Drink Like Dracula: Transylvanian Tonic
Before Twilight, True Blood, or Buffy there was the OG vampire, Count Dracula. And even though vampires have transcended their strictly-Halloween-time popularity, it felt right to draw inspiration from the Count himself when thinking of the perfect Halloween cocktail. That, and we’re also super sick of pumpkin spice blah blah blah.
Count Dracula’s drink of choice would have to be dripping in red, doused in vodka (because, guys, he was from Romania), and seriously satisfying. Mix this baby up for a scary good time.
Transylvania’s Toxic Tonic:
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Vodka
- 4 oz. Tonic Water
- 1/4 Lemon, squeezed + more for garnish
- Bloody Berry Syrup: 1 cup Strawberries, 1/4 cup water, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Let’s Go:
1. Make the Bloody Berry Syrup ahead of time: In a small saucepan, mix all ingredients. Over low heat, bring to a boil, cover and allow to cook down for 15 minutes. Take off heat, puree in a blender, and allow to cool to room temperature. Put into a squeeze bottle (you can buy one of these at Bed, Bath, and Beyond or any kitchen supply store) and reserve.
2. In a cocktail shaker, mix the vodka, tonic water, and lemon juice. Pour over ice.
3. Serve guests tonic drink with the squeeze bottle on the side so they can choose how much Bloody Berry Syrup they want to add to their own cocktail. Garnish with candy bone stirrers or other bloody body parts.