Drunk Ghost

Ghost-themed cocktails do not need smoke, dry ice, or complicated decorations to make an impression. The Drunk Ghost keeps things simple with Malibu rum, vanilla vodka, coconut cream, and Sprite for a pale, creamy drink that looks perfect for Halloween.

The flavor leans sweet and tropical, with coconut at the center and vanilla adding a softer dessert-like note. Sprite keeps the drink from feeling too heavy by adding citrus and bubbles, while the marshmallow garnish gives it a playful finish that fits the ghost theme.

I love this cocktail for Halloween parties because it is easy to build right in the glass. There is no shaker required, and the ingredients are simple enough to keep on hand for a crowd. It works well for costume parties, movie nights, themed dinners, or any fall gathering where you want something fun without a long prep list.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Drunk Ghost is a good choice if you like sweet, creamy cocktails with a tropical edge. It looks festive, but the method is straightforward enough for beginners.

• Easy to make: Everything is poured directly into the glass.
• Perfect for Halloween: The pale color and marshmallow garnish fit the ghost theme naturally.
• Sweet and creamy: Coconut cream and vanilla vodka create a smooth dessert-style flavor.
• Lightened with Sprite: The soda adds bubbles and keeps the drink refreshing.
• No special tools needed: A highball glass and basic measuring tool are enough.
• Good for parties: The recipe is quick to repeat for several guests.

This drink is especially useful when you want something themed that still feels easy and familiar.

Ingredients

The Drunk Ghost only uses a few ingredients, so each one plays a clear role. Malibu rum adds coconut flavor, vanilla vodka brings sweetness and warmth, coconut cream gives the drink body, and Sprite adds fizz.

• 2 oz Malibu rum
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 2 oz coconut cream
• 4 oz Sprite
• Marshmallow for garnish

Malibu rum is already sweet and coconut-forward, so it works naturally with the coconut cream. The vanilla vodka softens the sharper alcohol note while adding a flavor that blends well with coconut.

Sprite brings lemon-lime flavor and carbonation. That contrast helps keep the cocktail from tasting too rich, especially with two ounces of coconut cream in the glass.

The marshmallow garnish is simple, but it helps sell the ghost theme without adding another strong flavor.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This cocktail depends on coconut and vanilla flavors, so there is some room to change the spirits while keeping the same basic style.

• Malibu Original: The obvious choice for the coconut rum portion and the closest match to the original recipe.
• Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum: A good substitute if you want a slightly different coconut profile.
• Smirnoff Vanilla: An easy-to-find vanilla vodka that blends well with coconut cream.
• Stoli Vanil: A smooth vanilla vodka option with a clean finish.
• Plain vodka substitution: Use regular vodka if vanilla vodka is unavailable, then add a small splash of vanilla syrup if desired.
• Lemon-lime soda substitution: 7UP can replace Sprite with a similar result.

If you prefer a slightly less sweet cocktail, use a drier lemon-lime soda or reduce the amount of coconut cream a little.

Equipment and Glassware

The Drunk Ghost is one of the easier cocktails to put together because it is built directly in the serving glass.

Useful items include:

• Highball glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon

A highball glass works best because it gives the drink enough room for the coconut cream, spirits, soda, and ice.

If you are making several servings, line up the glasses and measure the ingredients into each one before topping with Sprite.

How to Make It

The process is simple and does not require shaking or straining. Everything goes directly into the glass over ice.

1. Prepare the glass. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the spirits. Pour Malibu rum and vanilla vodka into the glass.
3. Add the coconut cream. Pour in the coconut cream.
4. Top with Sprite. Add Sprite until the glass is filled.

The drink can be given a gentle stir before serving if you want the coconut cream fully mixed through the glass.

Pro Tips

This recipe is easy, but a few small details can help the texture and sweetness feel more balanced.

• Use chilled ingredients. Cold Malibu, vodka, coconut cream, and Sprite help the drink stay colder without relying on too much melting ice.
• Stir the coconut cream first. Coconut cream can separate in the container, so mix it well before measuring.
• Add Sprite last. This helps preserve the bubbles.
• Stir gently. A light stir is enough to mix the coconut cream without flattening the soda.
• Use fresh ice. Solid cubes help keep the drink cold and slow dilution.
• Taste before adding extra sweetness. Malibu, vanilla vodka, and Sprite already make this a sweet cocktail.
• Keep the garnish simple. One marshmallow is enough to give the drink a playful Halloween look.
• Serve right away. The soda tastes best while it is still fizzy.

I like this cocktail best when the Sprite still comes through clearly. That little bit of citrus helps balance the creamy coconut.

Variations

The Drunk Ghost is easy to change if you want a slightly different flavor or presentation.

• Coconut Cream Soda Ghost: Replace part of the Sprite with cream soda for an even stronger vanilla flavor.
• Frozen Drunk Ghost: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy version.
• White Chocolate Ghost: Add a small splash of white chocolate liqueur for a richer dessert-style drink.
• Coconut Lime Ghost: Add a small squeeze of lime juice to cut through the sweetness.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Use coconut cream, lemon-lime soda, and a little vanilla syrup without the rum or vodka.

For a slightly lighter version, increase the Sprite and reduce the coconut cream.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Drunk Ghost is made for themed parties, especially Halloween gatherings where the drink presentation matters as much as the flavor.

Try serving it for:

• Halloween parties
• Costume parties
• Horror movie nights
• Fall sleepovers
• Themed dinners
• Birthday parties
• Casual game nights

Because the drink is sweet and creamy, salty snacks pair especially well. Try popcorn, pretzels, chips, sliders, or a snack board.

It also works with desserts like sugar cookies, vanilla cupcakes, coconut cake, or marshmallow treats.

For a Halloween cocktail menu, serve it alongside Purple People Eater, Devil’s Smash, or Draculas Tequila so guests have a mix of creamy, fruity, and spicy drinks.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Drunk Ghost is best made fresh because Sprite loses carbonation after opening and mixing.

You can still prepare some of the ingredients ahead. Chill the Malibu rum, vanilla vodka, and coconut cream before guests arrive.

If you are serving a group, pre-measure the rum and vodka into a chilled container. Stir the coconut cream separately so it is smooth and easy to pour.

When it is time to serve, fill each glass with ice, add the spirits and coconut cream, then top with Sprite.

Do not fully batch the cocktail with Sprite far in advance. The drink will lose its fizz and taste flatter.

Marshmallows can be placed on picks or set aside for garnish before the party begins so serving stays quick.

FAQs

The Drunk Ghost is simple, but a few common questions can help if you are changing ingredients or preparing several servings.

Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?

Yes, but the drink will be thinner and less rich. Coconut cream gives the original cocktail its fuller texture.

Can I use regular vodka instead of vanilla vodka?

Yes. Plain vodka will work, though the drink will lose some of its vanilla flavor.

Can I use 7UP instead of Sprite?

Yes. Both are lemon-lime sodas and work similarly in this recipe.

Can I make the Drunk Ghost ahead of time?

You can measure the rum, vodka, and coconut cream ahead, but wait to add Sprite and ice until serving.

Is this cocktail very sweet?

Yes, it leans sweet because of the Malibu, vanilla vodka, coconut cream, and Sprite. If you prefer a lighter taste, use more soda or slightly less coconut cream.

Can I make a large batch?

Yes. Multiply the Malibu, vanilla vodka, and coconut cream by the number of servings you need. Add Sprite to each glass individually so it stays fizzy.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like fun Halloween cocktails with bold colors and easy preparation, these drinks are good choices for the same party menu.

• Coco Loco
• Mango Tango Fizz
• Ube Martini
• Pink Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
• Royal Eclipse

These recipes give you several different Halloween drink styles, from creamy and sweet to fruity, spicy, and sparkling.