Devil’s Smash

The Devil’s Smash is a bold cocktail that combines dark flavors with a refreshing kick, making it a perfect choice for Halloween or late-night gatherings. Spiced rum sets the tone with its warm, aromatic character, while rich red wine adds depth and intensity. Ginger beer brings fizz and a touch of spice, creating a lively balance that keeps the drink from feeling too heavy. A splash of vanilla simple syrup smooths the edges with gentle sweetness, tying the flavors together. Finished with an optional cherry garnish, the Devil’s Smash is a complex, flavorful cocktail with a dark and festive spirit.

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Tasting Notes

The Devil’s Smash is a daring mix of rich, spiced, and effervescent flavors that strike a perfect balance between warmth and refreshment. The spiced rum introduces deep notes of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon, while red wine adds smooth body and dark fruit undertones. Vanilla simple syrup enhances the drink’s sweetness and rounds out the spice, creating a seamless blend. The ginger beer tops it off with a sparkling bite, adding brightness and lift to the darker elements. Each sip delivers layers of spice, fruit, and subtle sweetness an ideal cocktail for fall evenings or Halloween gatherings.

Equipment and Glassware

To make the Devil’s Smash, you’ll need a few essential bar tools. Use a jigger to measure ingredients accurately and a bar spoon for gentle stirring to combine the flavors evenly. A mixing glass is optional but can help integrate the wine and rum before pouring. Serve the cocktail in a rocks or highball glass to showcase its deep crimson hue. Keep ice tongs handy for adding cubes neatly, and a strainer if you prefer a smoother pour. A cocktail pick works well for cherries or other garnishes that add visual appeal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz spiced rum
• 1.5 oz red wine
• 2 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup
• Cherry optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Fill your glass halfway with ice cubes.
• Pour in the spiced rum, red wine, and vanilla simple syrup.
• Stir gently to combine the flavors.
• Top with ginger beer, then stir again to ensure everything is mixed well.
• Garnish with cherries, if desired, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Choose a full-bodied red wine to complement the richness of the rum.
• Stir gently over-mixing can flatten the ginger beer’s carbonation.
• Use chilled ingredients for a more refreshing drink.
• For a deeper flavor, replace some of the ginger beer with ginger ale.
• Rim the glass with sugar and cinnamon for a festive touch.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of vanilla syrup to your preference.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness if the drink feels too rich.

When to Serve

The Devil’s Smash is a great cocktail for autumn parties, Halloween celebrations, or cozy evenings by the fire. Its dark red hue and warm spice profile make it especially fitting for seasonal gatherings and themed events. The mix of wine and rum gives it a bold personality that stands out among lighter cocktails, while the ginger beer keeps it lively and approachable. Serve it as a signature drink during festive dinners or late-night get-togethers it pairs beautifully with savory appetizers, spiced desserts, or charcuterie boards.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Spiced Rum: The Kraken, Captain Morgan, or Sailor Jerry for strong spice and depth.
• Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Malbec for rich, dark fruit notes.
• Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, or Bundaberg for crisp spice and carbonation.
• Vanilla Simple Syrup: Monin, Torani, or homemade (equal parts sugar, water, and vanilla extract).
• Garnish: Luxardo or maraschino cherries for a polished, flavorful finish.

Similar Cocktails

• Vampire Kiss Halloween Cocktail
• Green Goblin
• The Gravedigger Halloween Cocktail
• Zombie Mojito
• Zombie Dew