You don’t have to be a mixologist to craft a delicious cocktail. These drinks will get you in the holiday spirit – perfect for Halloween, or any celebration throughout the fall and winter seasons.

I developed these recipes with three things in mind: avoiding the investment in obscure liquors that may not get used again, keeping the ingredients list low, and making the methods no-fuss.

Blood Orange Cosmo

Blood oranges are an easy way to spookify your cocktail for Halloween night. Here, blood orange juice stands in for the traditional lime juice found in a Cosmopolitan, deepening the color to a richer ruby red.

Blood Orange Cosmo

Swapping lime juice out for blood orange deepens the red hue of this classic cocktail, and adds a sweet citrusy flavor that balances the tart cranberry juice. Blood oranges have a rich red color, and are less acidic than navel oranges. Typically, one blood orange should be enough for this drink, but pick up an extra for garnishing the glass. They can be found with the other citrus in your grocery store.

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Poison Apple Rum Slushie

Sipping on a slushie will make you feel like a kid again, but don’t be fooled. This rum-punched drink is decidedly grown up. Concentrated apple cider sweetens the pot, with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Poison Apple Rum Slushie

Concentrating the apple cider is a necessary step to avoid a watered-down taste when poured over the crushed ice. Be sure to budget in enough time for the mixture to cool before serving the drink so you end up with a frozen cocktail, not a puddle. While you are reducing the cider, feel free to add a cinnamon stick or whole cloves for extra spice.

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Black Magic

This bourbon-based cocktail is easy sipping, thanks to the addition of sweet vermouth and creme de cassis, a black currant liqueur. Muddled blackberries lend a hint of fruit and bit of tartness, and add to the dark bold color.

Black Magic

The deep red, almost black color makes this a fun drink for Halloween, but in truth it can be enjoyed any time of year. Make sure to use sweet vermouth, not dry. I like Lustau, but Dolin or Martini & Rossi are good as well.

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