Happy Halloween all you ghouls and goblins! I hope you have some tricks and treats up your sleeves for today and have maybe even tried one of the spooky delicious treats from the site. Here’s a quick but creeptastic cocktail to celebrate all hallow’s eve. This Hot & Bloody Rum Punch is sweet, spicy and fittingly spooky.
My warm take on rum punch is simple enough, using yummy seasonal ingredients like apple cider, cinnamon and cloves but packs a flavor punch and lots of festive spirit. Spiced rum is really the perfect accompaniment to the flavor combo. Then a citrus kick from some fresh lemon and orange juice to balance the sweet. And where does the bloody come in? That’s what the hibiscus is for…
I just love these Wild Hibiscus Flowers in syrup. The flavor is unique and they look so so cool. Especially for a haunted cocktail, right? You can tailor how dark red you want the drink by adding a little more or less of the syrup. This adds sweetness too so if you want it really red, you may have to adjust the rum, cider or citrus or all three a tad.
If you don’t have the hibiscus flowers in syrup or a store where you can purchase some nearby, but still want to make this cocktail, a little grenadine or dash of food coloring can do the trick too in a pinch. You can garnish with a lemon or orange slice if you want. It will still be absolutely delicious. Want to really creep someone out? Throw in a small toy spider or scorpion to the bottom of the glass the way my little ones like to scare grandma. (Bonus points if it’s one of the gross looking clear ones.)
I hope whatever you’re doing this frighteningly strange holiday, you’re with loved ones, both wicked and nice, and doing something special to liven the spirits just in time for the beginning of the season of thanks.
Happy Halloween everyone!
*This cocktail is part of the #boozyhalloweencollab hosted by @eatingwithkrissy & @britneybreaksbread Check out the hashtag on Instagram to find more spooktacular drink ideas!
Hot & Bloody Rum Punch
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider (*spiced cider works too)
- 3/4 cup spiced rum
- juice of 1 small orange
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 3-4 tbsps hibiscus syrup
- hibiscus flowers in syrup
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small pot, except for the hibiscus syrup and flowers. Bring to almost a simmer (don't boil the alcohol off) and turn the heat off. Let steep for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once you have some nice spice flavor infused, turn the heat back on to reheat to hot. Stir in the hibiscus syrup to taste and to color, then strain into your desired cocktail glasses. Garnish each cup with a hibiscus flower or two and enjoy!
