Halloween is the season of indulgence: candy corn, caramel apples, pumpkin-spiced everything. But if you’re like me, October doesn’t feel complete without a spooky sip in hand—something dark, theatrical, and just a little sinister. That’s why I couldn’t resist diving into Cocktails from the Crypt: Terrifying Yet Delicious Concoctions Inspired by Your Favorite Horror Films by Jonathan Dehaan and Kimberley Elizabeth. Equal parts mixology manual and horror fan love letter, this book is a true treat for those who prefer their scares shaken, not stirred. https://www.instagram.com/nightmareonfilmstreet/
It’s clear the authors are lifelong devotees of both cinema and spirits. Dehaan, host of the Nightmare on Film Street podcast, and Elizabeth, a creative powerhouse in horror media, eerily blend their expertise. Instead of just compiling standard cocktail recipes with spooky names, they’ve crafted a collection of drinks that genuinely channel the atmosphere, aesthetics, and storytelling of horror classics. Imagine sipping on a blood-red martini inspired by Terrifier or a murky bourbon concoction that seems to waft straight from The Black Lagoon. Each recipe comes with a little backstory that ties it to its film counterpart, making this book as fun to read as it is to drink from.
The photography is stunning—moody lighting, dramatic glassware, and just enough gore to keep it playful without crossing into camp. It feels less like a recipe book and more like an art piece, one you’ll be proud to leave out on the coffee table when friends drop by for a Halloween movie marathon. The styling alone makes it an essential seasonal accessory.
But let’s talk taste. I put a few recipes to the test, starting with Final Girl Mimosa, a virgin bubbly or with prosecco for the adult version. Just like its cinematic namesake, Laurie Strode in Halloween, it’s delicate but resilient, leaving a strong impression long after the glass is empty. Then there’s the Negroni-nomicon from The Evil Dead with just enough gin and vermouth to put a bittersweet finish on your drink. My personal favorite? Blood Connection in honour of Malignant blends warmth with sweet to keep you sipping.
What I love most is how approachable the recipes are. Some cocktail books require you to track down obscure spirits or buy specialty tools you’ll never use again. Here, while there are a few adventurous ingredients, most drinks can be made with a well-stocked home bar and a quick run to your local liquor store. The instructions are straightforward, and the playful horror commentary makes you feel like the authors are right there with you, clinking glasses across the void.
With Halloween on the horizon, there are two recipes celebrating the festivities and movies that haunt you. Always Check Your Candy for the Trick ‘r Treat twisted tales is fun and indulgent. We thought you’d like to try Pumpkinhead Punch in our Recipe section, a nod to director and special effects maestro, Stan Winston.
As a foodie, I appreciate that this isn’t just gimmickry. The flavors are well-balanced, the recipes thoughtfully composed. And for horror fans, I adore the meticulous attention to detail—this is a book written by people who love the genre, for people who love the genre. Win a copy of this book in our Giveaway section or check out your local bookstore for a spooky purchase.
So, whether you’re planning a haunted house party, a moody date night, or a solo rewatch of your favorite slasher flick, Cocktails from the Crypt is the perfect companion. It’s spine-chilling, belly-warming, and absolutely delicious. This Halloween, I’ll raise my glass to Dehaan and Elizabeth—for proving that horror is best enjoyed with a wickedly good drink in hand.
Reprinted with permission from Cocktails from the Crypt by Kimberley Elizabeth & Jonathan De Haan. Page Street Publishing Co. 2024. Photo credit: Reham Baligh. https://www.pagestreetpublishing.com/