Halloweekend is a festive time for Cougs, whether it’s spent hitting the bars, dressing to impress, hopping through house parties or staying home watching spooky movies with friends. For our Cougs 21 and older, the Halloweekend festivities may involve a little indulging, but basic cocktails are boring. The only thing spooky about jungle juice is not knowing what’s in it. We need drinks that match the occasion.

As a self-proclaimed mixologist, I wanted to fix this problem. I spent time brewing and mixing delicious concoctions in my cauldron to create fun, festive drinks that you can make yourself for any Halloweekend activity. For Cougs who are underage or don’t like drinking alcohol, don’t fret — I’ve also created non-alcoholic versions of each drink.

Bewitched (Mixed Drink)

Do you want a drink that enthralls your friends with each sip and leaves a tingle on the lips? A drink that makes you feel like an enchantress ready to charm anyone you meet and put them under your spell? Bewitched is just the mixed drink for you, a charming blend of sweet and spicy.

Ingredients:

• ½ shot of a spicy liquor. Any brand of tequila can work, but I recommend using spicy tamarind vodka. The half shot adds a spicy kick — don’t overpour, as it will overpower the flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a spicy-flavored mixer.
• 1 ½ shots of strawberry rum, or any sweet, fruity rum. Avoid citrus-flavored liquor, as sour doesn’t charm the tongue.
• 1 cup of strawberry lemonade Powerade. It may seem like a weird choice, but it’s filled with electrolytes and has a strong flavor that masks the alcohol.
• A dash of edible glitter to make the drink look mesmerizing. The pink color of the Powerade makes the mixed drink look like a potion.

BUTCHered (Cocktail)

Are you planning a Halloween movie night with friends? If slasher films have you on edge while watching the poor characters drop like flies, then BUTCHered is for you. A sweet and bitter drink might take the edge off, but the insidious deep crimson color might leave you wondering whose blood is in the glass. The skin of the kiwi oddly resembles Butch’s fur…

Ingredients:

• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1 oz vodka (optional)
• 1 oz raspberry liqueur (or raspberry grenadine)
• 3 oz tonic water
• Fresh blackberries for garnish
• Kiwi skin to drape on the side (poor Butch)

Instructions:

1. In a glass filled with ice, add pomegranate juice, vodka and raspberry liqueur.
2. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
3. Garnish with fresh blackberries and kiwi skin.

Ghosted (Shot)

Shots can be hard to take — the taste often leaves you with a nasty shake, sending shivers down your spine. If you want a shot that goes down so easy it leaves you wondering where it went, Ghosted is for you. But beware: taking too many of these shots will leave you haunted in the morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vanilla vodka (can be replaced with vanilla crème)
• 1 oz coconut cream
• ½ oz RumChata (can be replaced with horchata)
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker with ice, combine vanilla vodka and coconut cream. Shake well.
2. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
3. Carefully layer the RumChata on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
4. Top with a small dollop of whipped cream to create a ghostly effect.

If you plan on drinking during Halloweekend, please remember to drink responsibly, and most importantly, have fun!