This vampire kiss cocktail lives up to the name with a deep red color! It’s the perfect fruity sip for Halloween, gothic events, or other themed parties, with a combination of cranberry and raspberry flavors on a vodka base, with a splash of champagne for a bubbly finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The vampire kiss cocktail is easy to love because it blends drama, flavor, and fun in one glass. The bold red color gives it an instantly spooky, seductive vibe (hence the name) that’s perfect for Halloween or any gothic-themed celebration!
It’s the kind of drink that looks stunning while actually being super easy to make (if you don’t have a shaker just grab a mason jar), so it’s perfect for parties and at-home sipping! Flavor-wise, it’s a balance of berry sweetness, bubbly fun, and a smooth spirit base of vodka and champagne.
That means it appeals to a wide range of tastes and can be customized to your preferences! Add a red rim and dark berry garnish, and it becomes both a conversation piece and a photogenic signature drink. It’s festive, flirty, and delightfully on-theme – what’s not to love?
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Ingredients List
- 1 ½ ounces vodka (plain or raspberry)
- ½ ounce Chambord (or another raspberry or black raspberry liqueur)
- 2-3 ounces 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (to taste)
- 1 ounce champagne or prosecco (optional)
For the Rim
- 1 Tbsp grenadine
- 1 Tbsp red sanding sugar (black works too)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Champagne is drier and prosecco is sweeter, so you can modify the taste here a bit. Substitute sparkling water (unsweetened; plain, cranberry, or raspberry flavor) for less sweetness, use Sprite or a similar lemon-lime soda for more sweetness, or you can omit the bubbly element entirely (but I think it adds a fun touch)
- Instead of cranberry juice, you can substitute cherry juice or another similar red option if preferred (though it of course changes the flavor)!
- For the rim, you can also use red decorating gel, or corn syrup with red food coloring added to add a dripping blood rim if preferred (I don’t dip it in the sugar in this case, just rim the glass)
- You can also add ⅛ tsp of edible glitter to the drink (use red color) to add a fun touch!
Step By Step Instructions
- Rim a chilled martini glass (or similar) by first dipping it into the grenadine to wet the rim. Then, dip the wet rim into a small plate or shallow bowl with the red sugar, and turn to coat
- Add the vodka, Chambord, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into prepared cocktail glass
- Top with champagne or prosecco, and garnish with a cherry if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Their deep red centers and glossy chocolate shell echo the drink’s seductive theme. For a Halloween party, try some Ghost Strawberries!
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: Perfect for the “bloody” color scheme, especially with cream cheese frosting!
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: Intensify the cocktail’s rich berry and champagne notes
- Black Cocoa Cookies: Their dark color ties in beautifully with the Halloween aesthetic
Appetizers
- Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze: Juicy tomatoes and mozzarella complement the cocktail’s sweetness and crimson color
- Mini Meatballs in Red Sauce: A playful “bloody” look that works great for Halloween spreads!
- Brie Bites with Cranberry or Cherry Sauce: Creamy, tart, and indulgent — a luxurious match for the drink’s sparkle. My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites with flaky puff pastry are a great choice!
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon or Dates: Sweet, salty, and elegant finger food that enhances the cocktail’s balance. Try some Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates!
Snacks
- Dark Chocolate Popcorn: A light, sweet-salty treat that matches the cocktail’s dark tones
- Spicy Nuts or Candied Pecans: Add a little warmth and texture contrast
- Black Sesame Crackers with Beet Hummus: Eye-catching, flavorful, and right on theme for Halloween. Check out my Roasted Beet Hummus recipe for a homemade option!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make A Mocktail Version?
Yes! You can easily create a mocktail version by swapping the vodka and champagne for sparkling white grape juice or club soda, using raspberry syrup instead of liqueur, and adding a little extra cranberry juice.
This will ensure the same signature crimson hue without the alcohol.
What Is In The Original 1920’s Recipe?
The vampire kiss cocktail draws inspiration from vintage champagne cocktails of the 1920s, which often combined sparkling wine, grenadine, and fruit liqueurs for both color and sweetness.
Modern versions add vodka for a bolder, more contemporary edge.
Is This Drink Considered A Martini?
Not exactly, although it’s typically served in a martini glass, it isn’t a true martini by classic definition. It’s more accurately a champagne-based cocktail, styled like a martini for presentation and flair.
Tips For the Best Vampire Kiss Cocktail
- You can adjust the overall sweetness of the drink as desired. Add grenadine to taste, or use part cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweetened) instead of the unsweetened. For a more tart drink, add some fresh lemon juice. As written, it’s not overly sweet at all
- Other sweetener options include honey or simple syrup, which you can also add to taste if desired (but I find the drink plenty sweet as it is with the fruit liqueur)
- Adjust the strength by using more or less cranberry juice. As written, it’s fairly alcohol-forward due to the ratio of mixers to alcohol. If you prefer a less strong drink, just add more juice, and/or replace the champagne with unsweetened sparkling water
Serving and Presentation
- Use a Chilled Martini or Coupe Glass: The sleek shape helps showcase the cocktail’s deep red hue and adds a touch of elegance. Chill your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes in advance to keep your drink cold longer!
- Add a Garnish With Drama: A single cherry, a skewer of raspberries or blackberries, or even a black sugar-coated rim can make a striking contrast to the crimson drink
- Use Themed Accessories: A small plastic fang, bat stirrer, or black cocktail pick adds Halloween flair without overpowering the drink
- Serve Under Dim or Red Lighting: This enhances the eerie, mysterious vibe – perfect for a Halloween party or gothic-inspired gathering!
- Safely Add Dry Ice: For a spooky smoke effect, use tongs or gloves to add dry ice to the drink. Always follow safe handling and don’t touch the dry ice directly with your bare hands!
Final Thoughts
The vampire kiss cocktail is a stunning red drink sure to impress guests at your adult Halloween party, gothic events, themed parties (or movie nights) and more! The delicious fruity flavor makes it palate-pleasing, and it’s highly customizable to suit different sweetness preferences too.
This bright red cocktail definitely lives up to the “bloody” theme, but it’s no trick and all treat when it comes to enjoying it. Perfect for entertaining, stunning on a table, and delicious too – what more could you ask for!
Katie’s tip
If you’re looking to offer a variety of different beverages, check out all of my Vodka Halloween Cocktails and Champagne Halloween Cocktails for some complimentary and spooky options!
Easy Vampire Kiss Cocktail With Vodka
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Martini glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka (plain or raspberry flavor)
- ½ ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur (or similar)
- 2-3 ounces 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 ounce champagne or prosecco (optional)
For the Rim
- 1 Tbsp grenadine (amount approximate)
- 1 Tbsp red or black sanding sugar
Instructions
- Rim a chilled martini glass (or similar) by first dipping it into the grenadine to wet the rim. Then, dip the wet rim into a small plate or shallow bowl with the red sugar, and turn to coat1 Tbsp grenadine, 1 Tbsp red or black sanding sugar
- Add the rest of the ingredients (except champagne) to a cocktail shaker (or similar) along with a handful of ice cubes1 ½ ounces vodka, ½ ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur, 2-3 ounces 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into prepared cocktail glass
- Top with champagne or prosecco, and garnish with a cherry if desired. Enjoy!1 ounce champagne or prosecco
Notes
- Champagne is drier and prosecco is sweeter, so use what you prefer. Substitute sparkling water (unsweetened; plain, cranberry, or raspberry flavor) for less sweetness, use Sprite or a similar lemon-lime soda for more sweetness, or you can omit the bubbly element entirely (but I think it adds a fun touch)
- Instead of cranberry juice, you can substitute cherry juice or another similar red option if preferred (though it of course changes the flavor)!
- For the rim, you can also use red decorating gel, or corn syrup with red food coloring added to add a dripping blood rim if preferred (I don’t dip it in the sugar in this case, just rim the glass so it drips easier)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any decorative elements added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
