to dust off your cauldron and shake up something wickedly delightful. Highly recommended for ghouls and mixologists alike—this is one potion you’ll want to sip again and again!

You can get your copy here.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating, Reviewed

  

Considering how anxious I was as a child every year Halloween rolled around, it’s surprising that I now celebrate it with such unbridled gusto. Perhaps that’s because I don’t have to worry about going from house to house, and be pressured to entertain in exchange for a morsel of food, no matter how sweet and delicious that morsel be.

Because I now enjoy celebrating Halloween so much (and the spooky season, in general) I get great pleasure in reading books that help me do that. This recently released volume, Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating is a wonderfully macabre tribute to the drinks culture of New Orleans, and those who make it happen. Here you will find beautifully photographed, unique cocktail recipes, all of which are Gothic, spooky, and hauntingly delicious. The book is divided into five sections:

Reverence and Revelry

Tomb Time

Ghosts & Haunted Libations

Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails

Voodoo & Witchcraft

Each is fascinating in its own right, and where you will find cocktails like Axeman’s Ball, Ghostly Embrace, Corpse Reviver, and many more. This book has struck me as being as much about exploring New Orleans, as it was about making the cocktails. It did get me quite eager to experiment before the spooky month of October arrives, not to mention lay in a good supply of ingredients. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t tried a good number of these cocktails already. I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t have a good time doing it.Anyone interested in libations, the macabre, New Orleans, or serving something special on a dark and stormy night needs this cookbook. I highly recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and Wellfleet Press for providing me with a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.