haunted mansion margarita
I’m sure some of the ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion were sipping on this drink while waiting for the green plumber to arrive with his vacuum.
Not gonna lie dudes, that game scared the shit out of me. I tried to play it but got so spooked that I don’t think I even zapped up a single ghoul. Kinda reminds me, too, of my fear of the final battle with Bowser on Yoshi’s Island. He’d start to charge Yoshi if you took too long to defeat him and the sudden engulfment alarmed me so much that I’d throw the controller at my mom and make her finish.
Yep, I’m a wuss, what can I say.
This cocktail, however, is a frighteningly good time. Nothing to be scared of here. We’ve got a rich pomegranate syrup mingling with tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, and lime juice, all the good shit in a classic margarita. A perfect companion while you sit by waiting for Trick or Treaters to come knocking on the door, maybe while watching Nightmare Before Christmas or Dracula or whatever you’re into.
Just don’t get so wrapped up in your drink and movie that you get startled by your doorbell ringing and dump your cocktail on the floor. That would suck.
Scary Good Stuff
The pomegranate syrup is a bit of a unique twist for this drink. Reducing pomegranate juice and sugar lends a rich, sweet tinge and a gorgeous deep color. I enjoyed this rendition more than my test with straight pomegranate juice, which I found too bitter.
To make, simply combine pomegranate juice and sugar in a small saucepan and simmer until reduced by half or so. The consistency should be akin to honey. Move the pan off the heat and let cool a bit while you mosey around gathering your cocktail ingredients.
Snag your cocktail shaker and combine some of the syrup (you will have leftovers, FYI – stow any remaining in the fridge for up to two weeks and you’re good to go!) with tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake with ice until cold.
Pour into your favorite cocktail glass, garnish with a rosemary sprig, and call it a day! Or a night.
Enjoy the weekend, folks! And if you’re reading this on Halloween, have a safe and fun evening, whatever you might be doing and wherever you might end up.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Seasonal drinks to fall for:
haunted mansion margarita
Ingredients
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 oz tequila
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1 oz Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- sparkling water or sparkling apple cider, to top
- rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer the pomegranate juice and sugar, stirring frequently, until the liquid thickens and reduces by about half, about 8-10 minutes. The syrup is done when it's the consistency of honey. Move the pot off the heat and let cool.
- In a shaker, combine 1 oz of the pomegranate syrup with tequila, apple cider, Cointreau, and lime juice. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Pour into your favorite spooky cocktail glass and top with sparkling water or sparkling cider. Garnish with a rosemary sprig. Terrify your friends with your mad bartending skills. OooOOOOoooOh.
