Back from the grave, and in honor of the day, we bring you more spooky drinks for a haunted Halloween.
BY J. MARIE CARLAN
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photo by Akin Cakiner via Unsplash
Trick or treat, my sweets! It is All Hallow’s Eve, the night of the infernal nocturnal feast. Just when you thought “Drinks From the Crypt“ might finally be laid to rest, its eerie shadow emerges from the coffin. Whether you gather above or below ground this season, prepare to be tantalized by treats from beyond this mortal realm.
Halloween Ends Iced Black Mocha
Deadly Grounds Coffee in Canada is a horror-themed coffee shop notable for its spooky coffee blends and its company car: a hearse. “Probably our most unique creation this year was a beverage we created as a partnership with Universal Pictures and the Halloween Ends movie,“ says Deadly Grounds’ Brad Mavin. “Our Halloween Ends Iced Black Mocha combines black cocoa, white chocolate, espresso, and house-made raspberry coulis, and is topped with sweet cold foam.” Michael Myers would approve if he weren’t too busy chasing Laurie Strode.
Cauldron Bubble
Portland, Ore.’s Coffee Beer never shies away from a spooky time: They have a resident skeleton year-round. This year’s extensive fall menu includes the iced Cauldron Bubble, conjured up by bar manager Nik Scheuermann. It starts with apple cider, orange bitters, and soda. A splash of cardamom syrup rounds out this concoction, reminiscent of haunted orchards and grisly tales by a bonfire.
Bloody Velvet CB
Perhaps a luxurious bath in the blood of your enemies is what your calloused heart craves? Never fear. The Bloody Velvet from XO Coffee Shop in Kissimmee, Fla., is here to satisfy. The pros at XO top this chilly red velvet cold brew base with a decadent cream cheese foam, perfect for an evening of opulence.
Scissorhands
Hollywood, Calif., is home to many creature features and Horror Vibes Coffee. (L.A. locals will be pleased to know there is a second sinister location in NoHo.) Horror art, haunted dolls, and movie character-inspired drinks make this a can’t-miss spot for those of the spooky persuasion. Inspired by the question, “What would Edward drink?“ the Scissorhands latte is made with chocolate and hazelnut, topped with chocolate drizzle. This is the most requested menu item at Horror Vibes, even for people with human hands.
Terror-Me-Sue Latte
Sometimes when you stare too long into the void of your coffee drink, the void stares back. The Terror-Me-Sue at Southeastern Roastery in Baltimore “is a tiramisu latte with a pumpkin spice twist,“ says lead roaster and shop owner Candy Schibli—a delicious spin on a spooky classic.
Until next year, ghouls and goblins, make merry and drink up these drinks from the crypt! And don’t forget to check your kids’ Halloween candy; I found a whole pumpkin spiced latte inside a king-size candy bar.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J. Marie Carlan (she/they) is the online editor for Barista Magazine. She’s been a barista for over a decade and writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. When she’s not behind the espresso bar or toiling over content, you can find her perusing record stores, collecting bric-a-brac, writing poetry, and trying to keep the plants alive in her Denver apartment. She occasionally updates her blog.
