Halloween isn't just about candy, costumes and haunted houses. It's also a pretty good excuse to get creative behind the bar. From blood-red martinis to dark, mysterious cocktails, there's something about spooky season that makes an ordinary drink a little more fun.
And if you need a little inspiration, Spartanburg's own bartenders have plenty to offer.
The fourth annual Spartanburg Cocktail Masters Competition recently brought together some of the area's talented bartenders for a night of creative cocktails, friendly competition and community support. The event raised nearly $17,000 for Hubitality, an organization that helps local hospitality workers facing unexpected financial hardships.
Danielle Machia of the Spartanburg Marriott took home the title of Spartanburg Cocktail Master, while Amy Scroggs of Wings Etc. earned People's Choice honors. Ben Fleming of Main Street Spartanburg was named Spartanburg Mocktail Master.
Other winners included Portia Crawford of The Zeplin for Best Bourbon, Geoffrey Goode of Gerhard's Cafe for Best Gin, Jesse Meredith of Cribb's Kitchen for Best Tequila and Hannah Rogers of Heirloom for Best Vodka.
With that much cocktail talent right here in Spartanburg, it seemed like the perfect inspiration for this week's Cook's Corner.
And since Halloween is right around the corner, we're making something a little spooky.
For those who would rather let someone else do the mixing, Rigsby's Classic Rock Cafe in downtown Spartanburg is getting into the Halloween spirit with its Haunted Martini. The bright red cocktail features a cheesecake rim and gummy eyeball garnish. The restaurant also has a "Creatures of the Night" Halloween party planned for Oct. 31, featuring themed food and drinks, live music and a costume contest.
Another place worth visiting is The Zeplin, where the speakeasy atmosphere already feels fitting for Halloween. Its award-winning bourbon bartender is another reminder that you don't have to leave Spartanburg to find an impressive cocktail.
But if you're hosting Halloween at home, this Black Widow Martini is an easy way to bring a little cocktail-bar creativity into your own kitchen.
Black Widow Martini
Serves 2 | Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
• 4 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces black cherry juice
• 2 ounces blackberry syrup
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• Ice
• Fresh blackberries and black sanding sugar for garnish
For the spooky spider garnish:
• 2 large blackberries
• 8 thin strips of black licorice, cut in half
Directions:
Pour a little blackberry syrup onto a small plate and black sanding sugar onto another. Dip the rims of two chilled martini glasses into the syrup, then the sugar.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, black cherry juice, blackberry syrup, lime juice and cranberry juice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, until thoroughly chilled.
Strain into the prepared glasses.
To make the spiders, gently insert eight short licorice strips into each large blackberry, four on each side, to resemble legs. Slice the bottom of the spider lengthwise then slide the spider on the rim of each glass or arrange it on a cocktail pick.
The result is a rich, dark-purple martini that's slightly sweet, a little tart and just spooky enough for Halloween.
For a kid-friendly version, leave out the vodka and combine equal parts black cherry juice, cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda. Add a splash of blackberry syrup and serve over ice. Use the same spider garnish, or skip the licorice and add a few floating blackberries for younger children.
You can also prepare the juice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until guests arrive. Add the vodka and shake individual cocktails when ready to serve.
Whether you're heading downtown to try a seasonal cocktail or mixing up something spooky at home, Halloween is a great excuse to raise a glass to a little creativity — and to the talented people keeping Spartanburg's cocktail scene interesting.
Have a recipe worth sharing? The Cook’s Corner welcomes submissions from home cooks, local residents, chefs, and restaurants throughout our community. Selected contributors may be contacted for a brief interview so we can share the story behind the dish. To submit a recipe or inquire about a collaboration, email thekitchencorrespondent87@gmail.com.
