As the leaves start to fall and the nights grow longer, two of the season’s most exciting events are just around the corner—Halloween and Bonfire Night. These festive occasions are perfect for gathering with friends and family, lighting up the night with fireworks, and indulging in some delicious food and drink. Whether you’re hosting a spooky Halloween party or huddling around a bonfire, Wine Rack has everything you need to make the celebrations extra special. From autumnal cocktails to rich wines and party-ready ales, we’ve got your Halloween and Bonfire Night drinks sorted.
Fun Facts about Halloween and Bonfire Night
- Halloween’s Roots: Halloween is deeply rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a night where people believed the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. To protect themselves from wandering spirits, people would dress in costumes and light bonfires.
- Bonfire Night Origins: Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, commemorates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. The burning of effigies and lighting of fireworks represent the explosives that were intended to destroy the Houses of Parliament.
- Pumpkin Jack-o’-Lanterns: Carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-lanterns is a popular Halloween tradition, but it actually started with turnips in Ireland. Pumpkins became the go-to choice when Irish immigrants introduced the tradition to America, where pumpkins were more plentiful.
With these fun facts in mind, let’s explore how you can make your Halloween and Bonfire Night gatherings even more memorable with creative drink ideas, delicious pairings, and ready-to-grab cocktails from Wine Rack.
Halloween Treats and Spooky Sips
Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and a dash of the unexpected. At Wine Rack, we have a range of drinks to help you craft the perfect eerie atmosphere, whether you’re hosting a haunted house party or just enjoying a cosy night in with some spooky films.
Hobgoblin: The Ultimate Halloween Beer
What better beer to serve at your Halloween gathering than Hobgoblin? Its mischievous branding and bold flavours make it a perfect choice for the season. With three varieties to choose from, there’s something for every guest:
- Hobgoblin IPA: Packed with hoppy bitterness and citrus notes, this IPA is a punchy beer with a refreshing finish.
- Hobgoblin Gold: This golden ale is light and smooth with a subtle sweetness, ideal for those who prefer a mellow brew.
- Hobgoblin Ruby: Dark, rich, and full of roasted malt and caramel flavours, this ruby ale is perfect for those looking for something a little more intense and mysterious.
Fun Serving Tip: Serve Hobgoblin in dimpled mugs for a medieval, enchanted vibe that matches the spooky mood. Pair Hobgoblin Ruby with roasted meats or toffee apples for a true autumnal treat.
Cocktail of the Month: Smoke Over Water
To really impress your Halloween guests, try serving our Cocktail of the Month, the “Smoke Over Water.” This eerie blue martini is made using El Jimador Blanco tequila and Blue Bols, with dry ice adding a spooky smoky effect.
- Ingredients:
- 50ml El Jimador Blanco tequila
- 25ml Blue Bols liqueur
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Method:
- Shake the tequila, Blue Bols, and lime juice with ice in a shaker.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Add a small amount of dry ice to create the smoke effect—just be sure the dry ice doesn’t come into contact with the liquid.
This cocktail isn’t just visually stunning, but it’s also tangy and refreshing—perfect for setting the Halloween mood. Just remember to use dry ice safely, as it’s for decorative purposes only and should not be consumed.
Once Halloween is over, it’s time to gear up for Bonfire Night, where the chill in the air calls for warming wines and rich spirits. Whether you’re lighting fireworks or enjoying the warmth of a bonfire, here are some perfect drink options for the occasion.
Johnnie Walker Black Label: A Fireside Favourite
There’s no better way to warm up by the fire than with a glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky. This whisky has a signature smoky character with hints of dark fruits, vanilla, and spices—making it a comforting drink to enjoy while watching the fireworks.
Serving Idea: Create a Bonfire Hot Toddy by mixing Johnnie Walker Black Label with honey, lemon, and hot water. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and flavour.
Bold Wines for Bonfire Night Gatherings
Wine is the perfect drink for keeping warm on a chilly Bonfire Night, and we’ve selected a few rich, bold options that are sure to impress your guests.
Mulled Malbec Wine
There’s nothing quite like a glass of mulled wine on Bonfire Night. Our Trivento Gold Reserve Malbec is perfect for this warming treat.
- Ingredients:
- 75cl Trivento Gold Reserve Malbec
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 50g brown sugar
- A dash of brandy (optional)
- Method:
- Heat the wine in a saucepan on low heat (don’t let it boil).Add the orange slices, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar.Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add a dash of brandy if desired, then ladle into mugs and serve.
The rich, bold flavours of the Malbec blend beautifully with the spices, making this a Bonfire Night staple.
19 Crimes The Banished
Dark and brooding, 19 Crimes The Banished is a red blend with flavours of ripe berries, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. It’s a bold wine that pairs wonderfully with a hearty beef stew or roasted chestnuts as you watch the fireworks.
Serving Idea: Serve in large, wide-bowl glasses to allow the wine’s bold flavours to breathe. The wider glass also helps capture the rich aromas.
In-Store Tasting Events: Sip, Savour, and Discover
Throughout October, Wine Rack is hosting in-store tastings to help you discover new favourites. Whether you’re looking for wines, ales, or spirits, our tastings give you the chance to sample a variety of products before you commit. Here’s what’s available to taste on the weekends of the 11th-12th October and 18th-19th October:
- Brands Laira Blockers Chardonnay: A bright, fresh Chardonnay with citrus and stone fruit notes—perfect for pairing with seafood.
- Brands Laira Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and full-bodied, this Cabernet offers dark berry and chocolate flavours, ideal for roasted meats.
- Hobgoblin Session IPA: A lighter take on the classic Hobgoblin, perfect for enjoying throughout your Bonfire Night gathering.
- Belles Lettres Cote du Rhône Village & Blanc: The red is bold and spicy, while the white offers refreshing citrus and floral notes—ideal for contrasting with hearty bonfire fare.
- Jacobs Creek Double Barrel Shiraz: Aged in whisky barrels, this Shiraz brings deep, smoky flavours to the table—a natural match for BBQ dishes.
Find Your Local Store and Discover More
Ready to stock up for Halloween and Bonfire Night? Visit our store locator to find your nearest Wine Rack. Don’t forget to check out our latest offers for great deals on all your favourite drinks.
Discover more with Wine Rack. Cheers!