In addition to the unusual costumes, close friends and spooky ghost stories, Halloween is still incomplete without alcohol. The upcoming weekend-long holiday spook-tacular won’t be done proper justice with bland mixings such as Rubinoff and Diet Coke. Impress friends on Hollow’s Eve with unique and tasty festive beverages.

Black Martini

This martini will scare any black cat away with its inevitable hair-raising effect. Mix three and one-half ounces of gin or vodka with one-half ounce of blackberry brandy or a black raspberry liqueur, like Chambord. For an even darker drink, make this martini with Blavod black colored vodka.

Green Ghoul

For an electric colored concoction, mix consistent amounts of Midori Melon Liqueur, Strega Liqueur, Canton Ginger liqueur and ginger ale. For additional flavor, substitute ginger ale for ginger beer. The ginger will calm any nerves associated with the creep factor of the holiday or the excessive amounts of liquor being consumed.

Halloween Hypnotist

Tell the hired hypnotist to pack up and go home because this delightful drink will have indulgers mesmerized. Mix two ounces of Hypnotiq, one ounce of vodka and a splash of lemon juice. Though the Hypnotiq already gives the drink it’s blue tinge, toss in a blue glow stick for some sparkle.

Corpse Reviver

Mix two ounces of apple brandy, three-quarters of an ounce of brandy and some dark vermouth for a very strong but sweet drink that, even if it can’t wake the dead, will wake you right up.

Frog in a Blender

For a creepy, creature-filled cocktail, mix ice, vodka, cranberry juice and lime wheels in a blender. Blend for a few seconds so as not to completely chop up the lime wheels – the dismembered lime remnants will appear as “frogs” in the drink. To give the frog some half-dead friends to play with, add grapes or berries to the mixture to further shock guests.

Dracula’s Kiss

Try this drink instead of partaking in the actual affair. In the bottom of a glass, pour a thick layer of grenadine to start. Add ice, vodka, and some cola on top of the red goo. The layering effect gives the drink a creepy, bloody look. Garnish with cherries for even more color to this dark concoction.

Black Magic

Who brought the doll with the printout of their professor’s head glued on and the pouch of sewing needles? Instead of practicing faux black magic, mix two ounces of Blavod black vodka, grenadine and lemon-lime soda for a drink that will make classes the least of anyone’s worries.

Sour Witch

For a drink that is both sweet and sour, try this witch’s potion. Muddle or crush together cherries, lime juice and almond syrup. Add one-and-a-half ounces of Lucid Absinthe. Shake the dangerous combination and top with champagne for a pretty pink drink to sip on this scary evening.

Vampire Kiss

Dracula’s Kiss wasn’t strong enough, huh? Instead, pour equal parts vodka and Chambord into a martini glass. Top the glass with some bubbling champagne. Pour in a bit more Chambord over the back of a spoon to create a layering effect. After drinking enough of these, any boy is sure to pass for Edward Cullen’s doppelganger.

Wolf Bite

If both Dracula’s Kiss and the Vampire Kiss aren’t your flavors, this potion will undoubtedly go down with a bite. Shake together Absinthe, Midori Melon liqueur and pineapple juice. Once poured, top with lemon-lime soda and drizzle grenadine to give the neon shot a bloody tint.

Ashley Berger can be reached at [email protected].