I’ve noticed that a lot of the mixed drinks that are ghost themed contain coconut, which makes sense for the coloring. However, if you don’t like coconut, I wanted to make sure you had a fun and spooky option too! This ghost martini is vanilla flavored with a hint of hazelnut and still a ghostly white color.
What is a Ghost Martini?
A ghost martini, or “ghostini,” is a spooky themed cocktail with a ghostly white coloring. It’s primarily served for adult Halloween parties due to its eerie appearance. The name comes from the look of the drink, which evokes the imagery of ghosts or spirits.
While you can definitely customize your white martini, vodka or gin is the normal base spirit (I use vodka). It’s then combined with other liqueurs for flavor and appearance – white chocolate and hazelnut in this case!
Finish your mixed drink with spooky garnishes such as ghost-shaped candy or a black sugar rim to add to the ghostly theme! Alternatively, you could add red and green sprinkles for a ghost of Christmas past cocktail instead, to change it up for the season.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more great vodka-based cocktails for Halloween? Check out my entire collection of easy recipes for Vodka Halloween Cocktails, with more spooky, creepy, and frightful ideas!
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Ghost Martini Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka (or whipped cream flavor)
- 3 ounces heavy cream (or vanilla ice cream)
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva)
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur (or sub RumChata)
- Ice cubes
For the Rim (Optional)
- Lemon wedge
- 1 Tbsp black sanding sugar (amount approximate)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- While vodka is a traditional option for a ghost martini, you can also use gin. You may want to add a small amount of vanilla syrup (1 tsp or so) to make up for the flavor difference
- You can sub half and half for the heavy cream, or use coconut milk for a non-dairy alternative. If you choose to do ice cream, slightly runny is best for mixing!
- If you don’t like hazelnut liqueur, RumChata is another good option, which will give your white martini a hint of cinnamon flavor
- Garnishes are optional, but a ghost marshmallow or candy/gummy eyeballs are great choices (you’ll likely need a cocktail pick to hold them, though)!
How to Make a Ghost Martini
- (Optional) To rim your glass, run a cut lemon wedge around the outside of a chilled martini glass, then dip the wet edge into a plate or shallow bowl filled with the sanding sugar. Turn until coated
- Add all drink ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar) along with a handful of ice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into your prepared glass
- Garnish with a ghost marshmallow Peep if desired, and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
What Ingredients Are Typically Used In A Ghost Martini?
A ghost martini usually includes a base of vodka or gin, which is then accented by white mixers like white chocolate, cream, or coconut.
You can also add dry ice for a smoky effect (with proper handling and use precautions), or use candy garnishes to enhance the spooky vibe.
How Can You Make A Ghost Martini More Spooky?
To add more Halloween flair, use garnishes like ghost-shaped candy or a black sugar rim to add a ghostly touch.
You could also add dry ice to add a smoking effect, or use food-safe glow-in-the-dark ingredients if there will be low lighting for an extra impressive look.
Is A Ghost Martini Strong?
Just like most cocktails, a ghost martini’s strength really depends on the amount of vodka (or gin) used. As written, this drink is on the stronger side, given the balance of alcohol to mixers.
For a weaker version, reduce the vodka down to 1 ounce, or add extra cream or some additional ice to dilute the drink more.
Can A Ghost Martini Be Made Non-Alcoholic?
Yes, a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the ghost martini can be made by using Sprite or a similar soda in place of the vodka.
For the white chocolate and hazelnut liqueurs, you can use flavored syrups, coconut milk, or light colored juices like white cranberry juice to create different non-alcoholic flavor combinations.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Ghost Martini
- This ghostini is on the stronger side as written, due to the ratio of alcohol to mixers. For a weaker drink, reduce the vodka down to 1 ½ or 1 ounce
- As written, I do not find the drink to be overly sweet. If you would like to add sweetness, you can use some sweetened vanilla syrup, honey, or simple syrup to your tastes
- Note that black sanding sugar does tend to bleed color after it gets wet, so you may get some streaks of reddish brown dripping down the inside of the glass and discoloring the white martini when consuming. It doesn’t affect the taste, but if you don’t want that look, you may want to skip it!
Storage and Serving Tips For Ghost Martinis
- The most traditional glassware for this recipe is a martini glass, whether traditional or stemless. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a coupe, or a lowball glass of choice (like a rocks glass)
- If you have any leftover white martinis, you can store them in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge for 1-2 days. Stir well before serving
- You can scale this recipe for parties, and mix it ahead of time (up to 24 hours) in a pitcher that’s stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply give it a stir, and pour into individual decorated glasses for serving, then garnish!
- For a colder drink, feel free to chill your martini glasses ahead of time!
- Candy Corn Shot
- Tipsy Zombie (Applebee’s Copycat)
Final Thoughts
This ghost martini is a perfect Halloween cocktail that’s both spooky and fun, with a pleasant vanilla and hazelnut flavor (no coconut here)! The ghostly white color makes it perfectly festive for the season, while the creamy, delicious taste makes it a crowd pleaser for entertaining.
A ghostini is easily customizable, with the ability to swap ingredients and adjust the strength to your liking! Finish with a fun ghost marshmallow, black sugar rim, or your other favorite ghost decor to add the perfect finishing touches.
You could also change up the rim to red and green sprinkles, and make a “ghost of Christmas past” cocktail!
Katie’s tip
Looking for more great ghostly mixed drinks to serve this Halloween? Check out my collection of spooky and delicious Ghost Cocktails for more recipe inspiration!
Easy Ghost Martini With Vodka
Equipment
- Martini glass (or similar)
- Shaker (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka (or whipped cream flavor)
- 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
- 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico (or sub RumChata)
- 3 ounces heavy cream
- Ice cubes
Optional Rim
- 1 wedge fresh lemon
- 1 Tbsp black sanding sugar (amount approximate)
Instructions
- (Optional) To rim your glass, run a cut lemon wedge around the outside of the glass, then dip the wet edge into a plate or shallow bowl filled with the sanding sugar. Turn until coated1 wedge fresh lemon, 1 Tbsp black sanding sugar
- Add all drink ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar) along with a couple ice cubes2 ounces vanilla vodka, 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur, 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico, 3 ounces heavy cream, Ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into your prepared glass
- Garnish with a ghost marshmallow if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- While vodka is a traditional option for a ghost martini, you can also use gin. You may want to add a small amount of vanilla syrup (1 tsp or so) to make up for the flavor
- You can sub half and half for the heavy cream for a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a non-dairy alternative. If you choose to do ice cream, slightly runny is best for mixing!
- If you don’t like hazelnut liqueur, RumChata is another good option, which will give the drink a hint of cinnamon flavor
- Garnishes are optional, but a ghost marshmallow or candy/gummy eyeballs are great choices (you’ll likely need a cocktail pick to hold them, though)!
- This drink is on the stronger side as written, due to the ratio of alcohol to mixers. For a weaker drink, reduce the vodka down to 1 ½ or 1 ounce
- As written, I do not find the drink to be overly sweet. If you would like to add sweetness, you can use some sweetened vanilla syrup, honey, or simple syrup to taste
- The black sanding sugar does tend to bleed color after it gets wet, so you may get some streaks of reddish brown dripping down the inside of the glass when consuming. It doesn’t affect the taste, but if you don’t want that look, you may want to skip it!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
