Sip on your darkest desires with a Vampire’s Kiss cocktail. This boozy, sweet-tart blend of raspberry and cranberry is lightened up with a touch of bubbles that will leave you craving more all night long!
I’ve always been drawn to the allure of vampires.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of horror films and shows. Growing up, The X-Files was my favorite show, and I remember seeing The Children of the Corn long before I was able to comprehend the lengthy novel it was based off of.
I also remember being petrified, but fascinated, by those sharp-toothed, blood-sucking creatures of the night. For the longest time, I worried that one would somehow find its way into my house and leave marks on my neck in my sleep.
Obviously, I made it to adulthood with no desire for blood – but a playful little vampire cocktail? Sign me up!
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
There’s nothing that screams Halloween quite like a bubbling brew, right?
This fun, devilish looking red cocktail is no exception! It’s the perfect signature drink for (adult!) Halloween parties, themed gatherings, and even cozy nights in with friends or a loved one. Serve it as a pair with a tray of these fun Gummy Bear Shot and appeal to any audience!
Why your guests will love this Vampire’s Kiss Cocktail
- They’re so quick and easy to whip up – 5 minutes and a cocktail shaker are all you need.
- The classic fruit flavors fit every palate.
- The festive garnishes and spooky smoke make it a true conversation starter!
Serve these cocktails with dark chocolate anything, like these Spicy Little Devil’s Food Cupcakes. Cheese boards and small bites like these Crispy Prosciutto Cups or Caramel Apple Shortbread Bruschetta also pair nicely with the sweet-tart flavors in this festive vodka martini.
Ingredients
There are only four components to this spooky martini – and one of them is optional!
- Vodka – the lightest of all liquors, and the base of the best martinis, which is exactly what this is!
- Cranberry juice – I recommend the 100% cranberry stuff! If you prefer your drinks sweeter, a cranberry-fruit cocktail juice is just fine.
- Raspberry liqueur – Chambord, or something similar works just as well.
- Champagne or sparkling wine – totally optional, but the boozy bubbles are a nice addition.
The garnishes used in this vampire’s kiss cocktail are optional, but they make it so much more fun! The “bloody” drizzle on the glass can be recreated using red decorating gel, or by mixing red food coloring with light corn syrup or honey. And the “stake” with the fruit “heart” is a quirky little addition.
For the full effect seen in these photos, pick up some dry ice from your local grocery store. Just be sure to check out the dry ice safety tips below before using it!
For exact ingredient measurements and recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
How to use dry ice safely in drinks
Using dry ice is fun, but requires safe and careful handling due to its extremely cold temperature.
- Drop by the store just before your party or event to buy your dry ice, no more than 3 hours. Unlike normal ice, it doesn’t last more than a few hours in the freezer. Store the dry ice in a well-insulated container, like a cooler with a vented lid. Avoid airtight containers, as the gas buildup can produce excess pressure.
- The smoke dry ice releases is actually sublimating carbon dioxide gas, so make sure you’re using it in a well-ventilated room. And be sure to keep it away from curious children and nosy pets!
- Don’t touch the dry ice with your bare hands! Always wear cold-resistant gloves or oven mitts when handling bags of dry ice. Avoid direct skin contact, as it can cause frostbite.
- Drop the bag of ice in the sink or on the floor to break up the large chunks. Use a hammer or meat mallet to break the dry ice into smaller pieces while it’s still inside the bag. Use tongs to transfer pieces of it into your finished drinks.
- Do not ingest dry ice! Instruct your guests to wait until the ice has completely dissolved and disappeared to drink these cocktails. It takes roughly 5 minutes for this to happen, so stage a bunch of these babies, watch the show, and enjoy them when the smoke clears. I promise, they’ll be plenty cold!
- If there is any dry ice left over, simply let it smoke itself out in a well-ventilated container. Don’t let it come in direct contact with ceramic or tiled countertops or floors, as it could crack them. Don’t flush even small pieces down the drain or into a garbage disposal, as it can freeze and burst sewer pipes.
How to make a Vampire’s Kiss cocktail
- Rim two martini glasses with red decorating gel (or corn syrup mixed with red food coloring), if desired. Place the glasses on a plate (to catch any drips) and set them in the refrigerator to chill. This keeps the drips from melting down the glass too quickly once condensation from the liquid appears.
- When you’re ready to make your drinks, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and raspberry liqueur.
- Cover and shake for about 30 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker has frosted.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled, prepared glasses. Top off each drink with champagne or sparkling wine, to taste as desired.
- Garnish each cocktail with a skewered cherry, raspberry, or cranberries.
FAQ
Can I make a batch of this ahead of time?
Sure can! The recipe below makes 2 cocktails, but you can easily multiply all of the ingredients to serve several! Just mix up everything – minus the bubbles – in a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator until party time. You can even serve it up in a punch bowl with a bottle of chilled champagne on the side.
What else can I rim this vampire cocktail with?
If food coloring is a no for you, try dipping the glass in water or simple syrup, then in red sprinkles, red sanding sugar, or colored cocktail sugar. You could also drip chocolate sauce down the side instead, creating a dramatic look while adding a unique flavor.
Can I skip the champagne?
Of course! It’s an optional addition. If you’d prefer something a bit sweeter and less dry, splash in Prosecco, Moscato di Asti, or another sparkling wine. You can also just add a bit of sparkling water or club soda if you feel like your drink is strong enough with the vodka!
Thinking of making a few of these Vampire’s Kiss Cocktails this Halloween? Snap a photo and share it with us on social media! We’d love to see your beautifully bloody renditions of this fun drink!
Looking for more Halloween cocktail recipes to delight your guests with?
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Vampire’s Kiss Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 1 ounce raspberry liqueur
- 2-4 ounces champagne or sparkling wine, to taste
- Fresh cherries, raspberries, or cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Rim two martini glasses with red decorating gel (or corn syrup mixed with food coloring) if desired. Place the glasses on a plate and set them in the refrigerator to chill.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and raspberry liqueur. Cover and shake for about 30 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker has frosted.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled glasses. Top off with champagne or sparkling wine, to taste as desired. Garnish with a skewered cherry, raspberry, or cranberries.
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