Bringing Halloween into your office or workplace doesn’t have to be a chore. You don’t need to decorate every corner with skulls and jack o’ lanterns to enjoy the fun of the holiday. We know all about work coming first, so below you’ll find simple ways to celebrate all while finishing your day’s work, too. You could bring in a fall-flavored dish for lunch or scary delicious cookies for dessert. Or, you could simply put our spooky fall playlist on and let the vibes enter the workspace. It’s really up to you how to get into the spooky spirit.
Ah, pumpkin spice the epitome of the fall season. Everywhere you turn there’s a new latte at the coffee shop or pastry at the bakery that infuses this flavorful goodness. Get your whole staff on the pumpkin spice train by making a treat at home and bringing it in the office. Whether it’s our Fig and Pumpkin Spice Galette, Pumpkin Pie Spice Linzer Cookies, or even a jar of our Homemade Pumpkin Spice to gift to your coworkers, they’re sure to appreciate the gesture.
Possibly the simplest and easiest way to bring the celebration into the office is by putting on our curated Halloween playlist. This set of songs includes just about every spooky-themed song you can thing of. We throw it back with Thriller by Michael Jackson before taking you to a Halloween party with Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. There’s a little something for everyone here. But, if you’d prefer your playlist to be personalized, let the whole office add to a playlist of your own.
We know, we know… practically everything Halloween seems to be for the kids. But, we’ve found a way to take all those treats you enjoyed as a kid and give them the proper adult treatment. Regular brownies turn into Halloween Espresso Brownies, your basic coffee cake gets a scary skull upgrade, and candy corn forms into a delicious rum pecan blondie. Talk about a way to cure your sweet tooth but still feel your age.
There’s nothing that’ll make you feel more like a hero than bringing in lunch for your coworkers. Thankfully, with these pumpkin recipes, it’s not the difficult to serve a group either. You can easily make our Rice Pudding with Candied Pumpkin and Caramel, Pumpkin Risotto, and even Roasted Pumpkin Salad at home and then bring them into the office the next day. It’s the perfect way to embrace fall as well as head back to work with a full stomach.
So technically this one is for the work day after Halloween, but, it’s better to celebrate late than never at all! Rather than throwing out or eating all that extra Halloween candy you have, bake into something brand new. Take those Reese’s (if by chance there are any left of this favorite) and mix up a Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread. Or, cut up your Twix into a no bake, Easy Twix Cold Cake. There are also recipes for candy corn, peppermint patties, Butterfingers, and even a special bark for using up whatever it is you have left.
If you haven’t heard of a Boo Basket then you’re missing out on winning the best boo award this Halloween season. A Boo Basket is a fun way to say “I love you,” this Halloween by filling up a basket or bucket with all their favorite things. To get you started, we’ve brought together some of our favorite products from local businesses in Pittsburgh to create our own Boo Basket. Now all you have to do is make sure you get to the store before the haunting hour hits.
Shop for Your Boo Basket at These Pittsburgh Stores
It’s not Halloween without candy involved! Head to Sarris to pick up character shaped chocolates, Halloween candy bars, little foil chocolate balls, and so much more. You can even go big and opt for the Halloween BashCake that lets your loved one hammer into a hollow chocolate cupcake full of chocolate covered pretzels.
That special person needs to know who their Boo Basket is from. Wildcard is the creative place to pick out a greeting card, as well as clever little gift items to make your boo smile. Their expansive selection spans from traditional, elegant styles to more goofy and off-the-wall styles. Think cards and tchotchkes with your favorite spooky season characters, fun illustrations, and plenty of ironic sayings.
If your lover is also a book lover then this is a MUST for your Boo Basket. We promise you nothing will make them happier than receiving a new book that’s also perfect for the fall season. Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont carries just that, mystery books. Whether you’re looking for a classic from Agatha Christie or a newer release from Louise Penny, they have it all.
Anyone with pierced ears can admire a new pair of earrings, especially when you can wear them to celebrate Halloween. Songbird Artistry is a one woman operation crafting handmade jewelry, stickers, and more. Not only does she carry simple shapes like bats, cats, and moons but she also has fandom jewelry such as Ghostface, Taylor Swift, Pittsburgh-themed designs.
Having an activity to do together in your Boo Basket is an easy way to show how much you care and grow your bond closer. This Halloween DIY Cookie Kits from Micah Made Cookies comes with either half a dozen or a dozen plain sugar cookies in various shapes. With the included marshmallowy icing bags, seasonal cookie scribes, and fun sprinkles you’ll each decorate your own spooky set of cookies.
There’s nothing more relaxing then lighting a woodsy or autumnally sweet candle and sinking into the couch with your favorite blanket and Halloween movie. Thankfully, PGH Candle has you covered with just about any fall scent you could desire. Think Roasted Pumpkin and Sage, Cardamom Latte, Apple Bourbon Smash, and Autumn Bonfire as just a few examples.
If there’s one thing that’s sure to keep you warm in the chill of autumn it’s a bottle of liquor. Rather than run to Fine Wine and Good Spirits, know you’re receiving a bottle crafted with care right here in Pittsburgh at Wigle Whiskey. Their new Frankenstein’s Whiskey with notes of toasted marshmallow, plum, and cinnamon is Halloween in a bottle. But, if Whiskey isn’t your partner’s thing then they also have their own rum, vodka, gin, and even limoncello too.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of Pretty Real
Pittsburgh’s architectural past is a source of pride, with historic homes representing every era of the city’s rich past. But preserving these beautiful, century-old (and older) homes while blending them with modern life is a delicate and complicated art. We’re taking you inside some of the most inspiring and successful historic home renovations across Pittsburgh. Get ready to discover how local homeowners and designers are masterfully restoring and updating venerable spaces for 21st-century living, all while celebrating the unique history woven into the Steel City.
What happens when you own a historical home but you have a large family? You balance the two elements of modern and antique to create something entirely new. Designer Betsy Wentz helps two parents renovate their home to attend to their three children but still honor the past all the same.
This forty-year old contemporary home takes its inspiration from architect Frank Lloyd Wright. To keep the openness and flow of the space, Interior designer Seashal Belldina focuses on durable materials and lighter colors. It takes this high class home from stuffy and museum-like to welcoming and comforting.
From the 1890s, this North Side victorian townhouse was empty for 30 years before Molly Watson got her hands on it. Whenever she first took the project on, the house was nearly condemned and no where near livable. But, with some hard work she was able to bring her European vision to life while preserving the bones of this townhouse.
Moving from New York City to Pittsburgh is a big feat. But, if you’re the creative director and current host of A&E’s Living Smaller then it makes things a bit easier. He finds way to bring modernism into this old home without overwhelming the space. It all makes the space feel timeless rather than from a time long forgotten.
This project, led by Studio Lithe, blends the past and present. While the house needed modern structural interventions, the final design achieves a balance of styles. Part of the charm comes in pairing the owner’s father’s historically significant antique collection with contemporary furnishings and art.
A modern holiday celebrated in a historic house in Pittsburgh’s Mexican War Streets.
A House with History
Camden Leeds, Heather Johnson, and their school-age son live in a 1909 house in the Mexican War Streets on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Heather owns Alchemy Dry Cut Lounge in Lawrenceville. Camden founded 1412 Design House, one of Pittsburgh’s leading graphic design and branding companies, and serves as TABLE Magazine’s creative director. Naturally, their home reflects a mix of beauty and creativity.
“We renovated the house in 2011 as our home and my office,” Camden says. Moving easily from room to room, he feels entirely at home there. Cats, child, and sometimes even clients move with him through the space. On the ground floor, he removed a few interior walls, transforming late-Victorian rooms into one open, high-ceilinged living area. The kitchen flows seamlessly to the backyard, while the original staircase draws the eye upward to Camden’s office and the family’s private rooms.
The Neighborhood’s Past
The neighborhood takes its name from the Mexican-American War of 1846–48, with streets dedicated to key battles. Most of its houses went up between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Allegheny City expanded rapidly. Styles range from Gothic Revival to Queen Anne, Italianate, and Romanesque. Despite their variety, they share one trait: quality. Builders used top materials and excellent craftsmanship for the families powering Pittsburgh’s industrial rise. These homes, as the saying goes, have good bones.
An Irreverent Holiday Style
Living among such fine-boned structures, it makes sense that Camden collects skulls. “They remind us of the durability of life—and that we all look the same on the inside,” he explains. His skulls take on a festive look during the holidays, filled with carnations and red ferns.
That playful irreverence appears elsewhere, too. A bust of Venus de Milo shows off a Kiss tattoo. Red holiday pillows from North Side neighbor Shannon Pultz and her company Blak Rust brighten the otherwise black-white-gray palette. Floral arrangements by Karrie Hlista Designs bring warmth to Victorian mantels and highlight the grand staircase. Dozens of candles and votives glow through the winter darkness. And of course, one of the family cats—Big Guy or Shy Guy—makes a cameo in front of the camera.
Just Enough Celebration
This year’s holiday gatherings call for intimacy. All in Good Taste Productions created a menu of sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres meant for four guests. It is refined, seasonal, and perfectly scaled: enough for a cozy evening of food, conversation, and candlelight before a twilight walk through the neighborhood. For Camden, Heather, and their son, this holiday is not about abundance. It is about celebrating with just enough—and no more.
All in Good Taste’s Holiday Hors d’Oeuvres Menu
Poached Citrus Lobster Medallion on a Vegetable Cake, Saffron Aioli, Black Lava Salt, Sprouts
Hidden amongst the streets of Pittsburgh sit haunted houses, restaurants, and even forests that house spirits from the long history of this city. These ghostly residents offer more than just a scare; they are living echoes of Pittsburgh’s industrial past, dramatic tragedies, and vibrant cultural heritage. Prepare to delve into the most chilling corners of the Steel City as we explore its most notoriously haunted historic locations which you can even visit for yourself. Just be warned, we do not take blame for any possessions or ghostly accidents that may occur. Enter if you dare!
Historic Haunted Houses, Restaurants, and Beyond in Pittsburgh
It’s pretty special for Pittsburgh to have what was said to be the most haunted house in America, or, rather, the House the Devil Built. The origins of this house on the North Side come from Charles Congelier in the 1860s. It’s said that Congelier moved here and built his mansion where he lived with his wife and maid. Congelier’s wife, Lyda caught him in an affair with the maid, leading her to sever both their heads with a knife and meat clever. Days later she was found rocking in a chair while singing to the maid’s head.
While there is no evidence of either Congelier living on this property, it has been prone to various accidents including a gas blast in 1927 which took out the home, leaving just the property behind. Many believe there is still a bustle of paranormal activity where the house once stood.
While Dead Man’s Hollow is simply a spot within the Allegheny County woods, its name sticks for a reason. Back in the 19th and 20th centuries, the land housed both a quarry and a pipe factory. After years and years of abandonment, you’ll find the crumpled structures amongst the grounds that were once thriving with industrial life. Throughout history there have been reports of accidental deaths, murders, and even odd natural disasters. Legend tells us one of the ghosts that mainly haunts the land is Ward McConkey and his victim George McClure. After being accused of shooting McClure in the Hollow, he was executed in the same spot he now haunts.
Okay, so, the look of this deep, dark tunnel alone gives us nightmares but its backstory only makes things spookier. The story goes that Charlie No-Face, aka the Green Man, was an electrical worker whose face melted in the same accident that killed him. The site of said accident is in an abandoned Pittsburgh railroad tunnel. Many have seen his green form within this tunnel and the area surrounding it.
The crazy part about this backstory is that Charlie No-Face was actually a real man. He had no eyes or nose due to an incident in his youth. But, he didn’t die. In fact, he lived to old age where he would walk the streets in the deep of night, giving rise to the ghostly stories. Regardless of the truth about Charlie No-Face, you’ll want to bring flashlights along because there definitely is something lurking in these tunnels.
What could be cooler than sitting back and having a brewski with a ghost? That’s right, your favorite brewery in the city may be haunted, too. Back in 2022, Ghost Hunters TV show took to Pittsburgh’s Church Brew Works to investigate apparitions and footsteps. This brewery was originally St. John the Baptist Church. Though the Diocese of Pittsburgh closed the church in the 1990s.
While there is no specific backstory for this brewery, there are recurring hauntings. Most often seen is an apparition of a lady in white wandering the church in search of help. Sometimes she kneels to pray, others she just walks the space. There are also reports of random voices during quiet periods, items moving seemingly on their own, and inexplicable feelings of eeriness or being watched. Head in for a beer or dinner on your free evenings to see if you can witness a sighting for yourself.
A mansion owned by one of the wealthiest and most famous families in Pittsburgh just has to be haunted. Henry Clay Frick and his family took over the home in 1882 where they had two children and unfortunately lost two children, one dying just after birth and the other passing at six-years-old. In 1905 the family moved to New York City, leaving the mansion in a rush and taking very few of their belongings. His daughter, Helen, loved Pittsburgh so much she gave back to the community even after her leaving and returned to live in the home for her last three years of life.
Many years later, two manifestations of women watch over Clayton Mansion. Both hold themselves high and politely share the space with visitors. Some of the staff relate these two to Helen Frick and Adelaide Childs Frick, Helen’s mother. Security has heard women’s footsteps on the third floor where Helen’s bedroom was and Adelaide’s bed is often seen with an indentation as if someone has laid on it.
The Cathedral of Learning (aka Cathy) is a fixture of Oakland and the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. Stretching high into the sky at 42-stories, this building is a gothic architecture daydream. There are so many different places to find manifestations here but one of the most common spots is the Early American Room. Some people believe the hauntings in this room come from Martha Jane Poe McDaniel’s donated quilts. It’s thought her spirit is attached to them and therefore stays in this space. Here you’ll also feel cold spots, see objects moving on their own such as a cradle, and see shadows in the corners and against the walls.
On the first floor the Croghan-Schenley Ballroom is another room that has hauntings. In here, it’s said one of the room’s namesake’s, Mary Schenley, leaves shadows around the room. But she has also been seen in the attached room and throughout the long hallways.
If you ever go to Shiloh Gastro for a bite to eat, we recommend not dining alone or else the ghosts may keep you company instead. Kate Soffel is a famous figure in Pittsburgh history for her association with the Biddle brothers’ escape from the local prison. In fact, without Kate falling for the brothers, they would’ve never have made it outside.
The reason we bring Kate up is because her family actually lived in the building where Shiloh Gastro sits. We have a feeling it’s her ghost that haunts this comfort food restaurant since most of the manifestations have to do with a woman. Some staff say that the restaurant will smell like cigarette smoke even when there are no customers in the space. But the real hauntings come in the form of a woman in a white gown. Some have seen this figure in the upstairs dining room and may even be the reason for footsteps as well as eerie occurrences in the women’s restroom, flickering lights and glitching phones in her old bedroom, and random doors closing on their own. Stop in and ask your waiter or waitress if they’ve seen a thing or two. Many are happy to share their own experiences.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of lstraubbruce
The anticipated start of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) 2025-26 season has us sitting on the edge of our seats! We sat down with Artistic Director Adam McKinney, the visionary leader guiding the company, to walk us through some of his favorite, must-see moments. From grand classical narratives to bold contemporary explorations, this season reflects McKinney’s commitment to honoring PBT’s rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of movement and storytelling. Peak below for an inside look at the performances that await this season.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s 2025-26 Season
Dracula
October 31-Nov. 2, 2025, Benedum Center
PBT last performed Dracula in 2023, just a few months before I started in my role as artistic director. Since my arrival, audiences have regularly communicated their excitement about the possibility of bringing back this suspenseful and thrilling production. I am excited to feel Dracula’s energy in the Benedum Center this Halloween weekend. The company artists are pretty magnificent, too!
Tommie Lin Kesten, Rylan Doty and Hannah Carter
Marie and the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker
December 5-28, 2025, Benedum Center
Who doesn’t love The Nutcracker? And there is something special about the lead character, Marie. I am drawn to her story and enjoy watching her journey unfold in the ballet. Tchaikovsky’s The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, too, is an iconic piece of music, and PBT dancers meet the challenging choreography with grace, beauty, strength and self-assuredness. In my opinion, The Nutcracker is the best way to usher in a magical holiday season filled with love, joy and family.
Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst
Three Preludes (Part of America 250 with the PBT Orchestra)
February 20-22, 2026, Benedum Center
I have always loved the classical duet Three Preludes. It is a ballet that I have danced. I still remember the feeling of being swept away by the beautiful Rachmaninoff music while performing the seemingly simple, athletic choreography. I am excited to bring this stunning work to Pittsburgh. It is a not-to-be-missed ballet!
Magnolia Batista and David O’Matz
Garrett Smith’s World Premiere (Spring Mix)
April 10-12, 2026, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
I absolutely love the opportunity to bring world premiere ballets to Pittsburgh! Because we will be the first to experience them, world premieres are that much more surprising and breathtaking. This year, I look forward to Garrett Smith’s world premiere ballet that will be part of our Spring Mix program. His award-winning work is intuitive and captivating, and his tailor-made work will highlight the best of who PBT is.
Christian García Campos and Kurtis Sprowls
Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the PBT Orchestra
May 15-17, 2026, Benedum Center
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a lovely, whimsical romance that everyone should have the chance to see at least once. “Puck” is one of my favorite characters in any ballet. I love his mischievousness, quick wit and fun-loving spirit. Ben’s Stevenson’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is also one of my top picks of the season due to its notoriously difficult choreography. Join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre this year for its Dream Season.
Tickets are available at pbt.org. Groups purchasing eight or more tickets save up to 50%. More information is available at pbt.org/groups.
Story by Adam McKinney, Creative Director at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Photos Courtesy of Justin Merriman
Baby we were born to run! The anticipation for Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, the new Bruce Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White, has us craving a strong, smoky cocktail. The Boss Cocktail is simply Bruce Springsteen in a glass. It has a rich depth due to the dark rum and smokey mezcal. Then, it hits you with notes of spicy smoked heirloom chile bitters and a washing of smooth Luxardo. The sugar and salt rim is the perfect finish here since it showcases both the tough and sweet sides to this incredible icon.
When Does Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere Release in Theaters?
If you’re like us and you’re waiting on the edge of your seat for this Springsteen biopic, then you’ll want to head to theaters on October 24. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is not just a retelling of this musicians career story. Instead, it takes directly from Warren Zanes’ book that focuses on making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album. His book uses real life accounts from Bruce Springsteen himself as well as others close to him as he records this album by himself and for himself. Even though it’s not the popular Born in the U.S.A, Nebraska is essential in the story of Springsteen and the development of country music.
Mix equal parts fine sugar and salt on a flat plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your rocks glass to moisten it. Gently press the rim and side of the glass into the sugar and salt mixture.
Add ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
Strain into rimmed rocks glass with ice or one large ice cube.
Recipe and Story by Kylie Thomas Styling and Photography by Star Laliberte
There is an enduring charm to the blondie that we just can’t deny loving. The often-overlooked cousin of the classic brownie deserves just as much admiration. With its distinctly buttery, caramelized brown sugar base and chewy, fudgy texture, the blondie offers something different. Not only does it have a comforting warmth but it’s also a versatile bar that’s a blank canvas for countless mix-ins. From chocolate chips and nuts to various fruits and candies, you can truly let your imagination run wild. Dive into the world of blondies and explore the essential recipes below that will help you master this golden dessert.
A little light and a little dark keeps us happy! These bars of sweetness pair with a helping of dark rum to bring these two sides into harmony. Not only are the blondies flavored with dark rum but so is the topping and whipped cream.
Since we consider blondies to be a fall treat, the ultimate autumn upgrade would be to add pumpkin. But we don’t stop there, this recipe also includes chocolate chips, warming spices, and a cream cheese frosting on top.
Even though Girl Scout Cookies season is in the springtime, we think the flavors should be available all year-round. So, to make up for these missing bundles of joy, try these bars full of chocolate chips and sweetened coconut flakes. If you happen to have a box of Samoas (or a similar cookie) lying around, you can add those into the mix too.
While you may find the chocolatey-ness of brownies a bit overwhelming, the more subtle base of a blondie leaves plenty of room for add-ins. These Dirty Blondies are the best way to dress up snack time since the recipe uses two types of chocolate, sea salt, ground coffee, and hazelnuts.
We know that candy corn is a hot topic. You either seem to love it or hate it. But, we think there’s a third option where you only like it in a recipe like this. These Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies burnish the sugary sweet of candy corn to a deeper, richer flavor thanks to spiced rum and crushed pecans.
Even those with dietary restrictions and nut allergens can still mix up a blondie that combines various tastes and textures. SunButter® Blondies use SunButter® to give a creamy, silky texture to your blondies. We like to include dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds too for an extra touch.
The chill in the air means cold and flu season is on the horizon. Button up your overcoat. Take your vitamins. And make a yourself a lovely hot toddy. Ask any grandma about the Hot Toddy and she is sure to tell you it’s the cure to all your ailments. That may not be exactly true, but the combination of your favorite healing tea bag along with sweet, natural honey and comforting rum or whiskey is soothing to not only your soul but also helps ease sore throats, stuffy noses, headaches, and much more.
In case you need to really clear out your sinuses with a healthy dose of heat, then this Hot Honey Hot Toddy is for you. While you have your usual ingredients of water, whiskey, and lemon juice, we’re also including the use of hot honey rather than regular honey. Let the warmth wash over you for medicine you can feel working.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! To get your daily dose of apple, we’re mixing apple cider into your regular Hot Toddy. By simmering with honey and a cinnamon stick, it ends up producing the perfect balance of sweet as well as spice. You can also change up the flavor by choosing to use either bourbon or whiskey depending on what notes you’re looking to add.
This is your OG recipe for a Hot Toddy, the kind that the hardy Scots would serve to get rid of colds and flus. The honey works as an anti-inflammatory while cloves and cinnamon offer immune system support through antimicrobial properties. Not to mention, the calming way that bourbon interacts with your body can put you into a restful sleep better than melatonin.
There’s something special about roses as the flower of love. Its inclusion in our Hot Honey Toddy brings something new to this traditional recipe while not changing too much. The subtle floral notes add an earthy sweetness that fuses our souls with the soil below us. We encourage you to get creative here and try something other than the suggested singer tea bags to tweak this recipe to your needs.
If you’ve fried your vocal chords by smoking like singer Teddy Swims, then you need our Smokin’ Hot Teddy to repair the burn. This is your ultimate version of a Hot Toddy that we believe could totally cure any disease. Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke mixes with Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, raw honey, cara cara oranges, lemon juice, cinnamon, as well as clove to cover all the bases.
October is here, and that means it’s time to fully immerse yourself into the spooky season! This year, we’re taking your annual movie marathon to the next level by giving every flick a custom, boozy upgrade. Forget the basic bowl of cheap candy. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of your must-watch Halloween movies—from new horror films to classic animation—right beside creative, on-theme cocktails and all the streaming information you need. This way all your information is in one place to ensure your night of chills is perfectly mixed and ready to go. Get ready to grab your shaker, dim the lights, and settle in for a hauntingly delicious home screening experience.
Halloween Movie Cocktail Pairings and Where to Stream Them
Available to Stream on Disney+ (as is the sequel!)
Possibly the most famous witches out there, the Sanderson Sisters are three wonderfully wacky coven members who hate children and want nothing more than to use their spellbook. These three take us through a movie full of laughs as they battle along with little Dani, her brother Max, friend Allison, and magical cat Binx. To brew up a wickedly delicious cocktail to match, try a combination of Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. Not only will the cocktail become an evil green tone but each sip balances the melon Midori and orange Cointreau with tart lime juice.
If Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman taught us anything it’s that midnight margaritas are ALWAYS a good idea. We’re upping your magical margarita sesh with an Apple Cider twist. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a witch to craft this recipe. Though, it does help to have a few friends over, turn on the famous scene, and dance the night away. We recommend serving this margarita with a cinnamon sugar that adds a warming, autumn feel to this apple cider creation.
The dead (possibly undead?) characters in The Nightmare Before Christmas would be head-over-ankle-bones in love with this Black Death cocktail. Follow along with Jack Skellington and his quirky crew of creatures like Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie as you sip an anise-forward beverage. To get the dead, dark, black color of this recipe, all you need is activated charcoal powder. From there, the complexness of gin, fernet, pastis, simple syrup, and egg white foam take over. You could always relabel this drink’s title as Deadly Nightshade too if you plan on hosting a watch party.
Available to Stream on Disney+ and Philo (as are the sequels!)
Autumn leaves, cloudy weather, cold nights, it all screams Twilight in our book! We know the Twilight series is not inherently a Halloween franchise but vampires and werewolves, along with the dreaminess of these characters (shoutout to the hot dads Carlisle, Charlie, and Billy) is a good enough excuse in our minds to indulge. The Van Helsing Takes Manhattan cocktail would probably take out the entire Cullen family with its addition of garlic simple syrup and garlic clove garnish but since we’re humans, we’re free to enjoy.
Available to Stream on Peacock, Paramount+, and AMC+
We couldn’t make a Halloween movie list without including a classic slasher film. Friday the 13th is a bloody but not overly scary introduction to horror movies. Our Bloody Beet Red Mocktail is the perfect pairing for its deep blood-red color and unexpected sweetness of beet juice. Friday the 13th is a great horror movie for those who may be a little more on the jumpy side since its old charm gives it a fictional tone. Not to mention, there are 12 movies in the series so if you watch the first and find yourself wanting another mocktail, feel free to hold a marathon.
Available to Stream on Disney+ (as are the sequels!)
Who doesn’t love a nostalgic throwback for Halloween time? Halloweentown is one of those kid movies that entertains the adults just as much as the kids. Plus, many grew up around its release so it’s great to venture back into the arms of Marnie and her whole family. Orange like the pumpkin mascots of Halloweentown, this spritzer takes non-alcoholic ginger beer and brightens it further with blood orange, lemon juice, and mint leaves.
Available to Stream on HBO Max (as is the sequel!)
The recipe for our Mischievous Demon cocktail comes from the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024. But, you can choose the first or second film to put on (or make it a double feature) while you finish off the black and white lollipop garnish. To create our own showtime special, we shake up basil leaves, apple cider, simple syrup, lemon juice, G.E. Massenez Apple Pomme Prisonniere Calvados, and add fresh rosemary sprigs for smoking.
Whether you choose to watch the original 1922 film or the 2024 remake, The Drop of Blood cocktail was quite literally made for Nosferatu. All it takes is one drop of this vodka, Cointreau, white grape juice, and lemon juice mix for the passions of Nosferatu to overtake you. A garnish of rose petals and grenadine creates a drop of blood effect that’ll have you thirsting for more than just Count Orlok.
