Halloween is the perfect time to take your favorite drinks and give them a spooky makeover. The Haunted Aperol Collins is a hauntingly beautiful cocktail that combines Aperol’s bittersweet citrus flavor with gin, lemon, and soda water. With its eerie orange glow and fun Halloween garnishes, it’s a festive drink that’s both refreshing and spooky enough to serve at any haunted gathering.
Haunted Aperol Collins
Equipment
- Collins glass
- bar spoon
- jigger
- citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice
- tongs (for dry ice, optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz soda water (club soda or sparkling water)
- ice cubes
- blood orange slice, for garnish
- gummy worm or dry ice pellet (optional, spooky effect)
Instructions
- Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Pour gin, Aperol, and lemon juice into the glass. Stir gently.
- Top with soda water and stir again to combine.
- Garnish with a blood orange slice. For extra spooky vibes, hang a gummy worm on the rim or add a small food‑grade dry ice pellet (handle carefully) for smoke.
Notes
What is a Haunted Aperol Collins?
The classic Tom Collins is a gin-based cocktail with lemon, sugar, and soda water. This haunted twist swaps simple syrup for Aperol, which adds a bittersweet orange flavor and a bright, ghostly hue. With a splash of lemon juice and sparkling water, the result is a crisp, fizzy drink that looks festive and tastes delicious. Garnish it with creepy decorations—like blood orange slices, gummy worms, or a smoky dry ice effect—for Halloween flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz soda water (club soda or sparkling water)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: blood orange slices, gummy worms, or dry ice pellet for smoky effect
Substitutions
- Swap gin for vodka if preferred.
- Use tonic water instead of soda for a more bitter drink.
- Replace Aperol with Campari for a darker, stronger flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fill the glass
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes.
Step 2: Mix the cocktail
Pour gin, Aperol, and lemon juice into the glass. Stir gently.
Step 3: Add fizz
Top with soda water and stir again to combine.
Step 4: Garnish
Add a blood orange slice or wedge for Halloween color. For an extra spooky vibe, hang a gummy worm over the rim or add a pellet of dry ice (handle carefully) for smoky effect.
Tips for the Best Haunted Aperol Collins
- Chill soda water before using for maximum fizz.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Don’t overdo dry ice—just one small pellet per drink creates the spooky effect without overpowering.
- Serve in tall glasses to highlight the eerie orange glow.
Variations
- Bloody Collins: Add ½ oz grenadine or cranberry juice for a blood-red swirl.
- Smoky version: Use a smoked gin or add a sprig of rosemary that’s been lightly torched.
- Witch’s brew: Add black vodka floater for a two-tone spooky drink.
- Candy Collins: Rim the glass with crushed black or orange candy sugar.
Food Pairings
This cocktail pairs well with Halloween party snacks and savory bites:
- Spiderweb trail mix
- Cheeseburger skulls
- Skull potatoes
- Charcuterie boards with spooky touches
- Sweet and salty popcorn mixes
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre-mix gin, Aperol, and lemon juice in a pitcher for parties.
- Keep soda water separate and add just before serving for fizz.
- Prepare garnishes ahead of time for quick assembly.
Nutrition Breakdown
One Haunted Aperol Collins has around 180–200 calories, depending on soda water and garnishes. It’s a lighter cocktail compared to creamy or sugar-heavy Halloween drinks, making it a refreshing party option.
When to Serve Haunted Aperol Collins
- Halloween parties
- Spooky movie nights
- Cocktail bars with seasonal menus
- Haunted house gatherings
- Fall happy hours
Conclusion
The Haunted Aperol Collins is a festive, fizzy Halloween cocktail that’s as delicious as it is spooky. With Aperol’s citrusy bitterness, gin’s botanical notes, and the brightness of lemon juice, it’s refreshing yet eerie in appearance. Garnished with blood orange slices, gummy worms, or dry ice smoke, it’s guaranteed to thrill your guests at any haunted celebration.
FAQs
Can I make this drink alcohol-free?
Yes, swap gin and Aperol with non-alcoholic gin alternatives and bitter orange soda.
Is dry ice safe to use in cocktails?
Yes, as long as it’s food-grade and you don’t swallow it. Wait until it fully dissolves before drinking.
What’s the best gin to use?
A London Dry gin works beautifully, but citrus-forward gins also pair well.
Can I batch this drink for parties?
Yes, mix gin, Aperol, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Add soda water right before serving.
How do I make it extra spooky?
Use black cocktail sugar on the rim, glow-in-the-dark straws, or Halloween garnishes like gummy bats or candy eyeballs.