It has been way too long since my girlfriend Holly and I have got to have a cocktail-making hangout. For some reason, creating and photographing drinks is so much more fun when you do it with a friend–which is why we refused to let another holiday pass without concocting something fun, a Red Hallowine Sangria.

So, if you’re looking for a spook-tacular drink for your Halloween party, then we’ve got you covered. Sangria is the ultimate party drink. It’s easy (and better) to prep ahead, and it serves a lot of guests. That’s a win in my books! If sangria isn’t your thing, I’ve also got a Wicked Blackberry Margarita on the blog that’s just as delicious.

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Red wine sangria is my pick for the fall and winter (the deep red colour makes it perfectly thematic for Halloween) and the deep, spicy flavours are perfect for cool nights. Just be warned–drink too much of this and you really will feel dead in the morning!

Red Hallowine Sangria Recipe

Yields 1 pitcher

You’ll need:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Grenache or Pinot Noir), chilled
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup brandy, depending how strong you want it
• Juice of one orange
• 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 cup of berries (we used fresh blueberries, blackberries and strawberries), frozen work well too
• 4 tbsp fall spiced simple syrup, to sweeten (recipe below)

For serving:

• Ice
• Club soda, to top
• Eyeballs

Directions:

Thinly slice and orange and add it to a large pitcher, along with the mixed berries, juice of one orange, bottle or red wine, brandy and simple syrup.

Good things come to those who wait–I highly suggest covering and refrigerating it for at least two hours. Got more time? Steeping the sangria overnight will not only help make it a more flavourful cocktail, but also save you time on the day of! Of course, if time is of the essence, combine and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes so the flavours can meld.

When you’re ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and add sangria until 3/4 full. Top with club soda and garnish with a few plastic eyeballs for some spooky fun!

Fall Spiced Simple Syrup

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• Teabag filled with ground cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice

Directions:

Boil equal parts sugar and water in a medium sauce pan until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and steep with the spice blend for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool, then remove the teabag.

The simple syrup can then be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks (and it tastes amazing in a latte).

Hope everyone has a great Halloween, and remember, if you recreate this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram (@alexandtribe), I love to see your creations! Also, be sure to check back next week, as I’ll have one more delicious Halloween cocktail recipe for you.

Alex