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    Home » Cocktails » Creepy Halloween Vodka Punch Recipe [Alcoholic Black Punch]

    Published: Sep 6, 2022 · Updated: Nov 15, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Creepy Halloween Vodka Punch Recipe [Alcoholic Black Punch]

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A woman pouring a glass of black punch for halloween.
    Halloween Vodka Punch Recipe
    A glass pitcher on a table holding a Halloween punch with alcohol.

    Halloween Vodka Punch is a black cocktail that is just right for fright night and perfect for a crowd.

    This black punch recipe is mysterious and the perfect thing to put your friends on edge. But not too much, because it's super tasty.

    If they're into vodka recipes, they'll love this spiked punch!

    Creepy black Vodka Punch for Halloween on a table.
    This creepy Vodka Halloween Punch is the perfect addition to any Halloween party.

    Whether you are having people over for a legit Halloween party or just having some moms over before trick-or-treating, you need to make this fun and easy black alcoholic Halloween punch.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works 
    • Ingredient Notes
    • How to Make Vodka Halloween Punch
    • Tips and Tricks
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Punch Recipes
    • Related Halloween Recipes
    • Black Halloween Vodka Punch

    Why This Recipe Works 

    This Halloween cocktail recipe couldn't be easier so you can even just make a large batch for yourself (the night is long...).

    Halloween doesn't have to be gory, but I do like to have a little bit of a creep factor.

    Vodka punch recipes are always a good idea since you can find inexpensive vodka that isn't of terrible quality.

    But you will need to plan ahead! There is one special ingredient that you will need to order or pick up to ensure that you can take this drink to that spooky level that Halloween requires. 

    Don't want to make a Halloween punch? Make a Halloween Moscow Mule instead or browse this list of themed Halloween Cocktails.

    Woman holding a cocktail shaker with text next to it.

    Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients for Vodka Halloween Punch

    This Halloween alcoholic punch recipe is flavorful, refreshing and one that you'll want to drink when Halloween is over.

    Scroll down for a printable recipe card with full measurements and detailed instructions.

    You'll need a small amount of water for this punch, but don't worry, it doesn't water down the flavor!

    Apple juice (I prefer Honeycrisp, but you can substitute your favorite) is a classic Fall flavor that pairs well with both lemon and ginger flavors. (And you can also use it to make Vodka and Apple Juice).

    I use whichever vodka I have on hand. Whichever one you prefer will work. (Or you can read which I think is the best vodka...)

    Lemon juice adds some acid and tartness. If you don't want to squeeze lemons, you can buy bottled at your local grocery store as a time saver.

    Ginger beer is a versatile cocktail ingredient and it works so well here with the apple juice.

    The Coconut activated charcoal powder is what gives this punch recipe that fun, festive black color but it costs about $20. And you only need a little bit of it. There are a few cheaper brands, but I trust the quality of the Nature's Way brand. Read all about this product here.

    I'm sure you've seen activated charcoal lemonade at your local cold-pressed juice places.

    It is safe to drink (although not daily). Wellness Mama has even more info on using this product.

    Other things to use activated charcoal for:

    • I take capsules to help with hangovers
    • It can be used to help remove stains from your teeth
    • It's good for digestion
    • You can use it in masks for the skin and hair

    How to Make Vodka Halloween Punch

    Pouring ingredients into a pitcher for a Halloween alcoholic punch recipe.

    Make sure that all your ingredients for this Halloween vodka punch recipe are chilled well before you start! You can serve the punch over ice but melting ice will dilute the flavor and color. 

    To a pitcher, add water, apple juice, lemon juice, and vodka.

    Adding activated charcoal to vodka punch recipe for Halloween.

    The charcoal powder doesn't really change the flavor of the punch (or anything else you add it to). It's pretty cool.

    It's a super fine powder and just a cool thing to add to your vodka punch recipe to make it Halloween-ready.

    Top down view of activated charcoal powder in Halloween punch to give it a creepy black color.

    Creepy.

    Black citrus vodka punch recipe being stirred.

    Mix well. We noticed that there were some clumps and that using a whisk would have helped to break them up quicker.

    I would not use anything to stir this with that you wouldn't mind having turned gray...

    Woman pouring ginger beer in a pitcher for a Halloween vodka punch recipe.

    Top with ginger beer and stir gently. 

    Sometimes you can find larger bottles of ginger beer at the grocery store. But if you can't find it, just use a few bottles or cans of whatever they have.

    Woman pouring black Halloween punch with vodka into a punch glass.

    Pour into a punch bowl or serve in a pitcher. 

    The color will separate so plan on stirring regularly, especially right before serving. 

    It's the perfect Halloween Punch. And it goes perfectly with my Halloween Dump Cake, Halloween Rice Krispy Treats or Halloween Cupcakes.

    Black cocktail punch for Halloween on a table next to punch in glasses.

    I know it doesn't look delicious but it is! The lemon keeps it nice and bright. The Honeycrisp apple juice gives it the perfect fruity sweetness and the ginger beer adds some bite!

    Tips and Tricks

    • If you don't want to take the time to squeeze 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled. The flavor will change a bit.
    • You'll need to taste and adjust based on the finished product. You may need to add a little simple syrup if it's too bitter. 
    • Activated charcoal gets all over the place so take care when using it. It does wash off your hands pretty easily (and did not stain my grout either, but did stain my spatula).
    • There is such a thing as black vodka. It can be hard to find. It uses an herb to color it. So while it might be fun to find for Halloween cocktails like this, it is easier to use activated charcoal to get that cool, dark color.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I just want one cocktail and not a pitcher. What do you suggest?

    Make this Halloween Moscow Mule! It also uses activated charcoal! Or you can play around with math and make only a single serving of this apple juice, ginger beer and vodka cocktail.

    Can you make this without the alcohol for something kid-friendly?

    Yes! Just leave out the vodka and you've got a spooky mocktail.

    Is activated charcoal safe to consume?

    The short answer is yes, but it can interfere with some medications (like birth control). If you're concerned, please consult your doctor before making this recipe.

    Vodka punch in a pitcher and punch cups on a Halloween party table.

    Grab a serving bowl or pitcher and serve up this spooky Halloween boozy punch recipe.

    Your friends will love this Halloween Vodka Punch! The tart flavor is refreshing and the black color keeps things weird.

    Collage of pumpkin cocktails with text to get a free recipe and sign up for a newsletter.

    More Punch Recipes

    Halloween punch recipes can include lots of specialty ingredients but if you don't want to buy anything to add to your bar, check out a few of my other punch recipes.

    • Class things up with my favorite citrus Champagne Punch Recipe.
    • While I gathered these Alcoholic Punch recipes for the holidays, they are delicious any time of year.
    • This Rum Punch recipe is slightly tropical but the hit of vanilla takes it right into fall.

    Related Halloween Recipes

    • Halloween Dump Cake with Candy Bars.
    • Bake a Cherry Pie Inside a Cake for a creepy, gory look when you cut into it.
    • Candy Cookie Faces are fun for the kids to make.
    • Tanya Staab has the cutest easy ideas for Halloween Party Treats for kids.
    • Make these cute Halloween Balloons from Thoughtfully Simple.
    Halloween vodka punch in a glass pitcher on the kitchen counter.

    Black Halloween Vodka Punch

    This creepy black Halloween Vodka Punch is perfect for parties and is terrifyingly delicious. With fresh lemon juice, honeycrisp apple juice and ginger beer, this is a quick and easy vodka cocktail that is great for a crowd!
    4.58 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 221kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Equipment

    • Pitcher
    • Spoon
    • Whisk

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups water
    • 1 ½ cups apple juice I prefer Honeycrisp
    • 1 ½ cups vodka
    • 1 ½ cups lemon juice
    • 25.3 oz bottle of Bundaberg Ginger Beer approximately 3 cups if you can't find a larger bottle (you can substitute any other brand).
    • ½ tablespoon coconut activated charcoal powder

    Instructions

    • Make sure that all your ingredients are chilled well before you start!
    • To a pitcher, add water, apple juice, lemon juice and vodka.
    • Add charcoal powder and mix well (use a whisk to ensure no clumps).
    • Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
    • Pour into a punch bowl or serve in a pitcher.
    • The color will separate so plan on stirring regularly, especially right before stirring.

    Notes

    • If you don't want to take the time to squeeze 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled. The flavor will change a bit.
    • You'll need to taste and adjust based on the finished product. You may need to add a little simple syrup if it's too bitter. 
    • Activated charcoal gets all over the place so take care when using it. It does wash off your hands pretty easily (and did not stain my grout either, but did stain my spatula).
    • You can make this punch ahead but wait to add the ginger beer until ready to serve. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6Servings | Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    This post was originally published on September 20, 2019 and has now been updated with better instructions so you can make this black punch perfectly every time.

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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