By Nevin Martell
Whether you plan on dressing up as Captain America, a naughty nurse or an Occupy Wall Street protester, you should treat yourself to some tricked out cocktails this Halloween season. All over town, mixologists are getting into the spirit by creating drinks that are both frighteningly good and eerily inventive. Our four favorites might freak you out a little bit at first, but it’s worth overcoming your fear factor to give them a try.
Eyeball Lychee Martini at Lincoln
This, um, eye-catching concoction features an orb of whiskey-soaked lychee masquerading as a lost peeper. It sits at the bottom of a crystal clear martini made with white whiskey, a splash of lemon juice, a dash of Cointreau and a little lychee puree. This oracular spectacular costs $7, but the joy you’ll get from watching a dining companion flip out when you eat the “eyeball” is priceless.
The Brain Fluid at Hudson
Only around Halloween would we feel comfortable ordering something called the Brain Fluid. Even though we love offal, this just sounds horrifying. Luckily, Hudson’s master mixologists have created a craft cocktail with vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Midori melon liqueur that’s terrifyingly tasty. At only $7, this is a boo-tiful (sorry, we couldn’t resist) way to celebrate the season.
El Diablo at J&G Steakhouse
Going to hell has never tasted so good. But beware, the El Diablo packs a punch. Lunazul silver tequila is sassed up with black currant-y crème de cassis, freshly squeezed limejuice and spicy ginger beer. The devilishly delish drink is only available at the wine bar on Halloween night. It’ll set you back $5 during the five o’clock hour, $6 for the next hour and $7 from 7:00-7:30 p.m.
John o’ Lantern at Ripple
Mixologist Josh Berner was inspired to create this cocktail by a Halloween performance of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind he saw a decade ago. The cult theatre phenomenon attempts to tell 30 stories in 60 minutes, but Berner’s carefully considered creation only includes four ingredients: Johnny Walker red, lime, pumpkin and red chili flakes. This makes the $12 cocktail taste autumnal, cirtrus-y, spicy and malt-y all at once.
