Craft bartender Clair McLafferty is bringing tricks and treats to those looking to celebrate the season with some spooky sips in her newest cocktail book, “Spooky Cocktails.”
With over 100 craft drink recipes, including traditional alcoholic beverages with a frightening twist as well as select non-alcoholic mocktail recipes, McLafferty offers a little something for everyone in this newest recipe book, inspiring cocktail and holiday enthusiasts alike to get into the spirit of spooky season.
“This book is my love letter to Halloween,” said McLafferty. “Even when it’s 90 degrees outside, I hope these drinks transport you to another world and get you excited for spooky season.”
While creating the recipes in “Spooky Cocktails,” McLafferty wanted to ensure that people of all ages could not only enjoy the beverages but safely make them with ease. She dedicates the opening of the book to key tips for stocking a bar and mixing “potions” that are safe for consumption.
“Spooky season is the perfect time to pull out all the stops on impressive drinks,” writes McLafferty. “Mixing drinks is both a science and an art, and is more comparable to baking than cooking. As such, misusing ingredients can be extremely dangerous—and not in a fun way. Ingredients like dry ice, active charcoal, and even the use of grapefruit can be harmful if not used with caution.”
McLafferty includes recipes for every occasion, whether you are hosting a large gathering or looking to experiment on your own. The book is broken up into several sections with creative titles such as ‘Boo-ze Free Drinks’ (non-alcoholic cocktails), ‘Winter Campfire Tales’ (drinks inspired by cooler weather), and ‘Creature Feature’ (beverages related to mythical monsters).
“Spooky Cocktails” is McLafferty’s third book, following her two other cocktail recipe books: “Romantic Cocktails” and “The Classic & Craft Cocktail Recipe Book.”
“The recipes in this book are hauntingly delicious,” said McLafferty. “It doesn’t matter if this is your first time experimenting with bartending or if you call yourself a mixologist. This book has something for everyone.”
“Spooky Cocktails” is available now from Cider Mill Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and other booksellers.
