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Halloween isn’t just for candy and costumes anymore. Grown-ups are getting in on the spooky fun with festive cocktails that impress without keeping guests wired for hours. One cocktail that’s become a must-have for chic Halloween gatherings is an espresso martini with a playful twist from Ina Garten herself. I’m taking notes! This fun Halloween cocktail is designed to feel special, seasonal and just a little mysterious, perfect for serving at a party where presentation matters as much as taste. Fans who have tried it say it’s rich, creamy and just the right mix of sweet and coffee-forward, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 One commenter gushed, “This is to die for. So delicious and perfectly balanced,” while another noted, “Everyone loved these. Sitting by the fire on Halloween night enjoying them was wonderful.” Others shared that it feels professional without needing a bartender, so you can easily make a batch at home. The Simple Trick That Makes It Halloween-Ready The secret twist that makes this Halloween espresso martini stand out is orange-flavored vodka. Ina Garten swaps out regular vodka for this citrusy version, giving the cocktail a festive black and orange vibe. Combined with chilled decaf espresso, coffee liqueur and ice, it creates a layered, frothy drink that is both visually striking and full of flavor. To serve a crowd, you can prepare the base in a pitcher and shake individual portions with ice to achieve that signature foamy top. Garnish each drink with a twist of orange peel for an elegant, seasonal touch. This simple swap from @inagarten elevates a classic cocktail into a showstopper without requiring extra steps or complicated ingredients. How to Make It Perfect Every Time To make it at home, chill your martini glasses while you combine the ingredients in a pitcher. Ina’s batched recipe that serves 8 people calls for two cups of chilled espresso, two cups of orange vodka (she recommends Stoli Ohrani), one cup of coffee liquor (she suggests Kahlua), and eight slices of twisted orange peel. Once you’re ready to serve, shake individual portions of the batched espresso martini vigorously until it looks frosty with a creamy foam on top. Then, strain it into your chilled martini glasses and add the orange peel to garnish.
