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Spooky Cocktails: 100+ Spirited and Wickedly Delicious Drinks
The Witch’s Brew, the Black Magic Margarita, Bloody Fang Sangria, Poison Apple Cider, Crypt Keeper Cooler—venture if you dare through a collection of cocktails with maximum flavor and minimum toil and trouble.
It’s always witching hour somewhere! Transform your happy hour into a hauntingly unforgettable night. With 100 unique concoctions that range from the devilishly delightful to the downright ghoulish, this book is your essential guide to the most bewitching bash of the year. Each recipe promises to be a showstopper at any Halloween gathering.
Inside you’ll
100 enchanting potions for every palateSpine-chilling garnishes to dress your drinks to impress, including gummy worms and smoking dry ice cauldronsSpook-tacular photography that will inspire your inner ghoulDust off your cauldron, grab your shaker and skeleton keys, and let’s make this Halloween the most spirited one yet!
It’s always witching hour somewhere! Transform your happy hour into a hauntingly unforgettable night. With 100 unique concoctions that range from the devilishly delightful to the downright ghoulish, this book is your essential guide to the most bewitching bash of the year. Each recipe promises to be a showstopper at any Halloween gathering.
Inside you’ll
100 enchanting potions for every palateSpine-chilling garnishes to dress your drinks to impress, including gummy worms and smoking dry ice cauldronsSpook-tacular photography that will inspire your inner ghoulDust off your cauldron, grab your shaker and skeleton keys, and let’s make this Halloween the most spirited one yet!
- GenresCookbooksNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2025
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 7, 2025
I am all about the Halloween and spooky season inspired cook books. I don't drink much anymore but honestly I can't wait for the spooky season to try a couple of these!
Even if I don't ever try these out I really enjoyed looking at the recipes, some of them are really unique! And honestly the presentation and photos of many of them are simply stunning!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Even if I don't ever try these out I really enjoyed looking at the recipes, some of them are really unique! And honestly the presentation and photos of many of them are simply stunning!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2025
As a lover of all things spooky and alcoholic, this book was right up my dark alley.
Five stars because it featured my current obsession, an El Diablo.
The author has paired classic cocktails with horror lore, fun facts and spooky images which makes for a fun and informative read.
The metric conversion chart at the back is brilliant. Thank you.
Five stars because it featured my current obsession, an El Diablo.
The author has paired classic cocktails with horror lore, fun facts and spooky images which makes for a fun and informative read.
The metric conversion chart at the back is brilliant. Thank you.
May 24, 2025
As a huge Halloween fan, I seriously enjoyed this themed cocktail book. Even though I’m not a drinker, this book literally has something for everyone, even an alcohol free section!
The styling of the photo spreads are so cute. Each tiny specific detail within the photographs are adorable and you can tell a ton of work went into the design of this book. I think the photo pages are still going to be worked on as about half of them don’t have names or page numbers. Even if you just want to see pretty glasses and fancy drinks, this is a super fun read.
Thank you NetGalley, Cider Mill Press, and Clair McLafferty for this ARC, it was spooky-cute!
The styling of the photo spreads are so cute. Each tiny specific detail within the photographs are adorable and you can tell a ton of work went into the design of this book. I think the photo pages are still going to be worked on as about half of them don’t have names or page numbers. Even if you just want to see pretty glasses and fancy drinks, this is a super fun read.
Thank you NetGalley, Cider Mill Press, and Clair McLafferty for this ARC, it was spooky-cute!
September 12, 2025
I don’t drink, but I still love a good cookbook. Besides the title and the picture that you’ll find throughout this book, one of the things I really appreciate was the warning labels. Not there to freak you out but how they say we don’t do certain types of drinks because if they’re not done right, they could be harmful. This includes drinks with dry ice or add activated charcoal. But they even go beyond that to remind readers that certain things like grapefruit juice can interact with heart medication. And that other things could be dangerous or leak metals, etc. I haven’t seen that in a cookbook ever, and I love that the author included it that puts this book above and beyond many other cocktail books.
July 31, 2025
Gives a warning about how mixology is closer to baking than cooking. It really helped me wrap my brain around making drinks. It gives ways to fix problems along with fun recipes. The book was laid out beautifully and the names were great.
5 stars
5 stars
July 5, 2025
Book Review: Spooky Cocktails: 100+ Spirited and Wickedly Delicious Drinks by Clair McLafferty
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Spooky Cocktails by Clair McLafferty, and it’s a real treat—no tricks here! The cover alone grabbed me immediately; it’s got that perfect eerie vibe that any fan of Halloween or horror-themed gatherings will appreciate. As someone who loves themed cookbooks (and drinks!), this one was an instant hit.
Inside, you’ll find over 100 cocktail recipes that cleverly blend classic drinks with spooky names and horror lore. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, the recipes are straightforward and easy to follow. I especially loved how the author sprinkles in fun facts and chilling tidbits alongside the instructions, which makes flipping through the pages feel like a festive adventure.
Some of the standout drinks include the Witch’s Brew, Black Magic Margarita, Bloody Fang Sangria, Poison Apple Cider, and Crypt Keeper Cooler—each one sounds tempting and perfect for setting a creepy mood. The book also features a neat alcohol-free section, which is great for including everyone at your party.
The photography and spooky graphics are gorgeous and definitely add to the overall vibe—think gummy worms as garnishes and smoking dry ice cauldrons that make your drinks pop visually. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to transform their happy hour into a full-on witching hour.
Overall, Spooky Cocktails is a super fun and festive book that I’d recommend for Halloween parties or any horror-themed get-together. I’m already imagining setting up a “build your own cocktail bar” station using this book to wow guests. I’m giving it 4 stars because while it’s packed with creative ideas and great visuals, some of the recipes might lean on the simpler side if you’re an advanced mixologist looking for a challenge—but for most folks, it’s pure spirited enjoyment!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Spooky Cocktails by Clair McLafferty, and it’s a real treat—no tricks here! The cover alone grabbed me immediately; it’s got that perfect eerie vibe that any fan of Halloween or horror-themed gatherings will appreciate. As someone who loves themed cookbooks (and drinks!), this one was an instant hit.
Inside, you’ll find over 100 cocktail recipes that cleverly blend classic drinks with spooky names and horror lore. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, the recipes are straightforward and easy to follow. I especially loved how the author sprinkles in fun facts and chilling tidbits alongside the instructions, which makes flipping through the pages feel like a festive adventure.
Some of the standout drinks include the Witch’s Brew, Black Magic Margarita, Bloody Fang Sangria, Poison Apple Cider, and Crypt Keeper Cooler—each one sounds tempting and perfect for setting a creepy mood. The book also features a neat alcohol-free section, which is great for including everyone at your party.
The photography and spooky graphics are gorgeous and definitely add to the overall vibe—think gummy worms as garnishes and smoking dry ice cauldrons that make your drinks pop visually. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to transform their happy hour into a full-on witching hour.
Overall, Spooky Cocktails is a super fun and festive book that I’d recommend for Halloween parties or any horror-themed get-together. I’m already imagining setting up a “build your own cocktail bar” station using this book to wow guests. I’m giving it 4 stars because while it’s packed with creative ideas and great visuals, some of the recipes might lean on the simpler side if you’re an advanced mixologist looking for a challenge—but for most folks, it’s pure spirited enjoyment!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
May 14, 2025
- I received this book from NetGalley -
What a wonderful opening—warm, non-judgmental, and welcoming. The suggestion to try a drink at the bar before investing in all the ingredients is especially thoughtful and practical. It's a brilliant way to ease newcomers into the experience.
One standout feature is the inclusion of a section on potential risks. It's not something commonly seen in recipe books, and its presence here is genuinely appreciated. Rather than assuming the reader already knows, the book offers a considerate heads-up, which reflects a mindful and inclusive approach.
Each recipe being laid out on its own page with vibrant, colorful spreads is another excellent touch. This design not only makes the book visually engaging but also helps prevent confusion between recipes—a common issue in more densely packed layouts. The inclusion of a photo of the completed drink adds even more value, giving readers a clear goal and visual reference.
The "Ghost Tours" section is particularly captivating. The historical tidbits that accompany each recipe give the book a unique personality, almost like sipping your way through a story. It’s the kind of book you'd proudly leave out at a party for guests to flip through while enjoying their drinks.
Some of the more adventurous ingredients—like eggs or yogurt—offer intriguing and distinctive flavor combinations that would make for memorable party additions.
Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore cocktail recipes without having to hunt them down individually. With its inviting layout, helpful guidance, and delightful commentary, this is the kind of recipe book that earns a long-term spot on the shelf.
What a wonderful opening—warm, non-judgmental, and welcoming. The suggestion to try a drink at the bar before investing in all the ingredients is especially thoughtful and practical. It's a brilliant way to ease newcomers into the experience.
One standout feature is the inclusion of a section on potential risks. It's not something commonly seen in recipe books, and its presence here is genuinely appreciated. Rather than assuming the reader already knows, the book offers a considerate heads-up, which reflects a mindful and inclusive approach.
Each recipe being laid out on its own page with vibrant, colorful spreads is another excellent touch. This design not only makes the book visually engaging but also helps prevent confusion between recipes—a common issue in more densely packed layouts. The inclusion of a photo of the completed drink adds even more value, giving readers a clear goal and visual reference.
The "Ghost Tours" section is particularly captivating. The historical tidbits that accompany each recipe give the book a unique personality, almost like sipping your way through a story. It’s the kind of book you'd proudly leave out at a party for guests to flip through while enjoying their drinks.
Some of the more adventurous ingredients—like eggs or yogurt—offer intriguing and distinctive flavor combinations that would make for memorable party additions.
Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore cocktail recipes without having to hunt them down individually. With its inviting layout, helpful guidance, and delightful commentary, this is the kind of recipe book that earns a long-term spot on the shelf.
July 3, 2025
Spooky Cocktails, you had me at the cover! I might not be ready for spooky season just yet, but I can wait to keep some of these recipes in my back pocket for fall!
I really appreciate the author taking the time to point out how some common ingredients often used in cool looking Halloween cocktails to create special effects can actually be extremely harmful for people and takes the time to explain why and offers alternatives. I never would have thought of some of these things. We would hope that “don’t consume dry ice” is enough common sense for others, but pointing out that activated charcoal (used to blacken food and drinks) can actually render a lot of medications completely ineffective. I really appreciate the additional information and science included in this book instead of jumping straight into recipes.
I love that the recipe pages are easy to read and stay on brand with the spooky theme of the book. All of the recipes are named for spooky movies, items, and concepts with a brief explanation about the name which is fun! The layout is great with the ingredient list being separate from the instructions. I especially like that the cocktails are easy to make. You don’t need expert bartending skills to pull any of these off. I also really appreciate the fact that a large majority of these cocktails are made with easy to find ingredients. Too many cocktail recipe books these days are starting to include really obscure ingredients that can be difficult to find or overly expensive for just a half an ounce that you’ll never use again.
If you’re looking to have a spooky movie marathon with themed cocktails, you’re bound to find something in this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciate the author taking the time to point out how some common ingredients often used in cool looking Halloween cocktails to create special effects can actually be extremely harmful for people and takes the time to explain why and offers alternatives. I never would have thought of some of these things. We would hope that “don’t consume dry ice” is enough common sense for others, but pointing out that activated charcoal (used to blacken food and drinks) can actually render a lot of medications completely ineffective. I really appreciate the additional information and science included in this book instead of jumping straight into recipes.
I love that the recipe pages are easy to read and stay on brand with the spooky theme of the book. All of the recipes are named for spooky movies, items, and concepts with a brief explanation about the name which is fun! The layout is great with the ingredient list being separate from the instructions. I especially like that the cocktails are easy to make. You don’t need expert bartending skills to pull any of these off. I also really appreciate the fact that a large majority of these cocktails are made with easy to find ingredients. Too many cocktail recipe books these days are starting to include really obscure ingredients that can be difficult to find or overly expensive for just a half an ounce that you’ll never use again.
If you’re looking to have a spooky movie marathon with themed cocktails, you’re bound to find something in this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2025
*Spooky Cocktails: 100+ Spirited and Wickedly Delicious Drinks* by Clair McLafferty is a visually stunning and delightfully festive collection of recipes perfect for Halloween or any eerie-themed gathering. The photography throughout the book is gorgeous, with strong spooky vibes and excellent art direction that brings each drink to life. I also appreciated the inclusion of alcohol-free options, making the book accessible to a wider audience. Each recipe comes with a creative introduction that helps set the scene, and many feature fun ideas for garnishes and presentation.
Themed chapters inspired by haunted American cities, horror films, and monsters add a playful and immersive touch. Most of the drink recipes are imaginative and sound delicious, but a few standard inclusions like the Moscow Mule and Bloody Mary felt a bit too familiar and out of place in such a creatively themed collection. One notable drawback is the design choice of using white text on beige backgrounds on some pages, which makes the content hard to read. Still, the overall feel of the book is fun and inspiring. It made me want to stock up on ingredients and start mixing drinks for my next Halloween party or horror movie night. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Cider Hill Press.
Themed chapters inspired by haunted American cities, horror films, and monsters add a playful and immersive touch. Most of the drink recipes are imaginative and sound delicious, but a few standard inclusions like the Moscow Mule and Bloody Mary felt a bit too familiar and out of place in such a creatively themed collection. One notable drawback is the design choice of using white text on beige backgrounds on some pages, which makes the content hard to read. Still, the overall feel of the book is fun and inspiring. It made me want to stock up on ingredients and start mixing drinks for my next Halloween party or horror movie night. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Cider Hill Press.
June 10, 2025
I'm full in the spirit of summer-ween with this fun and spooky cocktail book.
First off I want to say that the pictures, images and graphics in the book alone are incredible! Not only do they highlight the drinks and make my mouth water but create a yearning for fall vibes. Is it too early to start decorating my house?
The recipes themselves are simple and easy to follow. They are laid out well on the page with stunning photos of what you will be making. I appreciate the attention to detail in highlighting specific glassware to really showcase the drink.
Some of the drinks even have options for different ways to serve, such as the midnight margaritas has two variants for frozen and regular.
I love the different categories the drinks fall into, such as haunted cities, to horror movie films notable characters and creature features. The mocktail section is really appreciated as well
I can't wait to try them all as we head into spooky season. So far my favorite might be the Ramos Gin Fizz or from the mocktails section, the nightmare tonic. so many fun drinks and a little something for everyone no matter what your flavor is.
I also can't thank Clair McLafferty enough for providing the conversion table in the back of the book!! Life changing!
Thank you so much to netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
First off I want to say that the pictures, images and graphics in the book alone are incredible! Not only do they highlight the drinks and make my mouth water but create a yearning for fall vibes. Is it too early to start decorating my house?
The recipes themselves are simple and easy to follow. They are laid out well on the page with stunning photos of what you will be making. I appreciate the attention to detail in highlighting specific glassware to really showcase the drink.
Some of the drinks even have options for different ways to serve, such as the midnight margaritas has two variants for frozen and regular.
I love the different categories the drinks fall into, such as haunted cities, to horror movie films notable characters and creature features. The mocktail section is really appreciated as well
I can't wait to try them all as we head into spooky season. So far my favorite might be the Ramos Gin Fizz or from the mocktails section, the nightmare tonic. so many fun drinks and a little something for everyone no matter what your flavor is.
I also can't thank Clair McLafferty enough for providing the conversion table in the back of the book!! Life changing!
Thank you so much to netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
May 10, 2025
Spooky Cocktails has mocktails!
Honestly, I really love having a collection of drink recipes, even if I and those I know aren’t exactly frequent drinkers. Having the knowledge on hand is simply incredibly useful and would be exciting to use upon hosting a Halloween party. And the mocktails are especially helpful for those who are sober, can’t drink due to medication, or my sister’s kiddos wanting something cool to drink.
I think the things I appreciated most about this book over the recipes themselves was the blurb at the beginning for how to fix a drink if it tastes too much like one thing and the conversion chart at the end. I’m not sure I’d get a ton of use out of it myself, but there are definitely a lot of people who would and it sure beats scrolling through google for ideas. The only thing I’d probably change about the book is the order of the pictures themselves; I think the recipe should be directly next to the picture for the drink and alternate picture/recipe rather than having two pictures and two recipes side by side. It was a little confusing, at least with the pdf format.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I really love having a collection of drink recipes, even if I and those I know aren’t exactly frequent drinkers. Having the knowledge on hand is simply incredibly useful and would be exciting to use upon hosting a Halloween party. And the mocktails are especially helpful for those who are sober, can’t drink due to medication, or my sister’s kiddos wanting something cool to drink.
I think the things I appreciated most about this book over the recipes themselves was the blurb at the beginning for how to fix a drink if it tastes too much like one thing and the conversion chart at the end. I’m not sure I’d get a ton of use out of it myself, but there are definitely a lot of people who would and it sure beats scrolling through google for ideas. The only thing I’d probably change about the book is the order of the pictures themselves; I think the recipe should be directly next to the picture for the drink and alternate picture/recipe rather than having two pictures and two recipes side by side. It was a little confusing, at least with the pdf format.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley, Cider Mill Press, and the author Clair McLafferty for the opportunity to read Spooky Cocktails. Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year, so when I saw this book, I was really hoping to get a copy—and luckily, I did!
This book is amazing. Clair McLafferty thought of everything. From explaining the science behind spirits, to offering tips on how to elevate your drink-making, to including fascinating backstories for each cocktail. I especially appreciated how the book is thoughtfully organized into different sections and even includes options for non-alcohol drinkers.
The visuals are stunning, with fun and creative graphics on every page. I also loved how versatile the cocktails are, many can be adapted just by swapping out the base spirit. As a bonus, this book gave me a ton of inspiration for Halloween decorations!
If you're a Halloween fan and love a good cocktail (or mocktail), this book is definitely for you.
Spooky Cocktails will be published on July 8th 2025!
#NetGalley #SpookyCocktails #CiderMillPress #ClairMcLafferty #HalloweenSeason #Creativedrinks
This book is amazing. Clair McLafferty thought of everything. From explaining the science behind spirits, to offering tips on how to elevate your drink-making, to including fascinating backstories for each cocktail. I especially appreciated how the book is thoughtfully organized into different sections and even includes options for non-alcohol drinkers.
The visuals are stunning, with fun and creative graphics on every page. I also loved how versatile the cocktails are, many can be adapted just by swapping out the base spirit. As a bonus, this book gave me a ton of inspiration for Halloween decorations!
If you're a Halloween fan and love a good cocktail (or mocktail), this book is definitely for you.
Spooky Cocktails will be published on July 8th 2025!
#NetGalley #SpookyCocktails #CiderMillPress #ClairMcLafferty #HalloweenSeason #Creativedrinks
July 10, 2025
This book is Halloween party fuel in hardcover. Spooky Cocktails isn’t just a collection of themed drinks... it’s a blood-spattered invitation to channel your inner mixologist mid-slasher flick. It’s lush, dramatic, a little extra, and exactly the kind of festive chaos that makes me want to dig out my fog machine and start haunting the punch bowl.
You get the classics like Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, and Old Fashioneds, but they’re dressed for the occasion. Ghoulish names, eerie garnishes, and enough dry ice to summon a spirit. But then McLafferty goes full graveyard shift with it. Port in an Old Fashioned. Popcorn-washed rum (yes, that’s a real technique) adds movie-night chaos in a glass. A Ramos Gin Fizz that’s practically a séance in a glass. It’s the kind of creative flair that makes you cackle while you stir.
And look, I expected the cocktails to be fun. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d appreciate the practical witchcraft. There are mixing tips. Ingredient notes. Batch prep guides for large crowds. Even a whole section on how to fix a drink if it’s too sour or too sweet. It’s got the bones of a seriously good bartender guide wrapped in a skeleton costume.
Visually, this thing is stunning. Every page is a spooky season inspiration. Skull graphics. Pumpkin accents. Glassware that feels like a coven curated it on Etsy. And every recipe gets its own full-color photo that dares you to try it. The aesthetic alone deserves a spot on your Halloween bar cart all year.
There’s a mocktail section too, and it’s not just an afterthought. These aren’t sad juice boxes in fishnets. They’re glam, gothic sips with as much drama as the cocktails. Non-drinkers and sober babes, you are welcome here.
If I had one tiny bone to pick... some of the drinks are more classic than creepy. Like, yes, I love a Bloody Mary, but give her a name like Witch’s Brunch Bloodbath and let her live her best monster movie life. That said, the themed sections (shoutout to Haunted Cities and Creature Features) absolutely bring the vibe.
This one’s an easy 4.5 stars, thanks to the potion-level creativity, moody visuals, and sheer fun of it all. McLafferty didn’t just write a recipe book... she conjured a party spellbook, complete with garnishes that could summon the spookiest crew with a single sip.
Thanks to Cider Mill Press and NetGalley for the ARC. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make a Midnight Margarita and cue up Practical Magic.
You get the classics like Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, and Old Fashioneds, but they’re dressed for the occasion. Ghoulish names, eerie garnishes, and enough dry ice to summon a spirit. But then McLafferty goes full graveyard shift with it. Port in an Old Fashioned. Popcorn-washed rum (yes, that’s a real technique) adds movie-night chaos in a glass. A Ramos Gin Fizz that’s practically a séance in a glass. It’s the kind of creative flair that makes you cackle while you stir.
And look, I expected the cocktails to be fun. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d appreciate the practical witchcraft. There are mixing tips. Ingredient notes. Batch prep guides for large crowds. Even a whole section on how to fix a drink if it’s too sour or too sweet. It’s got the bones of a seriously good bartender guide wrapped in a skeleton costume.
Visually, this thing is stunning. Every page is a spooky season inspiration. Skull graphics. Pumpkin accents. Glassware that feels like a coven curated it on Etsy. And every recipe gets its own full-color photo that dares you to try it. The aesthetic alone deserves a spot on your Halloween bar cart all year.
There’s a mocktail section too, and it’s not just an afterthought. These aren’t sad juice boxes in fishnets. They’re glam, gothic sips with as much drama as the cocktails. Non-drinkers and sober babes, you are welcome here.
If I had one tiny bone to pick... some of the drinks are more classic than creepy. Like, yes, I love a Bloody Mary, but give her a name like Witch’s Brunch Bloodbath and let her live her best monster movie life. That said, the themed sections (shoutout to Haunted Cities and Creature Features) absolutely bring the vibe.
This one’s an easy 4.5 stars, thanks to the potion-level creativity, moody visuals, and sheer fun of it all. McLafferty didn’t just write a recipe book... she conjured a party spellbook, complete with garnishes that could summon the spookiest crew with a single sip.
Thanks to Cider Mill Press and NetGalley for the ARC. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make a Midnight Margarita and cue up Practical Magic.
June 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Spooky Cocktails is a fun and creative take on classic (and not so classic) cocktails for Halloween celebrations. Some offerings are traditional cocktails like a Moscow mule, sangria or dark n stormy. I was pleasantly surprised with the fun options a lot of recipes had a unique twist to an old standby, like adding port and rum to an old fashioned or popcorn washed rum. Each option has an introduction, usually some history, an ingredient list with easy to follow instructions. Most included a note or variation at the bottom. McLafferty even included a non alcoholic section. My favorite part is that each drink includes a spooky photo, the pictures are fun and beautifully done. I highly recommend this for at home cocktail enthusiasts beyond just those looking to spice up their next spooky party.
Spooky Cocktails is a fun and creative take on classic (and not so classic) cocktails for Halloween celebrations. Some offerings are traditional cocktails like a Moscow mule, sangria or dark n stormy. I was pleasantly surprised with the fun options a lot of recipes had a unique twist to an old standby, like adding port and rum to an old fashioned or popcorn washed rum. Each option has an introduction, usually some history, an ingredient list with easy to follow instructions. Most included a note or variation at the bottom. McLafferty even included a non alcoholic section. My favorite part is that each drink includes a spooky photo, the pictures are fun and beautifully done. I highly recommend this for at home cocktail enthusiasts beyond just those looking to spice up their next spooky party.
July 21, 2025
This is a fantastic cocktail book! Especially if you are into the spooky!
First of all, this is a great recipe book. There is a short description of the drink, but not too long that you get bored. The ingredients are listed clearly, instructions are easy to follow, and any additional information is on the page. Each drink has gorgeous photos, and if there are alternate version of the drinks listed in the instructions, there are pictures of that as well. There are also several booze free cocktails. I also give big props for the author making sure that the drink maker ensures that any drinker knows what drinks have grapefruit, since it counteracts so many medications!
As for the spooky? This is one of the greatest spooky food/drink book aesthetics I've seen. The Instructions and pictures are color-coded, and the colors change from page to page with spooky emblems on the pages. The pictures of the drinks have great set dressing, not depending on just the drinks to be the star of the picture. The author even spookies up winter drinks, showing that Halloween is forever.
Every Halloween lover who makes cocktails needs this!
I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my ow,
First of all, this is a great recipe book. There is a short description of the drink, but not too long that you get bored. The ingredients are listed clearly, instructions are easy to follow, and any additional information is on the page. Each drink has gorgeous photos, and if there are alternate version of the drinks listed in the instructions, there are pictures of that as well. There are also several booze free cocktails. I also give big props for the author making sure that the drink maker ensures that any drinker knows what drinks have grapefruit, since it counteracts so many medications!
As for the spooky? This is one of the greatest spooky food/drink book aesthetics I've seen. The Instructions and pictures are color-coded, and the colors change from page to page with spooky emblems on the pages. The pictures of the drinks have great set dressing, not depending on just the drinks to be the star of the picture. The author even spookies up winter drinks, showing that Halloween is forever.
Every Halloween lover who makes cocktails needs this!
I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my ow,
July 23, 2025
Perfect for your Halloween get togethers or even just any party.
This recipe book is so creative. It has over 100 different drinks and the creative ways you can serve them. Each recipe has a great description to explain what to expect from your drink. The directions and ingredients
are so easy to follow and to understand even for a novice like me. The photography is stunning and makes me want to try them all. The author also includes those "Booze free” drinks so that you truly have something for everyone. She offers advice for how to fix things when drinks don't turn out like we wanted. I sure found my favorites like the several drinks featuring pumpkin flavors, the Carajillo, and the coffee inspired treats. All perfect for me to celebrate Fall. You're sure to find your favorites too.
Jump in, get creative & have some spooktackular fun.
This recipe book is so creative. It has over 100 different drinks and the creative ways you can serve them. Each recipe has a great description to explain what to expect from your drink. The directions and ingredients
are so easy to follow and to understand even for a novice like me. The photography is stunning and makes me want to try them all. The author also includes those "Booze free” drinks so that you truly have something for everyone. She offers advice for how to fix things when drinks don't turn out like we wanted. I sure found my favorites like the several drinks featuring pumpkin flavors, the Carajillo, and the coffee inspired treats. All perfect for me to celebrate Fall. You're sure to find your favorites too.
Jump in, get creative & have some spooktackular fun.
July 14, 2025
Publishing date: 08.07.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
You get exactly what it says on the tin for this book. Spooky cocktails. Perfect for a Halloween party.
To be a little more precise, you get:
- Recipes for the cocktails
- History surrounding them
- Different variants of the same drink¨
- Pictures for each drink
I thought this was a great little book, and it tempted me to buy a copy to keep for my eventual Halloween party (will never happen, who am I kidding). If you, like me, enjoy a pretty little cocktail more than most other alcoholic beverages this is definitely for you. And if you plan a Halloween party? Get this book asap.
Giving this 4 stars, I enjoyed it lots.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
You get exactly what it says on the tin for this book. Spooky cocktails. Perfect for a Halloween party.
To be a little more precise, you get:
- Recipes for the cocktails
- History surrounding them
- Different variants of the same drink¨
- Pictures for each drink
I thought this was a great little book, and it tempted me to buy a copy to keep for my eventual Halloween party (will never happen, who am I kidding). If you, like me, enjoy a pretty little cocktail more than most other alcoholic beverages this is definitely for you. And if you plan a Halloween party? Get this book asap.
Giving this 4 stars, I enjoyed it lots.
July 30, 2025
Spooky Cocktails focuses on 100+ drinks that will put you into the spooky spirit.
The Sections are
party with the spirits
notes on potion making
mixing for a crowd
combatting dark wizardry
scare-free drinking
setting the scenes
ghost tours
raising hell
rated R
creature feature
"boo"ze-free drinks
winter campfire tales
Each recipe has a drink blurb, ingredients, directions, and any other tips. The photographs of the drinks are very meticulous and have great detail. The drink blurbs were great is providing the spooky and fun reasoning behind the drinks. The drinks range from classics like Bloody Mary to more unique drinks like Ursula which is a fusion of chocolate and lavender.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Sections are
party with the spirits
notes on potion making
mixing for a crowd
combatting dark wizardry
scare-free drinking
setting the scenes
ghost tours
raising hell
rated R
creature feature
"boo"ze-free drinks
winter campfire tales
Each recipe has a drink blurb, ingredients, directions, and any other tips. The photographs of the drinks are very meticulous and have great detail. The drink blurbs were great is providing the spooky and fun reasoning behind the drinks. The drinks range from classics like Bloody Mary to more unique drinks like Ursula which is a fusion of chocolate and lavender.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
I was given an advance read for a fair and honest review. OMG, this cocktail cookbook is great. The images of each drink were the best part, besides the names of the drinks. Many of the recipes can be converted to alcohol free. The punchlines in the description of the drinks were good, one could say punny. The author sets the mood, whether for a Halloween party or just a spooky feeling at any time; this book has got your drink. The author explains the ingredients and gives directions. Perfect for both beginners and pros. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2025
I love Halloween, and this spooky cocktails book would be a great addition to my Halloween bar cart. Even if you don't drink alcohol, there is a section of "boo"ze-free drinks! The introduction really sets the scene. Filled with information from making larger batches, how to remedy a too sour drink, etc, to details about some ingredients that could be harmful. And each cocktail recipe is accompanied by atmospheric photos.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for giving me this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for giving me this ARC.
May 10, 2025
This book of spooky cocktails was pleasantly surprising. It had a ton of recipes that stayed on brand with the whole spooky season vibes. Loved the little intros to each and the pictures of the finished drinks. I did feel like some of the pictures looked very "hobby lobby" but still a great cocktail book to add to the collection.
#Netgalley #CiderMillPress #SpookyCocktails #HalloweenCocktails #Halloween #ClairMcLafferty
#Netgalley #CiderMillPress #SpookyCocktails #HalloweenCocktails #Halloween #ClairMcLafferty
July 7, 2025
I received this cocktail recipe book as an ARC read through NetGalley
I really enjoyed all the options provided, and the unique recipes! The recipes were perfectly themed. I enjoyed the pictures provided. The instructions were easy to follow. I also enjoyed the page on how to fix cocktails if they did not turn out how you expected. I’d never heard of any of those options, and as someone who has certainly messed up a cocktail or two, I found them very helpful!
I really enjoyed all the options provided, and the unique recipes! The recipes were perfectly themed. I enjoyed the pictures provided. The instructions were easy to follow. I also enjoyed the page on how to fix cocktails if they did not turn out how you expected. I’d never heard of any of those options, and as someone who has certainly messed up a cocktail or two, I found them very helpful!
October 22, 2025
The perfect little spooky season bar companion! This hardback gem is filled to the brim with colorful libations and yummy recipes. Let these fun drinks be inspiration for your next Halloween get together or quiet night at home. It would also make an excellent hostess gift, but I suggest ordering two copies because you'll want to keep one for yourself!
*Thank you to my festive friends at Cider Mill Press and author Clair McLafferty for my gifted copy. This is my honest review.
*Thank you to my festive friends at Cider Mill Press and author Clair McLafferty for my gifted copy. This is my honest review.
May 13, 2025
Spooky Cocktails has earned a spot in my bar. Besides spooky named and themed cocktails, McLafferty includes spooky history or references to a host of classic cocktails as well. Packed with tips and tricks for novice and experienced bartenders along with images of the concoctions in creepy dressing, every night can be a Spooky Cocktail (or Mocktail!) night.
June 1, 2025
I love Halloween and this book is perfect inspiration for my themed cocktails for my next halloween party.
I really enjoyed the variety of cocktails in the book with over 100 available. There were a lot of the classic cocktails which had been made spooky by the things around it. This let down the book a tiny bit as I would have loved some spooky alternative names for them. But the non-classic cocktails in the book had fun names or descriptions. The picture of all the cocktails were perfect and had really contributed to the theme. I really enjoyed that there was also a large variety of alcohol free cocktails.
I really enjoyed the variety of cocktails in the book with over 100 available. There were a lot of the classic cocktails which had been made spooky by the things around it. This let down the book a tiny bit as I would have loved some spooky alternative names for them. But the non-classic cocktails in the book had fun names or descriptions. The picture of all the cocktails were perfect and had really contributed to the theme. I really enjoyed that there was also a large variety of alcohol free cocktails.
June 1, 2025
Spooky Cocktails by Claire McLafferty is perfect for your Halloween parties. The pictures and the details help you to make the perfect classic cocktails with spooky names. It also adds a little trivia to each drink and explains what some of the ingredients are if you don't already know. It's a perfect gift for your Halloween obsessed friends.
May 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgallery and Cider Mill Press for giving me this ARC.
I was very impressed by this book, the recipes and the pictures were great as well as the tips and variations were insightful. Honestly will definitely try to make some of these as look and sound delicious.
I was very impressed by this book, the recipes and the pictures were great as well as the tips and variations were insightful. Honestly will definitely try to make some of these as look and sound delicious.
May 14, 2025
The theming of this cocktail recipe book is so perfect, I loved the photography and the drink names. I did find that some of the ingredients I was unable to get hold of in my country such as the absinthe which was featured in quite a few cocktails but there was a large variety of spirits used across the book. I liked the mix of original cocktails and classics. I made the cocktail Hurricane and it might be my new favourite! I also loved the recipe for Painkiller and a super tasty Zombie. I also loved the inclusion of mocktails!
Thank you the NetGalley for a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
Thank you the NetGalley for a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
May 14, 2025
Super cute and perfect drinks for any occasion but especially around the spooky season! Instructions are very clear and there are A LOT of options for any party!
May 25, 2025
I LOVE Halloween so this was a no brainer book for me! And the book did not disappoint! A lot of unique drinks that totally fits the theme! Great for a party or just because!
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