Looking for a fun drink for your next spooky party or maybe just a Halloween night in? The Graveyard Smash Cocktail is a simple, tasty option that really stands out.
This drink mixes dark berries, fresh herbs, and a splash of rum for a bright color and a refreshing taste. I love that it’s easy to make with stuff I usually have on hand, and it always looks impressive in the glass.
If you want a festive cocktail that’s not a hassle and perfect for sharing, you’ll probably want to give this one a try.
Graveyard Smash Cocktail Recipe
I like to make the Graveyard Smash when I want something that mixes classic spirits and has that spooky vibe. The recipe uses common liquors, basic tools, and just a few steps to build a fun cocktail for parties or Halloween.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: This is what I use to mix and chill the drink.
- Strainer: Lets me pour without getting ice in the glass.
- Jigger or measuring cup: Makes it easier to get the right amount of each ingredient.
- Muddler: Perfect for smashing fresh mint or berries, if I feel like adding them.
- Short glass: I go with a lowball or rocks glass for serving.
- Bar spoon: Sometimes I just stir instead of shaking.
- Ice cubes: Gotta keep things cold, right?
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz rum
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 oz triple sec
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 2 oz cola
- Optional: ¼ oz simple syrup for a little extra sweetness
- Optional garnish: Fresh mint leaves or a lemon wheel
- Optional: A splash of scotch if you want some smoky flavor
I stick with clear spirits for that crisp taste. The whiskey, rum, and tequila make it hearty and layered.
The juices and cola balance out the strong alcohol flavors, so it’s not just a boozy punch.
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey, triple sec, lemon juice, and lime juice.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds, just until it’s good and cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cola.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- If I’m in the mood, I’ll add a splash of scotch for that smoky twist.
- Garnish with fresh mint or a slice of lemon.
Notes
This cocktail is pretty strong, with six types of alcohol. I always shake it well to chill and blend everything.
Sometimes I’ll tone it down by adding more cola or citrus juice—depends on what I’m feeling.
If I’m missing one of the spirits, I just swap in a little more of another. Like, no gin? A bit more vodka or rum works fine.
Want it sweeter? Add more simple syrup.
For garnish, I’ve thrown in gummy worms or candy eyeballs to make it extra spooky for Halloween. Just a heads up: the Graveyard Smash is best sipped slowly, since it’s got a lot of kick.
Equipment
- Jigger or measuring glass
- Muddler (optional, for mint or berries)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz rum
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 oz triple sec
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 2 oz cola
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with cola and stir gently.
- (Optional) Add a splash of scotch for smoky flavor.
- Garnish with mint, lemon wheel, or Halloween-themed candy.
Tasting Notes
First sip? I notice a bold berry flavor. The blackberry and mint give it this sweet, slightly tart vibe.
Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick. There’s also a hint of earthiness from the muddled mint, which keeps it from going overboard on sweetness.
Here’s how I’d break down the flavors:
- First Taste: Juicy berry sweetness, refreshing mint
- Middle: Tangy lemon, smooth spirit finish
- Aftertaste: Crisp and cool, a little mint lingering
I’m a fan of the deep purple color in the glass. Crushed ice makes every sip extra refreshing.
The Graveyard Smash isn’t too strong or too sweet for me. It’s just right for sipping slowly, especially outside in the evening.
If you like fruity drinks that aren’t sugar bombs, this one’s probably up your alley.
Substitute
If I don’t have all the original ingredients, I just get a little creative. Here’s what I do to make a Graveyard Smash work, even if my kitchen’s missing a thing or two.
Ingredients:
- Out of fresh blackberries? I’ll grab frozen ones, or honestly, a spoonful of blackberry jam does the trick.
- No lemon juice? I’ll squeeze a lime, or even toss in a splash of orange juice—it’s not the same, but it’s fun to mix it up.
- And if bourbon’s missing from the cabinet, I’ll reach for rum, whiskey, or sometimes even vodka.
Equipment:
- No muddler? I just use a spoon. It’s not fancy, but it works.
- Cocktail shaker gone missing? Any jar with a lid gets the job done for me.
A classic Graveyard Smash usually calls for stout, but sometimes I just pour in a dark beer. If there’s a non-alcoholic stout around, that’s honestly a pretty good stand-in too.
Instructions:
- When I’m using jam, I muddle it in carefully to make sure it blends in.
- Swapping out the spirit? I’ll taste and tweak the sweetness, since it changes things a bit.
- Pouring the beer or stout gently is key—gotta keep that nice foam on top.
