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Originating from the ancient Celtic religion to welcome the harvest, Halloween is still celebrated with bonfires and costumes... but in plenty of other ways too.
From trick or treating to immersive events and festivals, there’s a plethora of things to do across the UK, not to mention eat and drink. We got in touch with DesignMyNight for the spookiest sips around; inspired by horror movies and Greek mythology, they’re sure to raise your spirits.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar is one of London’s prettiest hotel bars but there is something sinister taking place among its fairy lights this October. The team has launched a new menu where your mood is matched to one of 14 cocktails, guided by a speclialist “Diviner”. Flaming Venom is said to banish envy and resentment, while the Fallen Angel will expel negative energy and dark secrets.
The Beaufort Bar - London
The Beaufort Bar has created a new cocktail menu just in time for Halloween and it draws inspiration from magic throughout the centuries. Going as far back as Greek mythology and fast forwarding right up to modern day scientists and some of the world’s most famed magicians, the menu has been simmered down to five special serves. The Mentalist is a sharp number made with Patron Silver Tequila, grapefruit, lettuce cordial and orange bitters, while The Allure explores the relationship between forbidden fruit and magic.
STK - London
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(Image credit: Thomas Alexander Photography)
STK isn’t just creating a special menu for Halloween, it is upping the tempo with a Twisted Champagne Circus event. You can count on a clown contortionist, joker and lizard lady to keep you entertained throughout the evening but it’s the cocktails that are the real ringmaster of the show. Collaborating with Bacardi, you’ll be sinking your teeth into Dark Soul and Bloody Brain mixes, both just as deadly as the other.
Dirty Martini - Cardiff
Saint or sinner? There’s only one real way to find out this Halloween, and it’s by visiting Dirty Martini. The bar has concocted two limited-edition drinks for the spookiest time of the year, leaving you to decide between the Heaven Sent, a divine creation of Beefeater Gin, Blood Orange Solerno, Peach Schnapps, peach bitters and egg white, and the Devil’s Advocate, a dangerously tasty combination of Bacardi Spiced Rum, Chambord, raspberry, vanilla, citrus and MS Better’s Bitters.
Savage Garden - London
Savage Garden has released news about its winter pop-up - a dreamy ski resort hideaway - but you should definitely visit before the snow machine is installe. Its Devil’s Advocate cocktail might be on the menu all year round, but it’s just as sinister as if it were whipped up especially for Halloween. Made with Olmeca Blanco tequila with pink grapefruit, crème de cassis, lemon juice and sage, it’s a smashing sip to try this October.
The Donovan Bar - London
Cocktail master Salvatore Calabrese has added two themed cocktails to the award-winning menu at The Donovan Bar, both utilising seasonal ingredients. Psycho is inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 movie, made with Calvados, Sassy Cidre Brut syrup, apple vermouth and verjus, while Paint It Black is linked to The Rolling Stones, formed with Casamigos tequila infused with Rooibos Tea, Salvatore’s Liquore di Limone, fennel soda, clementine and bergamot juice.
The Ivy Spinningfields - Manchester
The Ivy Spinningfields has hit two birds with one stone this Halloween, creating not only a themed cocktail, but a dessert too. Its Midnight Martini is a head-turning creation and jet back in colour, made with Tosolini, Absolut Vanilla, dark Crème de Cacao and cinnamon syrup. And if your sweet tooth needs satisfying, the Melting Witches Hat is just what the doctor ordered, served with lashings of caramel sauce and popping candy.
Tequila Mockingbird - London
It Chapter Two was released this year after the 2017 remake caused a frenzy - and Tequila Mockingbird is bringing it to life in cocktail form this Halloween. Made with a white rum and pineapple base, the Pennywise Punch comes topped with a bloody chilli jam before a bright red helium balloon is tied to the coupe glassware. One for the movie buffs, it is among this year’s most imaginative Halloween cocktails.
