As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, two of the most exciting events of the autumn season are just around the corner—Halloween and Bonfire Night! These two beloved celebrations are steeped in history, fun traditions, and, of course, great opportunities to get creative with your drinks and snacks. Whether you’re hosting a frightfully fun Halloween bash or gathering around a bonfire with friends and family, Bargain Booze has everything you need to make the season truly special.
But before we dive into spooky sips and warming Bonfire Night brews, let’s look at some interesting facts about these two iconic celebrations.
Fun Facts About Halloween
- Origins in Samhain: Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a celebration marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth.
- Trick-or-Treating: The modern tradition of trick-or-treating has roots in the medieval practice of “souling,” where the poor would go door-to-door on All Souls’ Day, offering prayers in exchange for food.
- Jack-o’-Lanterns: The original Jack-o’-lanterns were not made from pumpkins! In Ireland, turnips were hollowed out and carved to ward off evil spirits. When Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, pumpkins became the go-to choice.
Fun Facts About Bonfire Night
- Remember, Remember: Bonfire Night (also known as Guy Fawkes Night) commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The event is remembered with bonfires, fireworks, and the burning of effigies of Fawkes.
- Fireworks Tradition: The fireworks that light up the sky every Bonfire Night symbolise the explosives that were never used in the plot. It’s a reminder of the danger that was averted on that fateful night over 400 years ago.
- Bonfire Snacks: Traditional Bonfire Night treats often include toffee apples, hot chocolate, and roasted sausages—perfect comfort food for a chilly November evening.
Trick-or-Treat Yourself: Halloween Fun and Drinks
Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and, of course, delicious food and drinks! Whether you’re throwing a party or just enjoying a spooky night in, we’ve got some great ideas to keep the frightful festivities going.
Halloween Treats to Haunt Your Guests
Hotdog Fingers
Turn simple hotdogs into terrifying “fingers” for a truly creepy snack. These are sure to get some screams before they get eaten.
Ingredients:
-
- Hotdogs
- Hotdog buns
- Ketchup
- Sliced almonds (for the “fingernails”)
Instructions:
- Boil or grill your hotdogs as usual.
- To create the “fingers,” cut small slits in the hotdogs to mimic knuckle lines.
- Cut a flat section at the top of the hotdog and press in a sliced almond to look like a fingernail.
- Place the hotdogs in buns and drizzle ketchup around the “fingernails” for a bloody effect.
- Serve warm and watch as your guests hesitate to eat them!
Banana Ghosts
These cute banana ghosts are not only healthy but easy to make. They’re perfect for adding a lighter option to your Halloween spread.
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate chips
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Peel and halve the bananas.
- Press two dark chocolate chips into each banana half for eyes.
- Add a mini chocolate chip below the eyes for the ghost’s mouth.
- Place them on a tray and refrigerate to keep them firm before serving.
Spooky Spirits for Halloween
No Halloween party is complete without a few spine-tingling cocktails, and our selection of spiced and flavoured spirits will add a dash of mystery to your evening.
Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced & Cherry Rums: Dead Man’s Fingers brings the bold flavours of spiced rum and cherry rum – perfect for creating rich, spooky cocktails. Try mixing the spiced rum with cola or ginger beer for a simple yet delicious drink. Or, get creative with a Blood Red Rum Punch by combining Dead Man’s Fingers Cherry with cranberry juice, lime, and a splash of soda water.
Kraken Spiced & Cherry Vanilla Rums: Kraken’s dark, mysterious bottles fit right into any Halloween setting. The classic spiced rum is great for making warming drinks on chilly autumn nights, while the cherry vanilla flavour adds a touch of sweetness to your cocktails. Shake up a Dark Seas Daiquiri using Kraken Cherry Vanilla, lime juice, and simple syrup, served in a coupe glass for a sleek, dark look.
Sierra Tequila: If you’re feeling brave, tequila is a great addition to any Halloween bash. For a fiery twist, try a Haunted Margarita by mixing Sierra Tequila with lime juice, triple sec, and a dash of jalapeño syrup for a little heat. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass to match the spooky vibe of the night.
Ghoulish Drink Decorations
What’s a Halloween party without some over-the-top drink decorations? Add a spooky twist to your cocktails by decorating the rims of glasses with strawberry sauce (for a “bloody” effect), melted chocolate, or even crushed Oreos for that earthy, graveyard vibe.
Here are some ideas to take your cocktails to the next level:
- Jelly Eyeballs: Add jelly eyeballs or gummy worms to your drinks for a creepy garnish that floats eerily in the glass.
- Chocolate Webs: Drizzle melted chocolate on the rim of the glass and let it set for a cobweb effect.
- Red Sugar Rim: Dip the rim of your cocktail glass in lime juice and then coat it with red sugar crystals for a bloody, sparkly effect.
Bewitching Brews: Halloween Ales and Beers
Halloween isn’t just for spirits; it’s also the perfect time to enjoy some hearty ales that match the autumnal mood. For beer lovers, we’ve selected some seasonal brews that will go down a treat at your Halloween party.
Hobgoblin Ales – IPA, Gold, and Ruby: With a name like Hobgoblin, you know these beers are made for Halloween. The IPA is a hoppy, refreshing option, while the Gold offers a light and malty profile. For something richer, try the Ruby – its deep colour and fruity taste make it a perfect choice for the colder nights.
Moorhouse’s Blond Witch & White Witch Ales: These ales from Moorhouse’s Brewery are tailor-made for a Halloween party. The Blond Witch is light and refreshing, perfect for those who prefer something less heavy, while the White Witch offers a slightly more complex taste with hints of citrus.
Fiery Nights and Bonfire Brews: Bonfire Night Drinks
After Halloween, we roll straight into Bonfire Night – a time to gather around a crackling fire, watch fireworks light up the sky, and enjoy warming drinks. Whether you’re hosting a bonfire in your garden or heading to a local display, we’ve got some great drink options to keep you cosy.
Wines for Bonfire Night
There’s nothing better than a good glass of red to warm you up on a chilly November evening. Here are some wines that will go perfectly with the smoky atmosphere of Bonfire Night:
Casillero del Diablo Tempranillo: A smooth red with hints of dark fruit and a touch of spice, this wine is perfect for pairing with bonfire treats like sausages or roasted marshmallows. Serve it in large red wine glasses to allow the flavours to fully develop.
Dark Horse Red: Rich and bold, Dark Horse Red is a full-bodied wine that pairs beautifully with hearty foods like burgers or pulled pork. This is the kind of wine that will keep you warm as you watch the fireworks.
Diablo Dark Red: With its dark, mysterious flavour, this wine is perfect for sipping around the fire. Pair it with BBQ meats or even a decadent chocolate dessert to really bring out its full-bodied notes.
Diablo Chardonnay: For white wine lovers, Diablo’s Chardonnay offers a creamy, buttery flavour that works well with grilled chicken or fish. Best served chilled, this wine is ideal for those who prefer a lighter option on Bonfire Night.
Casillero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc: If you’re in the mood for something crisp and refreshing, the Casillero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect choice. Its zesty notes of citrus and green apple make it a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the fire.
Bonfire Night Cocktails
To keep the bonfire theme going, try our Camp Fire Mule cocktail, made with Jim Beam bourbon, ginger beer, and maple syrup. This warming drink is perfect for sipping by the fire, and don’t forget to top it with a toasted marshmallow for a sweet, smoky finish! You can find the recipe for the Camp Fire Mule and more delicious cocktails over on our Booze Bar page.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails: Grab-and-Go for Any Occasion
Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party or Bonfire Night gathering, our selection of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails makes it easy to grab something delicious and convenient on the go. Plus, we stock many of these cold, so you can enjoy them immediately.
AU Pink Lemonade and AU Blue Hawaiian: These fruity, fizzy RTDs are perfect for those looking for something light and fun. The AU Pink Lemonade is refreshing and zesty, while the AU Blue Hawaiian brings tropical vibes to any autumn event.
Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola (Classic and Zero): A classic combo, these RTDs are great for when you want something easy and reliable. The Jack Daniel’s & Coke Zero is a lighter option for those watching their sugar intake but still delivers the full flavour.
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Find Your Nearest Store
Ready to stock up for Halloween and Bonfire Night? Use our handy store locator to find your nearest Bargain Booze store. From spirits to beers and wines, we’ve got everything you need to make this season spooky, fun, and full of flavour.
Check out the latest offers on our deals page – and remember, many of our products are sold cold and ready to enjoy immediately. Cheers to a hauntingly good Halloween and a fiery Bonfire Night!
