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The Sleepy Hollow Cocktailโฆthe โspookiestโ of Halloween cocktails that happens to be frighteningly delicious. This haunted brew is made with sweet pomegranate juice paired with tequila, a dash of bitters, a touch of cinnamon, rosemary-infused orange honey simple syrup and topped with sparkling water. A smoking sprig of rosemary provides the ultimate โspookyโ touch. This cocktail is warming, delicious, and perfect for any Halloween party.
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As promised, weโre back with another Cocktail Saturday, and this one is one of my โspookiestโ cocktail recipes yet.
You guys, I know I say this in almost every Cocktail Saturday post, but honestly, these spooky cocktails are my favorite. I have SO much fun creating these. Iโm not sure why, but I put so much less pressure on myself when it comes to creating drinks. I just have fun with them, never overthink them (too much), and you know what? It really works! Hands down these are some of my favorite recipes to create. Theyโre just fun and such a nice switch up from shooting food every day.
Anyway, getting into details right away since I promised myself that I would keep this post short and sweet.
The spooky detailsโฆ
Everyone, meet the โsleepy hollowโ cocktail.
This is basically just an autumn margarita made with an extra special twist with rosemary, orange infused honey, pomegranate juice, and just the slightest hint of warming cinnamon throughout. You can even make it a touch smoky with Mezcal, or keep things classic by using your favorite tequila. Either way, you canโt go wrong.
Andโฆthis drink is so easy, itโs made with zero fancy liqueurs, and perfect for serving a crowd.
Simply make the honey syrup, which is just water, honey, rosemary, and orange zest. Then rim each glass in cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch of flavor. This step may seem a bit over the top, but trust me, itโs needed. It adds just the right amount of sweetness, and well, itโs fun.
Lastly, shake it all together, strain into a glass, and finish with the smoking sprig of rosemary. I serve my Halloween cocktails in these skeleton glasses from Pottery Barn. Iโve had them for years, but I still love breaking them out every time Halloween rolls around.
Serious questionโฆ
And lastly, I have a question for you guys! I had the hardest time naming this drink. The scary truth is that I had the PERFECT name for this. But then forgot itโฆI just cannot remember what it was! I feel like it had something to do with blood, but after hours of scratching my brain, I gave up and settled on Sleepy Hollow. Donโt get me wrong, this name is great, and I do think itโs especially fitting for this drink, but Iโm curiousโฆ
What would you guys call this cocktail? Cannot wait to hear your ideas!
Hope you guys are having an awesome Saturday that ends with some frighteningly spooky halloween cocktails tonight!
If you make the sleepy hallow cocktail, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Sleepy Hollow Cocktail.
Ingredientsย
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- zest from 1 orange
- cinnamon sugar, to rim glass
- 1/4 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice
- 2 ounces tequila or Mezcal
- orange bitters, a couple dashes
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
- sparkling water, for topping
Instructionsย
- 1. To make the honey syrup, in a small pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, and rosemary to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, add the orange zest, then remove from the heat. Let cool. The syrup can be kept in a glass jar for up to 2 weeks.2. To make the cocktail. Rim glasses in cinnamon sugar, if desired. 3. Combine the pomegranate juice, tequila, a couple of dashes of bitters, a pinch of cinnamon, and 1-2 tablespoons of the honey syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake to combine. Strain into glass.ย Top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with rosemary. If desired light on fire for a smoky effect.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Sleepy Hollow Punch
Ingredientsย
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- zest from 1 orange
- cinnamon sugar, to rim glasses
- 1 1/2 cups pomegranate or cranberry juice
- 12 ounces tequila or Mezcal , (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons orange bitters
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2-4 cans sparkling, water for topping
Instructionsย
- 1. To make the honey syrup, In a small pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, and rosemary to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, add the orange zest, then remove from the heat. Let cool. 2. In a large pitcher, combine the pomegranate juice, tequila, bitters, cinnamon, and all of the honey syrup. Chill until ready to serve. 3. When ready to serve, If desired, rim glasses in cinnamon sugar, fill with ice. Pour the punch into glasses, add the sparkling water. Garnish with rosemary. If desired light on fire for a smoky effect.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Would you have any other alcohol substitutions that you recommend? Iโm wondering gin or whiskey, specifically. Thanks!
Hey Sabrina,
I haven’t tested this recipe with either, but you could certainly give it a try! Let me know how it turns out. Cheers!
โBloodier than Maryโ
Love the cocktail glasses! Where can I find those?
Thanks so much, Michelle! The glasses are from pottery barn. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx
The simple syrup with honey, rosemary and orange zest is a game changer. Idk how this recipe works together, I was skeptical at first, but it just does! It’s really tasty and worth the extra ingredients/steps. If you’re comparing it to a more “simple” cocktail, just go with this one – the difference is noticeable
Hey Tasha,
Love to hear this! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment! Happy Thanksgiving! XxT
This drink is absolutely delicious!! Just sitting here enjoying it before all the trick-or-treaters arrive! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Carin,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this cocktail was a winner, I appreciate you making it and your feedback! xx
Could this be topped with ginger beer instead of sparking water?
Yeah, definitely! xT
Nice great ideas
Thank you!! xT
Can you make this ahead of time in a pitcher? And how so?
Hi Becca! Yes, you could make ahead of time by combining all of the ingredients except for the alcohol and then when you’re ready to serve just add in the alcohol! xT
Could this be made as a mocktail?
Yes, I would just use your favorite sparkling water! xT