Skeleton Key Halloween Cocktail

Create an unexpected Halloween cocktail with the Skeleton Key! The blend of bourbon, elderflower, ginger beer, and bitters is a fun drink that you can easily mix up in the same glass you are serving it in.

about this halloween cocktail

Are you looking for a whole new kind of bourbon cocktail to enjoy? If you haven’t heard of the Skeleton Key cocktail, this is the time to try it.

While this bewithcing cocktail can be served anytime of year, the spooky effect of rusty color seeping into the rest of the cocktail makes it ideal for Halloween.

It might look impressive and maybe a little difficult to create, but the truth is, it couldn’t be simpler to pull together. The entire cocktail can be assembled in the glass it will be served in! The only part that takes a moment of your time is slowing down to pour in the bitters for the rusty effect on top.

From its eerie appearance to its tantalizing blend of flavors, this drink is bound to intrigue your guests, whether you’re hosting a spooky soiree or just looking for a unique libation to enjoy.

what is a skeleton key cocktail?

The Skeleton Key cocktail is a cocktail that’s made in a highball glass. The recipe includes bourbon, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, ginger beer, and Angostura bitters. It’s the bitters that float on top which give this drink a spooky, rusty effect that makes it perfect for serving as a Halloween cocktail.

This cocktail is actually a newer cocktail, invented in 2011 at Detroit restaurant Roast, which is now closed. It is named by the bartender Brian Volmer who created the cocktail for a local Halloween cocktail competition! The rusty color made him think of the old skeleton keys that opened locks in his grandparents house, thus the name.

I love serving it up for a Halloween cocktail, but you can really enjoy it anytime of year!

ingredients

bourbon. When selecting your bourbon, I recommend choosing a mid-price range option like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve. You could also use a higher end bourbon if you prefer.

elderflower liqueur. This is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers. It’s sweet and balanced, with a lovely floral taste. Most commonly known is St-Germain, which is the brand that I would recommend.

lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is always recommended when making cocktails.

ginger beer. Ginger beer isn’t beer and it doesn’t have an alcohol in it. The drink is bubbly and has a big spicy kick of ginger flavor. Our preference is a ginger beer that is on the spicy side, like fever-tree ginger beer. If you don’t like a spicy ginger beer, bundaberg ginger beer is another great option.

angostura bitters. These bitters are a must-have for any home bar! It’s essential in so many cocktail recipes, so if you don’t already have a bottle, go pick one up.

garnish. Garnish with a piece of lemon peel, either on a cocktail toothpick or straight in the glass.

this recipe’s must haves

To assemble this Halloween cocktail, you will need a cocktail glass that can hold 8 ounces to 12 ounces of liquid. This could be one of your highball glasses, collins glasses, etc.

Measure out the ingredients with a jigger. You don’t need anything else but that!

here’s how to make a skeleton key drink

add ice

Fill a cocktail glass like a highball glass, collins glass, or your favorite cocktail glass with ice.

build cocktail

Add bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Top off with ginger beer. Give the cocktail a brief stir to combine.

float bitters

Gently pour in the bitters on top so that they float. Let the bitters sink down slowly to get that rusty effect throughout the glass. You can also give the very top of the drink a little stir to get the bitters to float down faster through the ice in the glass.

tips and tricks

build it in the glass. No need for a shaker or mixing glass! You can easily assemble this Halloween cocktail right in the same glass you plan to serve it in. That’s why it’s fantastic for parties!

measure out the bitters, then add. Instead of shaking the bitters directly into the glass, I recommend adding them to a jigger or measuring glass first. This makes it easier to float on top, so you can get that pretty rusty effect. You can also stir the bitters in if you want.

quality ingredients. Using quality ingredients and fresh juice always results in the best possible cocktail.

chill the glass. Want to elevate this cocktail for a party? Chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. This will keep the drink cooler for longer so the ice doesn’t melt as quickly and dilute the drink.

More tasty Halloween drinks to sip: Halloween Punch | Spooky Mezcal Cocktail | Butterbeer Cocktail | Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

what kind of cocktail glass should I use for this halloween cocktail?

This cocktail rings in at about 7 ounces in total volume, so you will want to select a cocktail glass that is at least 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces. A highball glass is the traditional glassware used for this cocktail. I say use whatever you have on hand that will fit the cocktail in it. You will need to add ice to the glass, so do not use a wide, shallow glass like a coupe glass.

can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can use rye whiskey instead of bourbon! The taste will be a little sharper since you are missing the subtle sweetness of the bourbon, but it’s still tasty with rye whiskey. If you are a rye-lover, I recommend using it instead of bourbon in this cocktail.

can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

Do not use ginger ale instead of ginger beer for this recipe. This halloween cocktail needs that spicy kick from ginger beer. If you use ginger ale, you will end up with a cocktail that is way too sweet and not properly balanced in flavor.

There are lots of ginger beers out there, but my favorite is Fever-Tree or Reed’s. Those are the spiciest options to me! You can also use Q Mixers or any other brand you prefer. The three brands listed here are easily available at supermarkets or large scale liquor stores.

how to I get the rusty effect on top?

The rusty effect on top comes from the Angostura bitters! Be sure to add them very slowly on top to get them to float. I recommend measuring them into a jigger or small glass so it’s easy to slowly pour them on top. You will see the layer on top float and then begin to slowly settling down into the drink, giving you the iconic spooky effect.

do I have to use bitters?

The bitters on top of this cocktail is the key to the recipe. They are slowly added to the top of the drink so they float on top and gradually settle into the drink. The flavor really ties the cocktail together and keeps it from being too sweet.

Need more inspiration for Halloween? Check out my Halloween recipes page!

what to serve with a skeleton key halloween cocktail

A halloween cocktail like this skeleton key is meant to be paired with more halloween goodies! Here would be my ultimate Halloween menu to pair with this particular bourbon drink:

For an appetizer, chorizo jalapeño mummy poppers are festive, spooky, and have just the right amount of spice.

Savory mummified sirloin wellingtons are a spooky twist to serve individual wellingtons!

Why have only one dessert when you can have a whole spooky spread of treats?! Chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats shaped like ghosts, peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and/or halloween brownies are all tasty options.

more classic bourbon cocktail recipes

Instead of using rye whiskey, use your favorite bourbon in this bourbon manhattan cocktail recipe.

A bourbon sidecar is the perfect variation on the cocktail for a citrus forward drink.

Bourbon and a touch of absinthe make this simple bourbon sazerac a new staple for your cocktail hour.

Finally, if you make this skeleton key recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!