I’ve never been much of a party-thrower, largely because I hate the dreaded cleanup, but I have certainly daydreamed about imaginary shindigs—the sort that would grace the pages of Better Homes & Gardens.
Scouring Pinterest for Halloween cocktails, I find endless variations on a dark or black “witch’s brew” and shots that look like blood. Are they Halloween-y? Absolutely. Are they appetizing? Not so much.
My Halloween party fantasy skews more posh, attracting glamorous, sophisticated witches à la Jessica Lange in American Horror Story, or Agnes Moorehead’s Endora from Bewitched. The Blood Moon Spritz is ideal for attracting even the most discerning of witches, with flavors of tart blood orange and a pop of fresh mint—all in a fizzy, refreshing drink with style and panache that will beat out a bubbling cauldron every time.
Serve them up by the glass or in a dazzling punch bowl decorated with bright red blood orange slices and sprigs of green mint leaves floating throughout the concoction. You may not get any boo’s, but you’ll definitely be rewarded with ‘ooh’s’ (followed closely by ‘ahh’s’).
BLOOD MOON SPRITZ
2 oz blood orange juice
1 ½ oz vodka
1 tbsp mint simple syrup
Club soda
Sprig of mint, for garnish
Blood orange slices, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
To make mint simple syrup, combine sugar and water in a pan and simmer until all the sugar is dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and add fresh mint leaves. Let steep for 30 minutes, then strain.
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add vodka, blood orange juice, and mint simple syrup.
Top with club soda and stir to combine. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of blood orange.
Tip: Increase ingredients ratio to make a party punch for larger groups.
