Give your next Halloween party a ghoulish glam-up with Smoking Halloween Mocktails. This witchy, crowd-pleasing punch creates an eerie, smoky presentation thanks to dry ice — and because it’s non-alcoholic even the littlest goblins can enjoy it.
Serve this spooky mocktail in a large punch bowl for parties and add plastic spiders or gummy worms for a mad-scientist vibe kids will love. For a warmer, more grown-up feel you can stir in a cinnamon stick while heating, giving the drink a mulled-wine-like warmth without the alcohol.
The sweetness in this punch comes mostly from fruit, so it tastes richer and less artificial than many sugary punches. The dry ice gives it the signature fog that makes it a memorable Halloween centerpiece.
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”halloween-drinks-non-alcoholic”]Halloween Drinks Non-Alcoholic[/h2]
Having a few delicious non-alcoholic holiday drinks ready is always helpful. These Smoking Halloween Mocktails are easy to make, full of fall flavors, and deliver an impressive presentation thanks to the dry ice effect.
If you prefer a colorful, kid-friendly option instead, a bright blue mocktail that resembles a blue lagoon pairs wonderfully with a Halloween charcuterie board and pumpkin treats.
Whether you need drinks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or the Fourth of July, a good mocktail can make any celebration feel special.
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”why-i-think-youre-gonna-love-this-recipe”]Why I Think You’re Gonna Love this Recipe[/h2]
- It’s a show-stopper at Halloween gatherings
- Enjoy warm spice and pumpkin flavors of fall
- Alcohol-free and easy to make, so everyone can enjoy it
- More interesting and flavorful than a plain soda-based mocktail
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”what-you-need”]What You Need[/h2]
These simple ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores:
- Apple cider (or apple juice)
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin)
- Simple syrup
- Mulling spices
- Dry ice
- Optional: a splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”how-to-make-this-fun-mocktail”]How to Make This Fun Mocktail[/h2]
This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require food coloring or hard-to-find ingredients. The dry ice provides the dramatic smoky effect; if you prefer carbonation, add lemon-lime soda just before serving. Follow these steps:
1. In a pan over medium-low heat, whisk together 2 cups apple cider, 2 cups orange juice, ½ teaspoon orange zest, and 1 cup pumpkin puree.
2. Add 2 tablespoons simple syrup and 2 tablespoons mulling spices wrapped in cheesecloth or a tea strainer. Continue heating to infuse the flavors.
3. Heat thoroughly, then remove the spice bundle. Whisk the punch well and serve warm.
4. For the spooky fog, add a tiny piece of dry ice to each cup or to the punch bowl just before serving — see notes for safety tips.
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”tips-for-success”]Tips for success[/h2]
- Use pure pumpkin puree — avoid pumpkin pie filling with added sugar or spices.
- Buy mulling spices for convenience, or make your own spice bundle in cheesecloth.
- Wait to drink — have guests sip only after the dry ice has fully sublimated and bubbling stops.
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”storage-and-freezing”]Storage and Freezing
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Freezing: This drink doesn’t freeze well; it’s easy to remake as needed.
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”other-great-mocktails”]Other Great Mocktails
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”whats-best-to-serve-with-this-spooky-brew”]What’s Best to Serve with this Spooky Brew?[/h2>
Garnish with orange slices or a splash of lemon or lime. This mocktail pairs well with a mix of sweet and savory Halloween treats. Favorites to serve alongside include witches’ finger cookies, spider cookies, ghost cookies, Halloween sandwiches, a themed cheeseball, and pumpkin-shaped quesadillas. A Halloween charcuterie board or gluten-free candy bowl also complements the drink nicely.
[h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”other-halloween-mocktails”]Other Halloween Mocktails[/h2>
Try swapping wine in dark sangrias for a 0.0% non-alcoholic red to create an equally spooky, fruit-forward beverage. Plums, black grapes and blackberries add dramatic color and a delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 2 C apple cider
- 2 C orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 1 C pumpkin puree
- 2 T simple syrup
- 2 T mulling spices in a cheesecloth or tea strainer
- dry ice (small pieces)
Instructions
- Whisk together apple cider, orange juice, orange zest, and puréed pumpkin in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Add simple syrup and the mulling spices wrapped in cheesecloth; continue to cook to infuse the flavors.
- Heat thoroughly, then remove the spice bundle.
- Whisk well and serve warm.
- Add a tiny piece of dry ice to each cup or to the punch bowl for the smoky effect. Wait until bubbling stops before drinking.
Notes
Only add a TINY piece of dry ice (about the size of a large pea) per cup to avoid overflow. Have guests wait until the dry ice has fully sublimated and bubbling stops before drinking.
Nutrition
Calories: 162 | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 1 g | Sugar: 31 g | Vitamin A: 9785 IU | Vitamin C: 66 mg
This recipe was originally published October 3, 2018 and updated October 1, 2019 with additional photos and references. Photos by Amie Pendle.