Trick-or-treating for my sisters and me was an Olympic sport. We knew which houses had the most elaborate decorations, which refused to answer the door, and most importantly, which handed out the king-sized candy bars. Maximizing our Halloween haul took strategy, dedication, and a father who patiently escorted us through multiple neighborhoods, all in the name of MORE CANDY. While we brought home far more chocolate bars than any human should ingest on an annual basis, the idea of Halloween as a single night when kids can dress as their favorite superhero, stay up late, and eat copious amounts of candy (preferably enjoyed with a mug of Crockpot Hot Chocolate), still appeals to me. However, I also admit that it sounds like a parental nightmare. To all of the adults who patiently take their kids trick-or-treating and answer their doorbell with a full basket full of candy, this recipe is for you: Halloween sangria. (This Hot Buttered Bourbon would also make a great post-trick-or-treating reward.) This spooky sangria is also the ideal Halloween cocktail for your next ghoulish party.
It’s easy.Freakishly festive.And affordable to make in large quantities (this Apple Cider Cocktail is another great option).
How to Make Halloween Sangria
Blood red, filled with frozen grape “eyeballs,” citrus slices, and boosted with brandy, this spooky Halloween punch is the perfect pick-me-up after a long night of trick-or-treating. (After the kids go to bed, reward yourselves further by sneaking a few of their Snickers from their stash to make these Peanut Butter Snickers Cookies).
The Ingredients
Grapes. Frozen red and green grape “eyeballs” keep the Halloween sangria cold without watering it down.Citrus. A combination of fresh orange, lemon, and lime slices is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.Red Wine. For this Halloween punch recipe, I like to choose a sweet, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.Brandy. Fortifies the “blood” red wine and compliments the sweetness of the fruit (as in a Brandy Old Fashioned).Ginger Ale. Adds fizz and spunk.Cinnamon Sticks. Spices the drink just enough to transition this Halloween cocktail from summer to fall (think Mulled Wine).Colored Sugar. The perfect, festive finish to this spooky, boozy Halloween drink.
The Directions
Stop on by the Halloween sangria house. This will be my first year handing out candy in a home of my own, and while I will have plenty of the good stuff for the kiddos, I think the grown-ups deserve a bit of refreshment too! Have a spooktacular Halloween!
Related Halloween Recipes
Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake DipHalloween Banana PopsiclesHalloween Chex Mix with Candy Corn and Salty Maple Peanuts
