This Halloween, pick your poison with this spine-tingling selection of Halloween and fall-themed cocktails featuring locally sourced spirits. Treat yourself to a scary good time by visiting one of the featured tasting rooms or restaurants in Albany County or impress your guests by crafting these seasonal sips at home! Scroll on for frightfully delicious Halloween cocktails and eerie recipes from local Albany County restaurants and craft beverage producers.

Nine Pin Halloween Cocktail "The Poison Apple"

The Poison Apple

Courtesy of Nine Pin Cider

This sour apple-ly drink from Nine Pin is to die for! Available in the Tasting Room this Halloween, the drink is made from Nine Pin Signature cider, Harvest Spirits Core Gin, green simple syrup, lime juice and garnished with a sour gummy worm. 

Witch's Brew Halloween Cocktail New Scotland Spirits 

Witch's Brew

Courtesy of New Scotland Spirits

New Scotland Spirits has brewed up this specialty drink just in time for the season of the witch. Stop by their newly opened tasting room on Lark Street for this wicked drink made from Heldeberg Vodka, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and a surprising garnish that will leave you spellbound.

 

Black Chai Manhattan The Hollow Bar + Kitchen Halloween Cocktail

Black Chai Manhattan

Recipe courtesy of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

As the longer nights of late autumn creep in, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen has crafted a moody Manhattan that you can easily make at home! The downtown Albany restaurant added a local spirit, New Scotland Spirit's Heldeberg Rye Whiskey into this cozy seasonal drink. 

Ingredients

  • 2oz Helderberg Straight Rye Whiskey
  • 1oz Amaro Montenegro 
  • 1/4 oz Wild Moon Chai Spice Liqueur
  • Orange bitters
  • Fresh orange peel

Recipe

Combine ice, orange bitters, Montenegro, Rye and Chai Liqueur in a glass or shaker.  Stir and strain over one large cube. Add orange peel. 

 

The Black Widow Halloween Cocktail Albany Distilling

The Black Widow

Recipe courtesy of Albany Distilling Co.

This shimmering seasonal spirit weaves together the sweet flavors of pomegranate and elderflower. But beware of its bite! Caught in The Black Widow's web of ingredients is homemade black chili glitter syrup and spicy black sugar. A venomously delicious drink from Albany Distilling Co. — learn how to make your own below!

Ingredients​

  • 2oz ALB Vodka
  • 1oz Pomegranate Juice
  • 1oz Lime Juice
  • .5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
  • .5oz Black Chili Glitter Syrup (recipe below)
  • Spicy black sugar rim (sugar, black dust or charcoal, chili powder)

Recipe

Shake over ice and strain into chilled coupe glass!

How to Make Black Chili Syrup

Ingredients

  • Equal parts sugar and water
  • 5 dried Thai chilis broken into pieces
  • 1 tsp edible black dust or charcoal powder
  • 1 tsp edible glitter

Recipe

Mix sugar and water and add chilis. Let sit for 10 minutes then strain chilis. Add black dust or charcoal and glitter.

The Chainsaw Crush and Witch's Smoke & Berries

Courtesy of Nicole's Catering

Let the wind carry you to Nicole's Restaurant for a taste of these thrilling cocktail concoctions. The flavors of The Chainsaw Crush are a slice above the rest, made with Mezcal Tequila, pomegranate juice, orange juice, triple sec and lime juice. The bewitching ingredients in Witch's Smoke & Berries will cast a spell among your senses blending red wine, bourbon, pomegranate juice, maple syrup, sparkling water, and rosemary into each enchanting sip

 

Pumpkin Jack Halloween Cocktail New Scotland Spirits

Pumpkin Jack

Courtesy of New Scotland Spirits

This cozy Halloween drink is a glowing addition to the tasting room's lineup. Made with Helderberg Winter Wheat Whiskey, fresh pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, caramel syrup, and cream, and garnished with cinnamon and a roasted marshmallow. Make sure you carve out some time to visit the New Scotland Spirits tasting room before pumpkin season is squashed!

Pumpkin Spice Martini Halloween Cocktail Mr. D's

Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini

Courtesy of Mr. D's Restaurant & Lounge

Get pumped for sips of classic fall flavors when you visit Mr. D's Restaurant & Lounge through November. This fan-favorite drink is made from Tito's vodka, pumpkin spice RumChata, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and espresso with a cinnamon sugar rim.

Vampire's Kiss Halloween Cocktail New Scotland Spirits

Vampire's Kiss

Courtesy of New Scotland Spirits

This creative cocktail from New Scotland Spirits is fatally delicious. The drink is made from Helderberg Winter Wheat Whiskey, coffee liqueur, vanilla syrup, and milk. Head over to the New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room soon, because unlike the mysterious creatures the drink is named after, this seasonal cocktail will not last for eternity.