This graveyard cocktail is a black espresso martini made for Halloween night. It's my classic espresso martini with a pinch of edible black glitter shaken right in, which turns the whole drink an inky, shimmery black. Top it with a marshmallow ghost and you have a spooky Halloween cocktail that takes five minutes and zero special equipment beyond a shaker.
The Ghost in the Graveyard cocktail is a black espresso martini made with equal parts vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, plus edible black glitter for a dark, shimmery Halloween look. This graveyard cocktail recipe is for anyone hosting a Halloween party or looking for an easy spooky drink that doesn't require black vodka or food coloring. It takes about 5 minutes, scales into a make-ahead batch for a crowd, and includes garnish ideas, substitutions, and tips for getting the glitter to swirl instead of sink.
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You'll love this graveyard cocktail
It's an espresso martini in a Halloween costume. If you already love espresso martinis, you know exactly what you're getting: rich coffee, a little sweetness, and that frothy top. Plus, the black glitter makes it look the part.
It's easy to make. Three ingredients in equal parts means you don't have to measure twice. One jigger, three pours, shake, done.
It's perfect for a Halloween party. Halloween parties run late, and a little caffeine in your cocktail helps. This is the drink I pour once everyone's in costume and the night is just getting started.
Ingredients
Vodka. A clean, neutral vodka lets the coffee flavor lead. You don't need anything expensive here since it's sharing the glass with espresso and coffee liqueur. Tito's is my everyday pick.
Coffee liqueur. This adds sweetness and deeper coffee flavor. Kahlúa is the classic and the one I use most. If you want a drier, more coffee-forward drink, try Mr Black cold brew coffee liqueur.
Espresso. Fresh espresso gives you the best foam on top, so brew it right before you shake. If you don't have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee, instant espresso powder mixed with hot water, or a cold brew concentrate all work. My cold brew espresso martini is built entirely around that shortcut.
Edible black glitter. This is what makes it a graveyard cocktail. Look for glitter labeled edible with the ingredients listed, not "non-toxic" craft or disco dust, which isn't meant to be eaten. A quarter teaspoon per drink is plenty. I use this edible black glitter from Amazon.
How to make a graveyard cocktail
- This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
- Chill your martini glass. Fill it with ice water or pop it in the freezer while you make the drink.
- Brew your espresso and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and edible black glitter to an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake hard for about 20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty. A hard shake is what builds the foam and gets the glitter moving.
- Strain into your chilled martini glass, add your garnish, and serve right away while the glitter is still swirling.
Substitutions and variations
Swap the spirit. Tequila (reposado is great here) or bourbon both work in place of the vodka. Bourbon makes it warmer and a little more fall.
Go decaf. Use decaf espresso if you're serving this later in the night or to anyone sensitive to caffeine. Either way, the flavor is the same.
Make it sweeter. Add ¼ to ½ ounce of simple syrup if you like a sweeter espresso martini. Taste first, since coffee liqueur already brings plenty of sugar.
Turn it into dessert. Pour the shaken drink over a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a boozy affogato.
Add some fog. A small piece of food-grade dry ice makes the drink smoke like a graveyard at midnight. Use tongs, let it fully dissolve before anyone sips, and never swallow or touch it.
Garnish Ideas
- A ghost Peeps marshmallow perched on the rim
- Three espresso beans floating on the foam
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder
- A small chocolate cookie crumbled on a plate for a "dirt" rim
My go-to is the ghost Peep. It's cute, it takes two seconds, and it's the whole reason this drink is called Ghost in the Graveyard.
How to Make a Big Batch
This graveyard cocktail is easy to batch for a Halloween party because it's equal parts. For more big-batch drinks, check out my Halloween cocktail recipes for a crowd.
For 10 cocktails, stir together 15 oz vodka, 15 oz coffee liqueur, and 15 oz cooled espresso in a pitcher or large jar. Refrigerate until the party starts. It keeps well for a day in the fridge.
When it's time to serve, shake each drink to order: pour 4.5 oz of the batch into a shaker with ice and ¼ teaspoon of edible black glitter, shake, and strain. Adding the glitter per drink keeps it from settling at the bottom of the pitcher, and shaking to order is what gives you that foam.
FAQ
What is a graveyard cocktail?
A graveyard cocktail is a Halloween drink with a dark, spooky look. This version is a black espresso martini made with vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and edible black glitter, garnished with a marshmallow ghost.
How do you make a cocktail black without black vodka?
Edible black glitter or a drop of black gel food coloring will turn a cocktail black. Glitter adds shimmer, while food coloring gives a flat, solid black. Activated charcoal also works but can interfere with medications, so I skip it. For more ideas, here are my favorite black cocktails for Halloween.
Can you buy black vodka?
Yes, black vodka exists, but it can be hard to find in stores. Edible black glitter is easier to get and works with the vodka you already have.
Is edible glitter safe to drink?
Edible glitter is safe when it's labeled edible and lists food grade ingredients. Skip anything labeled only "non-toxic" or "for decoration," since that isn't approved for eating.
Can you make espresso martinis ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Shake each drink with ice right before serving to get the foam on top.
Why won't my espresso martini foam?
Your espresso martini won't foam if the espresso is stale or you don't shake hard enough. Use freshly brewed espresso and shake with plenty of ice for a full 15 to 20 seconds.
Amazon home finds
Of course, you'll want edible black glitter and some fun Halloween martini glasses!
Pin it for later!
Want more Halloween recipes?
- Halloween Margarita with Chambord
- Vampire's Kiss Cocktail
- Black Magic Martini
- Hocus Pocus Punch
- Black Cocktails for Your Halloween Party
LOVE THIS ONE? GET A NEW COCKTAIL EVERY FRIDAY!
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Ghost in the Graveyard Espresso Martini
This Ghost in the Graveyard cocktail is perfect for all your Halloween celebrations. It's a spooky twist on a classic espresso martini that you will love!
Ingredients
- 11/2 oz vodka
- 1 ½ oz Kahlua
- 1 ½ oz espresso
- ¼ teaspoon black edible glitter
Instructions
- Chill your martini glass. Fill it with ice water or pop it in the freezer while you make the drink.
- Brew your espresso and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and edible black glitter to an ice-filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake hard for about 20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty. A hard shake is what builds the foam and gets the glitter moving.
- Strain into your chilled martini glass, add your garnish, and serve right away while the glitter is still swirling.
Notes
Substitutions and variations
Swap the spirit. Tequila (reposado is great here) or bourbon both work in place of the vodka. Bourbon makes it warmer and a little more fall.
Go decaf. Use decaf espresso if you're serving this later in the night or to anyone sensitive to caffeine. The flavor is the same.
Make it sweeter. Add ¼ to ½ ounce of simple syrup if you like a sweeter espresso martini. Taste first, since coffee liqueur already brings plenty of sugar.
Turn it into dessert. Pour the shaken drink over a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a boozy affogato.
Add some fog. A small piece of food-grade dry ice makes the drink smoke like a graveyard at midnight. Use tongs, let it fully dissolve before anyone sips, and never swallow or touch it.
Garnish Ideas
- A ghost Peeps marshmallow perched on the rim
- Three espresso beans floating on the foam
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder
- A small chocolate cookie crumbled on a plate for a "dirt" rim
My go-to is the ghost Peep. It's cute, it takes two seconds, and it's the whole reason this drink is called Ghost in the Graveyard.
How to Make a Big Batch
This graveyard cocktail is easy to batch for a Halloween party because it's equal parts.
For 10 cocktails, stir together 15 oz vodka, 15 oz coffee liqueur, and 15 oz cooled espresso in a pitcher or large jar. Refrigerate until the party starts. It keeps well for a day in the fridge.
When it's time to serve, shake each drink to order: pour 4.5 oz of the batch into a shaker with ice and ¼ teaspoon of edible black glitter, shake, and strain. Adding the glitter per drink keeps it from settling at the bottom of the pitcher, and shaking to order is what gives you that foam.
