Next Post
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
The Sleepy Hollow Cocktail…the “spookiest” 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 “spooky” touch. This cocktail is warming, delicious, and perfect for Halloween.
As promised, we’re back with another Cocktail Saturday, and this one is one of my “spookiest” yet.
You guys, I know I say this in almost every Cocktail Saturday post, but honestly, these drinks are my favorite. I have SO much fun creating these. I’m 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. They’re 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 details…
Everyone, meet the “sleepy hollow” cocktail.
This is basically just an autumn margarita made extra special 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 can’t go wrong.
And…this drink is so easy, it’s made with zero fancy liquors, 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. This step may seem a bit over the top, but trust me, it’s needed. It adds just the right amount of sweetness, and well, it’s 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. I’ve had them for years, but I still love breaking them out every time Halloween rolls around.
Serious question…
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 it…I just cann
ot 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. Don’t get me wrong, this name is great, and I do think it’s especially fitting for this drink, but I’m curious…
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 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, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Sleepy Hollow Cocktail.
Servings: 1
Calories Per Serving: 239 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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. Top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with rosemary. If desired light on fire for a smoky effect.
Sleepy Hollow Punch
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 417 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
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