Spooktacular sips: Chicago's most bewitching Halloween cocktails

Spooky season has arrived in Chicago and what better way to celebrate than with Halloween-inspired cocktails? Don’t miss these deliciously ghoulish concoctions at six of the best bars across Chicago.  

Estelle’s

• Now - Thursday, October 31

Head to Estelle’s in Wicker Park for three spooky drink specials: the $6 Toxic Waste Shots include rum, coconut tequila, gin, melon liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice; the $13 Dark and Spooky cocktail is made with Gosling's Black rum, Eagle Park Ekto Cooler, and lime juice; and the $8 Ekto Kooler seltzer includes a gummy worm garnish. 

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago

• Monday, October 21 - Thursday, October 31

The Hard Rock Cafe Chicago in River North will showcase the BOOberry Zombie craft cocktail for $14.50. This Halloween delight is made with  Bacardi Superior rum, triple sec, pineapple, and fresh lime, topped with a pomegranate garnish.

I|O Godfrey at The Godfrey 

• Friday, October 25 - Thursday, October 31

Known for its happy hours and dreamy cocktails, I|O Godfrey will feature four new Halloween cocktails, ranging from $17 to $18 each. Try the Midnight Freeze with Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose, dry Rosé, strawberry lemonade, and activated charcoal for a tangy twist. The Sangre Sangria consists of frozen fruit granita, The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc, Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom, and Caposaldo Moscato. The Alien Blood features Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, fresh lemon juice, and, of course, alien blood. Lastly, The Substance comes with Bulleit Bourbon, Giffard Passion Fruit Liqueur, and fresh lemon.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

• Friday, October 25 - Thursday, October 31

At both its River North and West Loop locations, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila will introduce a Halloween cocktail called Fuego Verde and a Halloween shot called the Chupa Picante. The specialty cocktail will feature Jose Cuervo Devil’s Reserve Tequila, Midori, and cucumber for a spicy yet refreshing experience. The shot will consist of a chilled Jose Cuervo Devil’s Reserve Tequila shot with a tajin rim.

LAUREL at The Talbott Hotel 

• Saturday, October 26 - Thursday, October 31

Head to LAUREL, the newest restaurant inside The Talbott Hotel in Gold Coast, to try three new Halloween cocktails: the Moonlight Margarita with Aztec Azul Tequila, blood orange, and charcoal; the Ghoulish Gimlet with Lighthouse Gin and honeydew slime; and the Mary’s Blood Martini with bloody mary infused Downtown Vodka and “blood” rim.

Sweetwater Tavern & Grille

• Part of the regular menu 

The Magnificent Mile’s Sweetwater Tavern & Grill has added a Halloween cocktail to its regular menu. The $15.49 Blue Zombie comes with Bacardi Superior, Appleton Estate rum, blue curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, and bitters.