Login

Spooky Spirits: Hotel Bars Put Guests in Halloween State of Mind

Teams Draw Inspiration From 'Saw X,' Classic Fall Flavors and More

Hotels across the globe are rolling out Halloween-themed cocktails. Shown here is the “To the Bones” beverage at the Hilton Cancun, All-Inclusive Resort. (Hilton Cancun)
Hotels across the globe are rolling out Halloween-themed cocktails. Shown here is the “To the Bones” beverage at the Hilton Cancun, All-Inclusive Resort. (Hilton Cancun)

As Halloween approaches, hoteliers across the globe are putting guests in a spooky state of mind through creative cocktail concoctions.

From classic flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon to new tricks and treats inspired by new horror films including "Saw X" and "Five Nights at Freddy’s," hotel bars and restaurants are going all out to surprise and delight guests this season.

Click through the slideshow and read through quotes below for a full list of spooky spirits.

The Chester at Gansevoort Meatpacking

“Halloween always brings out people’s inner child. It’s the perfect time to get inspired, creative and enjoy a treat, which to us is a unique drink. This Halloween-inspired cocktail has Belvedere infused with butterfly pea flower, which is a smooth and floral vodka. Mixed with the herbal notes of Green Chartreuse, some sweetness from St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Yuzu juice to add a little tartness, this drink brings a unique, balanced and delicious flavor to the palate. To add a little show to the drink, we use a smoke top on the glass before garnishing with an orange peel. Happy Halloween!"
—Don Largotta, beverage director at Gansevoort Meatpacking.

Hilton Cancun, All-Inclusive Resort 

“I was inspired by the traditional flavors that you can find in original Mexican spirits and spices, mixed with the delicate taste of violet liquor. Halloween is the [perfect season] to spice up our cocktails with a Mexican touch.”
—Doriluz Hernández, bar manager at Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort.

Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort 

"Celebrate Halloween with the 'Elixir de Bruja,' a mesmerizing cocktail that balances the haunting green allure of Midori, the deep mysteries of Blue Curaçao, and the citrusy magic of natural lemon juice. Poured over a drizzle of red grenadine, it's a chilling concoction best served over ice, a spellbinding treat for the senses."
—Sergio Rivas, food and beverage director at Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort.

Bambara Kitchen & Bar at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

“The cocktail was inspired by Freddy Krueger’s iconic bright red and dingy green striped sweater, not to mention the upcoming Universal Pictures 'Five Nights at Freddy’s' movie and video game,”
—John Erdmann, assistant general manager at Bambara Kitchen & Bar at Kimpton Marlowe Hotel.

The Curtis Hotel 

“We are serving this deliciously spooky cocktail, created by our friends at 13th Floor Denver, as an inclusion of our partnering Hyper Haunt package available through Oct. 31. The colors and flavors of maple, cider and bourbon instantly transport our guests into a crisp, fall state of mind.”
—Megan Pierce, director of sales and marketing at The Curtis Hotel.

The Wayfarer DTLA

"The Ches-Chai-Re Cat comes from us paying homage to our original inspiration for High Tea and Highballs. It was centered around Alice in Wonderland — think of what the Mad Hatter’s tea party would be like — so naturally we wanted to pull in some names and attributes of characters from the beloved classic. The Cheshire cat was known for disappearing, but leaving its grin behind — when working with activated charcoal, the ingredients of the cocktail are a mystery because the black color takes over and almost makes the drink 'disappear,' but the flavors are very much present. We also always infuse our cocktails with tea; for this one we used chai tea infused Copalli Rum, lemon, pumpkin syrup and activated charcoal. It’s a spook-tastic looking cocktail, and you would never guess what it tastes like just from looking at it!”
—Jenaé Kama, director of food & beverage at The Wayfarer DTLA.

NoMo Soho New York Hotel

"When crafting a Halloween cocktail, I wanted something that was light and easy to drink while visually conveying the spirit of the season. I landed on Spell on You, with the bright flavors of lemon and hibiscus, ingredients that combine to give a striking red color. The black sugar rim completes the overall effect and gives a perfect drink for the Halloween season."
—Angello Walters, bartender at NoMo SoHo New York Hotel.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino

“These cocktails perfectly embody the spirit of Halloween and the month of witches. After all, what is Halloween without a pumpkin? The combination of pumpkin and piña colada is simply incredible. It's like indulging in a coconut pumpkin flan dessert that is both refreshing and addictive. The rum is barely noticeable when paired with the chocolate-based Italian vodka. However, it's still there; after three of these, you'll feel happy! Trick or Treat is the perfect name for this cocktail full of candy flavors. It's sweet, but still sophisticated and super addictive! The chocolate syrup at the bottom looks scary, like spider legs! The design adds the perfect touch to this cocktail.”
—Paloma Boissard, mixologist at Ruinas del Mar Bar in Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino.

Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

“My inspiration for this cocktail was from a horror/thriller movie I saw recently, Saw X. The setting took place in Mexico which made me want to make a tequila-based drink. There was a lot of sawdust and debris in some key scenes which made me want to make some type of black salt. The acids and chemicals in some of the contraptions made me think of a sour and bright-colored cocktail. Finally, I used lychees and black cherries to recreate the eyeballs in one scene."
—Dani Kan, 3030 restaurant manager at Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa.

The Madison Hotel

The Ghoulley Madison is inspired by the extravagant and popular parties First Lady Dolley Madison would host at the White House, called ‘squeezes’ due to how crowded they got — surely the Halloween Squeeze would have been one of their most rowdy. Devilishly red pomegranate juice is used not only to evoke the essence of Halloween, but to match the turban she often wore during these lavish parties, and tart citrus, freshly squeezed, often reminds me of her effervescence while entertaining," said Tom Reidy, food & beverage manager.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

The Skullchata is a one-of-a-kind elixir crafted to compliment the resort’s newest fall festivity, ‘Haunting of River Ranch. It just screams fall - pumpkin spice, and everything nice! It’s a delicious fusion of vanilla rum, rumchata, and Fireball cinnamon whiskey, elevated by the notes of rich pumpkin spice, sweet cream, and the perfect amount of cinnamon. It’s the prime color and consistency to pair with the light up skull cup our team designed to give it an extra edge and spooky personality. There is something about a souvenir light-up cup, everyone wants one!" said E.B. Al-Dabbas, national director of food & beverage.

Read more news on Hotel News Now.