Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For

by Sharon Keating, Christi Keating Sumich

Capture the paranormal essence of New Orleans in a tumbler with the 40 tasty, gothic, and unique cocktail options included in Hauntingly Good Spirits. Few places possess such a robust, thriving culture of death as does the soulful city of New Orleans. In this captivating cocktail book, travel enthusiasts Christi Sumich and Sharon Keating take you on a historical romp through the supernatural by way of the NOLA bar scene and the spirits (the boos and the booze!) celebrating local New Orleans ingredients and the hometown mixologists who make them sing. Separated into five sections—Jazz Reverence and Revelry, Cheers to the City of the Dead, Ghosts and Haunting Libations, Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails, and Voodoo and Witches’ Brew—Hauntingly Good Spirits unearths the eerie roots of the city’s culture as you savor spooky sips Drunk Ghost 2 oz Roulaison Traditional Pot Distilled Rum 1 oz Mardi Gras Vodka 2 oz pineapple juice 1 oz coconut creamObituary Cocktail 2 oz gin 1/4 oz dry vermouth 1/4 oz absintheCorpse Reviver 1 1/2 oz gin 1 1/2 oz of Lilette Blanc 1 ½ oz of cointreau 1 ½ oz fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon absintheThe Soggy Grave 1 ½ oz bourbon ½ oz claret syrup 1 ½ oz Lillet Blanc 1 tsp acid phosphate 3 dashes Peychaud’s bittersDeadly Vipers 1 ½ oz Macchu Pisco ¼ oz Maraschino liqueur 1 oz Guanábana purée ½ oz lime 2 fat dashes Allspice DramWhite Ghost Martini 1 ½ oz whipped cream vodka 1 oz white chocolate liqueur 2 oz cream (or any type of milk) Dash of El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters Serving up cocktails that are delicious, steeped in spookiness, and historically accurate, let Hauntingly Good Spirits be your guide for your next trip during Spooky Season and beyond as you plunge into these decadent drinks and the creepy culture that inspired them.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cocktails

144 pages, Hardcover

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hauntingly Good Spirits is the best cocktail book I have come across to date. Filled not just with amazing photographs of cocktails and easy to follow recipes, the book is woven with interesting historical photographs and information about New Orleans followed with haunted history snippets at the end of each section. The book is broken up over five sections: Absinthe Cocktails, New Orleans Cemeteries, Ghost Stories, Vampires and Voodoo and Witchcraft (which was my favourite section) and the index at the back helps if you want to look for specific ingredients/cocktails. I loved the inclusion of the map of New Orleans at the back, which also had pinpointed locations featured in the book. I've always been fascinated with New Orleans and Witches and Witchcraft, and this book has sparked my interest even more with the added bonus of instaworthy delicious cocktails.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little cookbook. The theme of New Orleans and ghosts is always a fun, interesting combination, so I think the author really nailed it (into the coffin) with this one.

There are pictures of each drink included, and they are broken into different themes, or by types of drinks, and in some cases by the theme of ingredients used in the drinks, like absinthe or the chapter solely focused on cocktails.

The names of the drinks are clever too, here's a few of my favorites:

Mistakes Were Made (75)
Fang-ria (97)
Louisiana Swamp Thing (32)
Poison Apple (108)

Perfect addition to any cookbook shelf, especially for those who love to celebrate Halloween.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group, NetGalley and to Wellfleet Press for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duo knows the pulse of New Orleans!

First: The cover says it all! The cocktails. Awesome photos, drinks cleverly named and recipes that are organized by liquor. I'm especially looking forward to Absinthe. Some of the liquors are specific to the region, but never fear, that is addressed and alternatives suggested.

Second: The Haunted History section with historical photos and a map! This section adds to the gothic feeling that is New Orleans. Inspiring to shake or stir a new libation.

Final thoughts: Hauntingly Good Spirits is a great addition to any collection that will be referred to often any time of the year. A pleasure to read and easy to follow recipes with a guide to everything you need to make the perfect spooky cocktail.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for an advance copy.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Halloween 🎃 👻 My new favorite book. Hauntingly Good Spirits. By Sharon Keating. I am addicted to this book. I love ghost stories, paranormal and of course a good cocktail. This book is perfect. This creative book is all about New Orleans and the amazing historical look at the spirits, haunts and more. Then there is a special cocktail designed for the wonderful places. It is so jam packed with amazing paranormal history of New Orleans with photographs and details you don’t wanna miss. I can’t get enough of this book. I loved learning about the different areas and their history. I even found my new favorite drinks, like the Undertaker, the Soggy Grave and the Evil Woman Shooter. The author includes a spirit guide with a map. Now I want to plan a trip and find all of these amazing places.. The photos of the cocktails are simply mouthwatering. You will want to try every single one. You’re going to love this book.
I received this as an ebook ARC and I can’t wait to buy it for my home collection. I have several friends that are absolutely going to love this as a gift. Enjoy this cocktail and paranormal adventure.
1000 stars.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book of themed cocktails with gorgeous color photos of each drink. The bits of New Orleans facts were fun. The recipes are probably a bit too involved for me personally, and some of the ingredients may be hard to find depending on where you live, but nonetheless a great collection of spirited spirits.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween fans, this gorgeous fun book is a must-read for the scary holiday, and really, all year 'round. Featuring 4o Nawlins' cocktail recipes with hilarious names (Soggy Grave, Corpse Reviver, Mistakes Were Made) and a map with descriptions of haunted NOLA sights to visit. Spooktacular!

[Leeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME! Loved this. The pictures of the drinks are really great and perfectly styled. I liked that there was a variety (and also a note that plant-based milk could be used!) of drinks, there's a little paragraph about each, the history, and also replacement ideas on a couple (like swapping out berries for a different taste).

I loved everything about this book! My boyfriend and I are going to be having a Halloween party this year and I know that we will definitely be using some of the recipes from this book!!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The recipes need a lot of various ingredients I don't regularly have, but the parts about the haunted locations in New Orleans was interesting.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.

The book is broken into 5 sections ending in Haunted History segments:
1. Absinthe cocktails
2. New Orleans cemeteries
3. Ghost stories
4. Vampires
5. Voodoo and witchcraft

At the back, there are several fun reference lists. There is a "haunted New Orleans map" that doubles as a travel guide which I enjoyed. Also, there's a "cocktail index by main spirit" which is super helpful.

I'm not much of a drinker but I am tempted to try a bunch of these.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Hauntingly Good Spirits by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich

Rating: 👻👻👻👻👻

As someone with a deep appreciation for both mixology and the eerie allure of the supernatural, I couldn't resist diving into Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich. Let me tell you, this book is an absolute gem that deserves every one of its five (ghost) stars!

First off, the cover is PERFECTION! Just looking at it sets the tone for what you're about to embark on—a thrilling journey through the haunted streets of New Orleans, all while sipping on cocktails that are as gothic as they are delightful. The entire layout of this book, from the stunning photographs to the carefully chosen fonts, is visually captivating. It’s one of those coffee table books that you’ll want to display proudly.

But let me assure you, this book isn’t just a pretty face. It delivers on the drink recipes front too! With 40 unique cocktails that perfectly capture the paranormal essence of New Orleans, it’s impossible not to get excited. Each recipe is paired with a sprinkle of history, allowing you to appreciate the cultural depth behind each drink. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try a Corpse Reviver or a Spooky Smoked Sazerac while learning about the city’s rich ghostly lore?

The book is cleverly divided into five sections: Reverence and Revelry, Tomb Time, Ghosts & Haunted Libations, Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails, and Voodoo & Witchcraft. This organization not only helps to navigate through the myriad of tantalizing libations but also immerses you in New Orleans’ eerie ambiance. Plus, most recipes comes with delightful “LIBATION LAGNIAPPE” tips, which add an extra layer of fun and knowledge.

What truly sets this book apart are the pages dedicated to "haunted history." These fascinating tidbits weave through the cocktail recipes like an enchanting ghost story, making it perfect for anyone looking to add a spooky flair to their home bar or Halloween party planning. Imagine serving your guests a Deadly Vipers while regaling them with tales of the city's haunted past—now that’s a recipe for a memorable night!

Overall, Hauntingly Good Spirits is a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts and fans of all things supernatural. Whether you're gearing up for Spooky Season or simply want to explore the delicious and eerie culture of New Orleans year-round, this book will be your ultimate guide. Cheers to good spirits—both in the glass and in the air!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Pattie Tierney · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Josie Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up in hopes of finding some cocktail ideas for the spooky season that is fast upon us, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this isn't just a book centered on "theme" but truly teaching you how to entertain with drinks throughout the year. It weaves an informative history of the city, the booze, and the drinks themselves. It's a reference and a resource, including maps at the end for all the haunted places.

From a glassware breakdown to what specific spirits are local to New Orleans, the spot being paid homage to with this book, it gives you a thorough but easy to read guide for all things spooky and spirits. While there is priority in recipes to local liquors, they make a point to note any substitutions for those that may be harder to get depending where you live. I adore the fact that vampires got their own special nod with a section of related drinks. The blood orange margarita is top of my list, and I'm totally making the Fang-ria for Halloween.

I also appreciate the simple syrup recipes and measurement conversions are at the front of the book, right after the introduction. So often in cookbooks, things like this where you constantly have to reference them are scattered throughout the book and in unrelated areas. The ease of being able to refer to the front is nice.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with a stunning sytle and gorgeous photography. It's not just a book of cocktail recipes, as I realised from the introduction, which gives a taste of the ambience of New Orleans and the importance of cocktails to the city's culture.

There are interesting facts peppered throughout the book, from learning about the cocktails, to the history of New Orleans, and recommendations on places to visit.

There's a section at the front with recommendations for cocktail-making ingredients and equipment to keep on hand, although images of the glassware would have been nice for some context. The metric conversions were very much appreciated by this Brit!

The first section focuses on absinthe cocktails, which all look delicious. The styling of each cocktail in the book is immaculate.

The book features classic cocktails like the Sazerac and a Cajun Bloody Mary, and some that I've never heard of but am very interested in trying, like the Soggy Grave, Cemetary Angel, and the Drunk Ghost.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly Good Spirits by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich is a delightful surprise. It offers both a cocktail how-to and a fascinating journey through New Orleans' haunted history. This well-executed book is a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The little tidbits about the drinks, their origins, and the spooky stories from New Orleans add a charming touch. The book's layout is not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly user-friendly. It allows for easy navigation and seamless execution of the drink recipes. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a novice, the clear and concise instructions instill confidence and make drink mixing a delightful experience.

I am excited to share these Hauntingly Good Spirits with my friends and am confident that this recipe book will become a cherished addition to my bar's library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group—Wellfleet Press for generously gifting me an e-book copy of Hauntingly Good Spirits in exchange for an honest review.

[Eila · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all - just wow! I was a bit wary that 'Hauntingly Good Spirits' would be just another gimmicky take on a cocktail book. We've all seen them: a perfunctory spin on, say, a martini with just a peppermint cane stuck in it, etc. I was so pleasantly surprised to find that this was actually a proper passion project. Not only are a lot of the cocktails incredibly original and sound like they'll taste amazing, but the photography, the depth of the New Orleans history padding the book out, and the quality of the finished product really make this exceptionally special.

It'd make the perfect gift for a cocktail lover, fan of anything spooky, and anyone into quirk with quality.

It's a cocktail book, of course, but of note there isn't a nod to any mocktail/virgin cocktail options, so you'll need to turn elsewhere if you need inspiration for those.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic combination of wittily named alcoholic libations with recipes and spooky New Orleans history. I was lucky enough to visit New Orleans on Halloween for my birthday pre-Covid and so thankful I did as I got to see many of the places described in this book. I am not a huge imbiber of alcohol but even for me there were a few recipes in here I want to try (Caveau Cocktail and a Drunk Ghost especially) and several named cocktails that made me chuckle like Fang-ria.

If you’re a lover of unique cocktails, New Orleans, and/or spooky history then you’d enjoy this book. I liked the way the authors organized the recipes by section and included a map at the end of places mentioned throughout the book.

**Thanks to the authors and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book of cocktails. A fun twist on spooky cocktails.

Recipes are provided for simple syrups, gastriques, and orgeat. There is also a liquid measurement conversion table. The wicked wares sections has a description of glassware, mix-ins, liqueurs and local spirits. These were very helpful in creating the cocktails.

Each recipe has a description, easy to follow instructions, ingredients list, color photo, and a libation lagniappe. The descriptions gives you ideas for when to serve the cocktail and some facts to go along. Ingredients and instructions are short and sweet. Very easy to follow. The Lagniappes were a fun addition to each recipe.

Such a fun book! I cannot wait to serve some of these to my guests.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title in exchange for my very honest review.

[OoohGoshTara Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say I was skeptical but this book really does New Orleans justice. The book sets the eerie mood by being divided into five sections: Reverence and Revelry, Tomb Time, Ghosts & Haunted Libations, Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails, and Voodoo & Witchcraft. There are 40 easy to follow cocktail recipes. This book is visually stunning. The photographs of cocktails are amazing. I hope my replicas look half as good. There are also photographs and tidbits highlighting the haunted history of New Orleans at the end of each section. I just love that the book also pays homage to the city. As we make our way into spooky season this is a must have for someone like me who loves a unique cocktail mix with flair and fans of New Orleans haunted, supernatural, spiritual history. This is the cocktail book for you. Get into these “spirits”.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about the history of the beverages and the locations in New Orleans. The pictures were fantastic and made me want to try each one of these concoctions. I like that the authors include substitutions for some of the ingredients because some of these ingredients I have never heard of before. There were 12 recipes that we should easily be able to find the ingredients for in our city, so we will give some of those a try the next time we have friends over.

I do wish that authors would include non-alcoholic substitutions, to create a similar flavor, for some of the drinks. I have a few friends that don't drink (for personal or medical reasons) and it would be great to know how to make them fancy mocktails that look and taste similar to the cocktails.

[Alexis R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly Good Spirits is the perfect drink recipe book for anyone who loves all things spooky and especially Spooky entertainment. There are numerous recipes with haunting names such as Corpse Reviver, Suffering Bastard and The Undertaker (my personal favorite) with pages of spooky history in between that are a delight for those who enjoy Hauntings and History. The recipes are not overly complicated, there are numerous to try and even recipes for simple things (like simple syrup). The layout of pictures and recipes is in a beautiful layout, If you enjoy entertaining on the spookier side, this is for you.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it! It's a bit creepy, a bit spooky, and a whole lot of yummy. It made me want to don my black lace gloves, Goth boots, and black trench coat and go in search of Absinthe.

My favourite quote of the moment comes from this deliciously dark little book: “Here in the South, we don’t hide crazy. We parade it on the front porch and give it a cocktail.” I think that about sums up Hauntingly Good Spirits. The writing is lovely, it made me feel as if I were in New Orleans during the Festival of the Dead.

It's just how I imagine New Orleans, and I do believe I will enjoy every one of those cocktails all the more for it.

[Sofya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hauntingly Good Spirits
Author: Sharon Keating + Christi Keating Sumich
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fun cocktail book perfect for Halloween! As someone who loves Absinthe this book having a whole section on it is a huge selling point. The recipes are really fun but it does feature a lot of classic drinks so if you are really into craft cocktails some will be familiar to you. I did enjoy how there was lots of New Orleans haunted history throughout the book and that the authors featured distillers from New Orleans in the recipes.

Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, and Sharon Keating + Christi Keating Sumich for an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is delightful! I like how the drinks are separated into unique categories, with many varieties to choose from. The introduction is very informative and helpful. The descriptions and instructions are also clear and concise, making this book welcoming to all. The photos, layout, and color scheme worked well together- the drinks all looked delicious! The supplementary information regarding haunted places in New Orleans before each section was also a nicely added touch to the book. I’m not sure how difficult some of the ingredients may be to obtain, but I can’t wait to try out the recipes. Any of these would be ideal for a Halloween party and would be sure to wow your friends/guests.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of Hauntingly Good Spirits. This book is divided into five captivating sections, each ending with a fascinating "Haunted History" segment.

From Absinthe cocktails to New Orleans cemeteries, ghost stories to vampires, and Voodoo to witchcraft, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the city's dark and mysterious past.
I particularly enjoyed the "Haunted New Orleans Map," which doubled as a handy travel guide, and the "Cocktail Index by Main Spirit," which was incredibly helpful even for non-drinkers like myself.
I'm tempted to step outside my comfort zone and try a few of these intriguing cocktails!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spookingly delightful book that not only provides botaciously devilious cocktails the twist is it provides a trail to follow while in NOLA to check out Haunted areas and cemetaries. The cocktails are boolicious and photos provided give great ways to present them. The background, map of haunts and description of haunted areas just pulls this book into a must have book to enjoy and give to your devliious friends. Highly recommend and now off to mix up a cocktail!
Thanks Netgalley, the author and publisher for this Bootific book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Read Copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

New Orleans is a fascinating city. This book combines interesting cocktails with snippets of New Orleans's colorful history. The book includes beautiful photography of the drinks and interesting information on many haunted sites in the city, making me want to go back for another tour. Although many ingredients in the drinks aren't readily available, the authors included suggestions for substitutions which makes the recipes more approachable.
Recommended.

[Erica Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. Oh my. I love this book. The layout and the gorgeous pictures are perfectly atmospheric. The recipes all sound amazing. The spattering of haunted historical facts are fascinating. And there's even a “Haunted New Orleans Map” at the end of the book, with 40 different sites listed!

I don't drink often, but when I do, I love an intriguing cocktail, and this book is packed with them. Upon release, I will be getting a copy for myself and a second one as a gift.

Hauntingly mouth watering. This book left me drooling.

[Suzy Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booooooz with a splash of amazing New Orleans history and color. This is an amazing option to add to your cocktail bar. The only complaint I have is now I know I need to find amazing options like Pralines and Cream Liquer!

I love that there is a solid mix of drinks that are modern takes on classics all the way to wildly original and creative concoctions.... all with a spooky twist! Add to it that it's just fun to flip through and read and you can't ask for much more!

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful drinks, cute spooky vibe was well executed.

I loved that there’s bits of history and info about NoLa in this book, was a lovely touch.

Definitely a book I would recommend if you’re a cocktail enthusiast 💖

Thanks NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, Wellfleet Press, Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich for giving me an ARC of this cool book ✨

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun cocktail book with great sounding drinks. I love that there is a photo for every drink and a little story or history. There’s lots of New Orleans history too. Be prepared to buy a fair number of specialty alcohol though.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.