Crimson Kraken Cocktail

Hauntingly Good Halloween Rum Cocktail

The Crimson Kraken is your new favorite Halloween rum cocktail - a dark and stormy beauty laced with a blood-red twist. We're taking the classic Kraken cocktail and giving it a wicked makeover with our homemade berry blood syrup. The result? A hauntingly beautiful drink that's as eerie as it is elegant, shimmering with crimson hues and topped with ginger beer for that bubbly, mysterious finish. And best of all? It's easy to make, even on the busiest spooky night.

Curious what makes this cocktail so hauntingly good?

If you're a fan of the classic Dark & Stormy or my original Kraken cocktail, you're going to fall head over broomstick for this Halloween version. It's rich, moody, and just the right amount of creepy - the perfect match for a haunted house party or a cozy night in with your favorite scary movie. Pair it with a slice of this gorgeously marbled Halloween cheesecake or explore more spooky drinks from my Halloween recipe collection for the ultimate themed celebration!

Now, let's talk about the look. If you have a glass that's dark at the bottom and light at the top, or even better, a goblet with a bit of smoky tint, you'll get that eerie gradient that makes the Crimson Kraken so photo-worthy. Want to go the extra spooky mile? Rim the glass with a little berry syrup for a dramatic blood-drip effect. Totally optional, but delightfully chilling.

What I love most about this spooky cocktail recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Just stir the Kraken Black Spiced Rum, lime juice, and berry syrup in a mixing glass, pour it over ice, top with fizzy ginger beer, and ta-da! You've summoned a monster of a cocktail that's dying to be admired.

Whether you're throwing a themed party or just embracing your inner witch for the night, The Crimson Kraken will be your loyal companion. It's a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally spellbinding! A Halloween cocktail with berry syrup that tastes as good as it looks.

Ready to mix your own spooky magic?

Let's dive into the ingredients, tips, and that gorgeously gory recipe card below! 🖤👻

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

• Kraken Black Spiced Rum
  • The star of our show! Rich with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, Kraken brings the stormy drama to this cocktail. If you love a moody, flavorful base - this one's for you. (And yes, it's basically Halloween in a bottle.)

• Ginger beer
  • Choose a bold, spicy ginger beer to contrast beautifully with the sweet berry syrup. Fever Tree is my favorite! Avoid ginger ale here. It's too mild for the job.

• Berry blood syrup
  • This spooky essential is made from frozen mixed berries and sugar - simple, homemade, and gloriously gory. You can grab the full recipe here! You'll love how this berry syrup for Halloween drinks swirls through the glass like a haunted fog.

• Lime juice
  • Just a touch brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness. Freshly squeezed, please!

• Cubed Ice

• Optional: Lime slice for garnish
  • It adds a zesty little halo. Use it if you're feeling extra fancy. Or garnish with gummy worms for full-on Halloween vibes!

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Stir the storm.
In a mixing glass, add the Kraken Black Spiced Rum, fresh lime juice, and berry blood syrup. Stir gently until combined. No need to shake - we want the drink to stay smooth and silky.

Step 2: Pour the magic.
Fill your glass with ice. Slowly pour the rum mixture over the ice, and then top it off with chilled ginger beer.

Step 3: Garnish and serve.
Add a lime slice (or your Halloween garnish of choice). Serve immediately and cackle proudly - you've conjured something delicious.

👻 Batch version

🎉 Hosting a spooky party?

To serve six, use:

• 300 ml (9 oz) Kraken Black Spiced Rum
• 60 ml (2 oz) fresh lime juice
• 60 ml (2 oz) homemade berry blood syrup
• 600 ml (20 oz) ginger beer
• Ice, for serving
• Lime slices or spooky garnishes (gummy worms, lychee "eyeballs," etc.)

How to mix:
In a pitcher, stir together the Kraken rum, lime juice, and berry blood syrup. When ready to serve, fill six glasses with ice, divide the rum mixture among them, and top each with ginger beer. Garnish and serve immediately with eerie flair

🌡️  Storage

This Halloween cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. The ginger beer will lose its fizz over time. However, you can prep the base (rum, lime, syrup) a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge.

🍽 Equipment

• Mixing glass
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Bar spoon
• Halloween-style glass (optional, but fabulous)
• Ice cube tray or freezer

If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.

📖 Recipe

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.