Chilling Spirits: A Cocktail Inspired by The House on Haunted Hill (1959)

There’s something about classic horror that captures our imaginations—an eerie charm that transports us back to a time when fear felt both timeless and deliciously campy. This cocktail is my homage to one such classic: The House on Haunted Hill, the 1959 cult favorite that has haunted fans for decades. In true spooky spirit, this drink draws inspiration from the film's tension (using Campari for bitterness) the blood that drips from the ceiling (pomegranate juice) and the dark atmosphere (black vodka)

Whether you're settling in for a Halloween movie night or simply want to sip on something ghoulishly good, this cocktail is sure to add a touch of vintage fright to your night.

If you prefer to watch the cocktail creation with a side of Film history I invite you to do so here -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjsTctISEVc

Directed by the master of gimmicks, William Castle, The House on Haunted Hill is a quintessential entry in the horror genre. Castle’s films were known for their clever—and sometimes absurd—publicity stunts, and this movie was no exception. To promote it, he invented a device called "Emergo," where a plastic skeleton would float over the audience during key scenes in the theater. The idea was pure Castle: playful, thrilling, and just a bit campy.

The Black Vodka used in the recipe is by Blavod and depending on where you are it can be a little hard to come by.  It’s naturally black because of the infusion of a southeast asian herb called black Kaychu which is extracted from the acacia tree.  I think it does give it a bit of a different vodka flavor but not one that overpowers the final cocktail. There are other ways to make regular vodka black but both come with their cons.  Food dye (which will dye your lips and teeth) and Activated charcoal (which can interfere with certain medications)

Starring the legendary Vincent Price, the film tells the story of a wealthy eccentric, Frederick Loren (Price), who invites five strangers to a haunted house for a macabre party. The catch? If they can survive a night filled with ghostly occurrences and terrifying twists, they’ll earn a reward of $10,000—an enticing amount in the '50s. As the night unravels, the guests discover that the true horror might not lie in the house itself but in the sinister games of their host.

With its shadowy cinematography, tense music, and the sinister charm of Vincent Price, The House on Haunted Hill epitomizes the fun and fear that characterized the B-movies of its time. And yet, beneath the camp, there’s a chilling atmosphere that stays with you—just like the perfect cocktail. That’s why I couldn’t resist creating a drink inspired by this film, one that captures the mysterious and theatrical spirit of Castle’s haunted house.

The House on Haunted Hill

• 1.5 oz Black Vodka Brand Blavod

• .5 oz Blackberry Liqueur

• .25 oz Campari

• 3/4 oz Pomegranate Juice

• .5 oz Lime Juice

Top with Cub Soda Add all ingredients (EXCEPT Club Soda) to the shaker WITh Ice . Pour into glass top with Club Soda + Angostura bitters and garnish with blackberries

Just like The House on Haunted Hill offers that perfect blend of chills and charm, this cocktail is designed to be both darkly delicious and playful. Serve it at your next Halloween gathering, or sip it solo while you watch the film and immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of William Castle’s haunted mansion.

And remember: in a haunted house, the only thing scarier than ghosts is running out of cocktails. Cheers to frightful nights and vintage delights!

-Kelly