Spooky Mezcal Cider (El Cucuy Cocktail)
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Updated Sep 14, 2025, Published Oct 18, 2017
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I love this time of year! Between ghost stories, Colorado’s unpredictable Halloween weather, and trick-or-treaters in costumes hidden under heavy coats, fall always feels a little magical. Now that my kids are older, they head out with friends, and I stay home with the candy bowl—and a warm mug of this Spooky Mezcal Cider in hand.
This cozy calientito is made with canela, cloves, pears, apple cider, and a splash of smoky mezcal. It warms you up from the inside out and reminds me of my childhood, when my grandma used to warn me about El Cucuy, Mexico’s boogeyman. She’d say, “Behave, or El Cucuy will come for you.”
So, sip carefully—this haunting hot toddy is as cozy as it is spooky.
What is Spooky Mezcal Cider?
It’s a warm apple cider cocktail infused with cinnamon, cloves, fresh fruit, and finished with smoky mezcal. Think of it as a Mexican-inspired hot toddy with a Halloween twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Halloween – A cozy drink to sip while handing out candy.
- Spooky storytelling – Inspired by El Cucuy, this cocktail has a playful cultural twist.
- Smoky + sweet balance – Apple cider pairs beautifully with mezcal.
- Make-ahead friendly – The cider simmers on the stove while you get ready for the night.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Water & apple cider – The warm, cozy base. Use fresh-pressed cider if available.
- Cinnamon sticks & cloves – Classic fall spices. You can add star anise or allspice too.
- Red pear – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- Orange slices – A pop of brightness to balance the warm spices.
- Mezcal – Adds smoky depth. Swap for tequila, bourbon, or even spiced rum.
See the full recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to Make Spooky Mezcal Cider
Step 1: Simmer the cider. In a large pot, combine water, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, pear, and orange slices. Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Steep. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Strain. Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Step 4: Serve. Ladle into mugs, making sure each cup has some fruit slices.
Step 5: Spike it. Add 1 ounce of mezcal to each mug and stir.
Serving & Topping Suggestions
- Rim mugs with cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick stirrer or star anise.
- Serve with Halloween snacks like buñuelos shaped into ghosts or a Halloween cheese board.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Make a kid-friendly version by skipping the mezcal—adults can add it to their own mugs.
- Double the batch and keep it warm in a slow cooker for parties.
- Add a splash of pomegranate juice or cranberry juice for extra color and tang.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftover cider (without mezcal) for up to 3 days in a sealed jar. Reheat gently, then add mezcal before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Prepare the spiced cider up to a day ahead and reheat before serving. Just add mezcal at the end.
Tequila, bourbon, or spiced rum all work beautifully.
Absolutely. Serve the cider on its own for a family-friendly version.
More Festive Cocktails
If you tried this Spooky Mezcal Cider or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Summarize & Save This Content On
Spooky Mezcal Cider (El Cucuy Cocktail)
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 red pear, cored and sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 ounce mezcal , per cup
Instructions
- In a large pot, over high heat, boil water, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, pear and orange slices.
- After it starts to boil, lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Discard cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Ladle into cups, making sure each cup gets some slices of fruit.
- Add 1 ounce of mezcal to each cup before serving.
Notes
- For a kid-friendly version, leave out the mezcal. Adults can add it to their own mugs.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker for a Halloween party.
- Add star anise or allspice for extra spice flavor.
- Substitute mezcal with tequila, bourbon, or spiced rum.
- Leftover cider (without mezcal) can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add mezcal just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
I’ll have a cucuy please. Trick or Treat