I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This book is a great starting place for anyone looking to make cocktails- spooky or not.

Spooky cocktails is a fun addition to a cocktail lover's collection who is also a spooky / horror fan. The artwork is really fun, the cocktail photos are well taken, and all the ingredients are reasonable and easy to assemble. I loved the introduction to each drink, as each introduction paired perfectly well with each beverage by calling back to movie or book references. I also loved the addition to 'boo'-ze free drinks, which still shows you can make fun holiday themed drink for those who don't drink.

My favorite cocktails include Arsenic and Old Lace (but to be fair it's one of my favourite movies), Painkiller and special mention to Gochujang Caramel, which I will now eat directly with a spoon. I also liked that they included the recipe for simple and candied lemon wheels because while neither is not hard to make, its nice to have it included so all recipes are in the same book.

I am a huge horror and halloween girlie so this book was right up my alley.

Thank you to Clair McLafferty, NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely love the layout and imagery of this book. I was going through the recipes and showed a few to my partner and we agreed that it would be one that we would use as not just a recipe book but also as decoration because of the cover. As I went through the book, I was pleased to see that most syrups also had a mini-recipe included which means less flipping back and forth. It would be nice if there were serving notices for some of the larger drinks, but that's my only gripe. Otherwise, this is a book that I will definitely be using come spooky season (which is most of the year).

Publishing date: 08.07.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

You get exactly what it says on the tin for this book. Spooky cocktails. Perfect for a Halloween party.

To be a little more precise, you get:
- Recipes for the cocktails
- History surrounding them
- Different variants of the same drink¨
- Pictures for each drink

I thought this was a great little book, and it tempted me to buy a copy to keep for my eventual Halloween party (will never happen, who am I kidding). If you, like me, enjoy a pretty little cocktail more than most other alcoholic beverages this is definitely for you. And if you plan a Halloween party? Get this book asap.

Giving this 4 stars, I enjoyed it lots.

Spooky Cocktails was such a fun little surprise. I picked this up looking for seasonal cocktail inspiration, and it completely delivered. Clair McLafferty puts together a playful and well-curated collection of Halloween-themed drinks that feel both approachable and elevated. Whether you're hosting a costume party or just want something moody to sip while watching scary movies, this book has you covered.

The aesthetic is on point. Each cocktail has a clever name, and the photos are stunning. I loved flipping through and bookmarking the ones I want to try next. The book is organized by theme — think potions, haunted house, vampire vibes — and it made it easy to pick a drink based on the mood I wanted to set. Some of my favorites were "Corpse Reviver #2," "Midnight Margarita," and "Blood Moon Punch." They were flavorful and fun without feeling too gimmicky.

The recipes themselves are easy to follow, and I appreciated the balance between classic cocktails with a twist and more original creations. Some use ingredients you probably already have, while others might require a quick trip to the liquor store. It felt accessible even if you're not a pro bartender.

The only reason it’s not a five-star read for me is that I wish there had been a bit more commentary or background about the drinks. A few pages with party tips, serving suggestions, or even spooky playlists would’ve taken it to the next level. But as a visual, seasonal cocktail guide, this absolutely nails what it sets out to do.

If you love themed gatherings, seasonal drinks, or just want to add a little magic to your mixology, Spooky Cocktails is a total treat.

Really good advice all around and fun, Halloween-inspired recipes. I will definitely be trying these out!

Spooky, creepy, and perfect cocktails to add fear to your menu! I loved the dark images and bubbling, smoking, and colorful drinks. This one is definitely going into my Halloween cocktail party rotation.

I received this cocktail recipe book as an ARC read through NetGalley
I really enjoyed all the options provided, and the unique recipes! The recipes were perfectly themed. I enjoyed the pictures provided. The instructions were easy to follow. I also enjoyed the page on how to fix cocktails if they did not turn out how you expected. I’d never heard of any of those options, and as someone who has certainly messed up a cocktail or two, I found them very helpful!

I loved this quirky cocktail recipe book so much! I loved the graphics and the beautiful coloured pictures as well as the wonderful recipes. Definitely something to consider if you’re having a Halloween themed party or celebration! I think this would be a great book for behind any bar.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

This is a very fun collection of spooky cocktails, perfect for spooky season or all year long! I loved how many photographs of the drinks were included and the overall organization of the drinks. Very well done and would be an excellent gift.

Book Review: Spooky Cocktails: 100+ Spirited and Wickedly Delicious Drinks by Clair McLafferty

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently picked up Spooky Cocktails by Clair McLafferty, and it’s a real treat—no tricks here! The cover alone grabbed me immediately; it’s got that perfect eerie vibe that any fan of Halloween or horror-themed gatherings will appreciate. As someone who loves themed cookbooks (and drinks!), this one was an instant hit.

Inside, you’ll find over 100 cocktail recipes that cleverly blend classic drinks with spooky names and horror lore. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, the recipes are straightforward and easy to follow. I especially loved how the author sprinkles in fun facts and chilling tidbits alongside the instructions, which makes flipping through the pages feel like a festive adventure.

Some of the standout drinks include the Witch’s Brew, Black Magic Margarita, Bloody Fang Sangria, Poison Apple Cider, and Crypt Keeper Cooler—each one sounds tempting and perfect for setting a creepy mood. The book also features a neat alcohol-free section, which is great for including everyone at your party.

The photography and spooky graphics are gorgeous and definitely add to the overall vibe—think gummy worms as garnishes and smoking dry ice cauldrons that make your drinks pop visually. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to transform their happy hour into a full-on witching hour.

Overall, Spooky Cocktails is a super fun and festive book that I’d recommend for Halloween parties or any horror-themed get-together. I’m already imagining setting up a “build your own cocktail bar” station using this book to wow guests. I’m giving it 4 stars because while it’s packed with creative ideas and great visuals, some of the recipes might lean on the simpler side if you’re an advanced mixologist looking for a challenge—but for most folks, it’s pure spirited enjoyment!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Spooky Cocktails, you had me at the cover! I might not be ready for spooky season just yet, but I can wait to keep some of these recipes in my back pocket for fall!

I really appreciate the author taking the time to point out how some common ingredients often used in cool looking Halloween cocktails to create special effects can actually be extremely harmful for people and takes the time to explain why and offers alternatives. I never would have thought of some of these things. We would hope that “don’t consume dry ice” is enough common sense for others, but pointing out that activated charcoal (used to blacken food and drinks) can actually render a lot of medications completely ineffective. I really appreciate the additional information and science included in this book instead of jumping straight into recipes.

I love that the recipe pages are easy to read and stay on brand with the spooky theme of the book. All of the recipes are named for spooky movies, items, and concepts with a brief explanation about the name which is fun! The layout is great with the ingredient list being separate from the instructions. I especially like that the cocktails are easy to make. You don’t need expert bartending skills to pull any of these off. I also really appreciate the fact that a large majority of these cocktails are made with easy to find ingredients. Too many cocktail recipe books these days are starting to include really obscure ingredients that can be difficult to find or overly expensive for just a half an ounce that you’ll never use again.

If you’re looking to have a spooky movie marathon with themed cocktails, you’re bound to find something in this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great cookbook. Very easy-to-follow recipes. I can't wait to try these recipes. I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This book is Halloween party fuel in hardcover. "Spooky Cocktails" isn’t just a collection of themed drinks... it’s a blood-spattered invitation to channel your inner mixologist mid-slasher flick. It’s lush, dramatic, a little extra, and exactly the kind of festive chaos that makes me want to dig out my fog machine and start haunting the punch bowl.

You get the classics like Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, and Old Fashioneds, but they’re dressed for the occasion. Ghoulish names, eerie garnishes, and enough dry ice to summon a spirit. But then McLafferty goes full graveyard shift with it. Port in an Old Fashioned. Popcorn-washed rum (yes, that’s a real technique) adds movie-night chaos in a glass. A Ramos Gin Fizz that’s practically a séance in a glass. It’s the kind of creative flair that makes you cackle while you stir.

And look, I expected the cocktails to be fun. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d appreciate the practical witchcraft. There are mixing tips. Ingredient notes. Batch prep guides for large crowds. Even a whole section on how to fix a drink if it’s too sour or too sweet. It’s got the bones of a seriously good bartender guide wrapped in a skeleton costume.

Visually, this thing is stunning. Every page is a spooky season inspiration. Skull graphics. Pumpkin accents. Glassware that feels like a coven curated it on Etsy. And every recipe gets its own full-color photo that dares you to try it. The aesthetic alone deserves a spot on your Halloween bar cart all year.

There’s a mocktail section too, and it’s not just an afterthought. These aren’t sad juice boxes in fishnets. They’re glam, gothic sips with as much drama as the cocktails. Non-drinkers and sober babes, you are welcome here.

If I had one tiny bone to pick... some of the drinks are more classic than creepy. Like, yes, I love a Bloody Mary, but give her a name like Witch’s Brunch Bloodbath and let her live her best monster movie life. That said, the themed sections (shoutout to Haunted Cities and Creature Features) absolutely bring the vibe.

This one’s an easy 4.5 stars, thanks to the potion-level creativity, moody visuals, and sheer fun of it all. McLafferty didn’t just write a recipe book... she conjured a party spellbook, complete with garnishes that could summon the spookiest crew with a single sip.

Thanks to Cider Mill Press and NetGalley for the ARC. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make a Midnight Margarita"and cue up "Practical Magic."

I loved this for spooky season. So many get ideas for cocktails and pictures to get great ideas. I would love to have a hard copy to keep in my kitchen. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
4 star

Thank you to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Spooky Cocktails is a fun and creative take on classic (and not so classic) cocktails for Halloween celebrations. Some offerings are traditional cocktails like a Moscow mule, sangria or dark n stormy. I was pleasantly surprised with the fun options a lot of recipes had a unique twist to an old standby, like adding port and rum to an old fashioned or popcorn washed rum. Each option has an introduction, usually some history, an ingredient list with easy to follow instructions. Most included a note or variation at the bottom. McLafferty even included a non alcoholic section. My favorite part is that each drink includes a spooky photo, the pictures are fun and beautifully done. I highly recommend this for at home cocktail enthusiasts beyond just those looking to spice up their next spooky party.

Lots of good advice for beginners and many many classic recipes for all the occasions. And you can make them all year round !

Spooky themed drinks are my go to! There are so many good ones in this book, my personal favorites are the Black Magic Margarita and Bloody Fang Sangria. The recipes are easy to follow and the images are to die for!

I think this is a great cocktail book for everyday use, even though the aim is to be spooky. The only truly spooky thing about these drinks are their names. Each recipe has a picture, which I love, and they look easy to follow along with. I also really appreciated the opening pieces of general mixing tips, like how to adjust sweetness or the best ways to make drinks for large crowds.

As a lover of all things spooky, this themed selection of drinks is something I would buy from the cover/title alone.
The author has combined classic cocktail recipes with little bits of horror lore and history lessons to create an informative guidebook.