Halloween isn’t just for trick-or-treating kids anymore; it’s a prime opportunity for adults to indulge in sophisticated spookiness. Forget the fun-sized candy bars and sticky caramel apples—this season calls for elevated treats and spirits that capture the magic of the holiday. From ghoulishly glam cocktails featuring seasonal spices and rich fall flavors to desserts that are equal parts decadent and darkly delicious, hosting a memorable adult Halloween doesn’t have to be boring. Get ready to ditch the premade snacks and dive into a world of bewitching beverages and truly terrifyingly tasty snacks.
Halloween Treats and Drinks for Adult Halloween Parties
Halloween Espresso Brownies
Halloween Coffee Cake
These brownies are for the adults since the batter contains two tablespoons of espresso powder. Not only does this add a toasty depth to the cocoa flavor but it might even give you a bit of an energy boost. Feel free to get creative with your decoration too. We went with a spider web design but you could go for a graveyard or haunted house too.
Halloween morning, get yourself into the spooky spirit with a slice of Coffee Cake. This recipe features pecans and brown sugar as well as mold skull heads made out of the mixture. Serve it alongside your morning mug of coffee.
Van Helsing Takes Manhattan, A Bourbon Cocktail
Who says your cocktail hour can’t channel the energy of Halloween? This Van Helsing Takes Manhattan is a cocktail that would kill Dracula in a flash due to its garlic simple syrup. An addition of sweet vermouth and bourbon balances out the savory nature of the garlic, crafting a whole new taste.
Halloween Pumpkin Pastries
While the prospect of pumpkin as a dessert may have the kids running away in fear, pumpkin to an adult is the embodiment of fall. These Pumpkin Pastries are simple to make thanks to the use of canned pumpkin puree and premade pie dough. Not to mention, you don’t have to add the googly eyes if you’re looking for a more refined style.
The Witch’s Brew
Another cocktail option, this one is perfect for those who love the Sanderson Sisters or favor Elphaba in Wicked. Its green tint is eerie, creepy, but honestly, very delicious. It’s a bright and fruity mix of Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. Plus, using dry ice puts its presentation over the top.
Caramel Apple Rice Pudding
Genuinely, what could be cuter and more festive than serving your dessert in apple shells? Rather than just filling these apple halves with regular rice pudding, try making your own from scratch. This rice pudding mixes in caramel candies and vanilla before drizzling with caramel syrup and cinnamon.
Bloody Beet Red Mocktail
Just because you don’t indulge in alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an adult beverage. This non-alcoholic version of a bloody Mary uses beet juice rather than tomato juice for a slightly sweeter, fall variety. A bit of agave and orange juice takes this from just juice to a true mocktail.
Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies
We know what you’re thinking… Candy corn in blondies? What? Yes! Even though you may not like candy corn on its own, its soft texture and natural sweetness matches the dose of rum and pecans in this recipe. But, if you’re really really a candy corn hater, you can ditch the candy and make the rest of the recipe as is.
Apple Cider Margarita
You could have a glass of apple cider while you sit on your porch watching the leaves fall. Or, you could shake up an Apple Cider Margarita that will have you feeling like the leaves falling after a few servings. We also use mulling spices in this recipe to infuse the apple cider with extra warmth in the cool weather.
Rum Buttermilk Butterfinger Cake
This isn’t your basic cake recipe. Instead, we’re bathing a spongey cake in rum then finishing it off with a rum buttercream and crumbles of Butterfinger candy bars. It’s moist, decadent, and possibly the best way to make a homemade cake. If you are feeling lazy though you could always skip the cake recipe and use a box cake mix. Then just simply mix up the frosting as listed.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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