Introduction
Looking for a cocktail that’s equal parts indulgent, spooky, and absolutely delicious? Meet the Screaming Ghost Cocktail—a creamy, dessert-like drink that’s hauntingly good. With a mix of vanilla vodka, white chocolate, coffee liqueur, Bailey’s, cream, and coconut milk, this rich concoction tastes like a boozy milkshake with a ghostly twist.
It’s perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or any chilly night where you want something sweet, cozy, and just a little eerie. Bonus? It’s beautiful in a glass and way easier to make than it looks.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- 👻 Creamy and sweet – like a dessert in a glass
- 🥃 Boozy but smooth – thanks to vodka and liqueurs that blend like a dream
- 🍫 Luxurious flavors – white chocolate, coffee, and cream
- 🧊 Shake-and-serve easy – just a few ingredients and a good shake
- 🎃 Spooky vibe ready – ghostly garnishes take it over the top
Think of it as the grown-up version of a Halloween milkshake—a bit spooky, a lot sweet, and totally satisfying.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make the Screaming Ghost Cocktail, you’ll need the following:
- 1 oz vanilla vodka (or whipped cream vodka)
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- ½ oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream (classic or caramel flavor)
- 1½ oz heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 oz coconut milk
- Ice
Optional: ghost marshmallows, whipped cream, candy eyeballs, or Halloween sprinkles for garnish.
Vodka: The Boozy Backbone
Start with vanilla vodka to add a touch of sweetness and smooth alcohol warmth. If you want an even more decadent touch, whipped cream vodka takes it up a notch.

Best options:
- Smirnoff Vanilla
- Pinnacle Whipped
- Tito’s + a splash of vanilla extract (DIY flavoring!)
Vodka gives the cocktail its backbone without overpowering the dessert vibes.
White Chocolate Liqueur
This ingredient brings the sweet, creamy, candy-like richness. It’s what gives the drink its “white ghost” character and smooth body.
Brands to try:
- Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
- Mozart White Chocolate
- Bottega White Chocolate Cream
You can also DIY a white chocolate liqueur with melted white chocolate chips + cream + vodka (for the brave kitchen experimenters out there).
Coffee Liqueur: The Ghostly Depth
This is the flavor twist that gives the Screaming Ghost its haunting depth. The coffee liqueur cuts through the sweetness and adds that rich, roasty undertone that makes each sip more layered.
Go with:
- Kahlúa – Classic, sweet, and reliable
- Tia Maria – Slightly more coffee-forward and herbal
- Mr. Black – For a stronger espresso-style kick
It won’t dominate the flavor—just bring a little midnight energy to this creamy ghost.
Bailey’s Irish Cream: The Magical Glue
No spooky dessert cocktail is complete without a splash of Bailey’s. It’s what binds the creamy, chocolatey, and coffee flavors into one smooth, unified potion.
Try:
- Original Bailey’s – Soft, creamy, slightly nutty
- Bailey’s Salted Caramel or Pumpkin Spice – For a seasonal twist
It’s like the marshmallow in your hot cocoa—not required, but absolutely elevating.
Heavy Cream or Half & Half
This drink is meant to be thick, velvety, and satisfying. That’s where the heavy cream (or half and half) comes in.
- Heavy cream = super-rich and silky
- Half and half = lighter, still luscious
Use what you like, but don’t skip it—this is your milkshake-level indulgence right here.
Coconut Milk: The Silky Secret
Now here’s the wild card: coconut milk.
It’s not just there for texture—it adds a subtle tropical note and gives the drink a smooth, almost marshmallowy finish. It also lightens up the dairy a bit so it’s not too heavy.
Best choices:
- Canned full-fat coconut milk – Thicker, creamier
- Carton coconut milk – Lighter, still creamy
Avoid sweetened coconut cream—it’ll make the drink overly rich unless you’re going for a full dessert-style serve.
Glassware & Tools You’ll Need
This drink feels fancy, but you don’t need a ton of tools to make it.
Grab:
- Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with lid)
- Lowball glass or martini glass
- Jigger or shot glass – for measuring
- Strainer – to remove ice after shaking
- Optional: whisk or frother for an extra fluffy top layer
Chill your glass in advance if you want that frosty, spooky edge when pouring.
How to Make the Screaming Ghost Cocktail
You’re just minutes away from spooky sip perfection.
Ingredients Recap:
- 1 oz vanilla or whipped cream vodka
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1½ oz heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 oz coconut milk
- Ice
Steps:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients to the shaker.
- Shake hard for 20–30 seconds—you want it cold, creamy, and a little frothy.
- Strain into your chilled glass.
- Garnish with your favorite spooky topper:
- Marshmallow ghost
- Candy eyeballs
- Whipped cream and Halloween sprinkles
- A drizzle of chocolate syrup or cinnamon
Serve immediately and watch your guests raise an eyebrow at how good it is.
Garnish Ideas to Get Spooky 👀🎃
The Screaming Ghost Cocktail is delicious on its own—but why not go all in on the creepy-cute Halloween aesthetic?
Fun garnish ideas:
- Ghost marshmallows – Place one right on top or skewer it
- Candy eyeballs – Float them on whipped cream for an eerie stare
- Whipped cream swirl – Gives a ghostly “cloud” on top
- Crushed Oreo “grave dirt” – Sprinkle on top for texture and drama
- Cinnamon or nutmeg dusting – For a fall-flavored twist
You can even rim the glass with crushed graham crackers, cinnamon sugar, or black sprinkles for an over-the-top Halloween treat.
Mocktail Version (Ghost Shake for All Ages)
Want to make a kid-friendly or non-alcoholic version? Turn this into a ghostly dessert mocktail that still brings all the creamy, spooky vibes—without the booze.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz white chocolate sauce or syrup
- ½ oz chocolate or coffee syrup
- 1 oz Irish cream-flavored creamer (or caramel/vanilla creamer)
- 1½ oz half and half or cream
- 2 oz coconut milk
- Ice
Directions:
- Shake or blend all ingredients until chilled and frothy
- Strain or pour into a glass
- Top with whipped cream and Halloween candy garnish
It’s sweet, silky, and just spooky enough to make kids smile (and adults sneak a sip).
Tips for the Best Texture
This drink is all about that thick, luxurious mouthfeel, and it starts with how you mix it.
Tips:
- Shake hard – You want air to whip the cream and coconut milk slightly
- Use fresh ice – Older ice can water it down too fast
- Strain carefully – No extra ice chunks in this smooth sipper
- Chill your glass – Keeps the drink cold without needing extra ice in the glass
You’re going for that “dessert cocktail” vibe—creamy, cool, and hauntingly smooth.
When to Serve It
This isn’t just a Halloween drink (though it’s perfect for that). It works for any cozy, moody, or sweet occasion.
Great moments to serve:
- 👻 Halloween parties (add a fog machine for extra drama)
- 🍂 Fall gatherings – fire pit + spooky cocktail = win
- 🍸 After-dinner dessert drink
- 🎬 Scary movie night with themed cocktails
- 💀 Costume parties and creepy game nights
It’s also a great choice for anyone who prefers a creamy cocktail over something fruity or sour.
Creative Variations
Ready to remix your ghost drink? Here are a few chilling upgrades:
🧊 Frozen Ghost Shake
- Blend all ingredients with ice for a creamy slush version
- Top with whipped cream and a mini ghost marshmallow
☕ Mocha Ghost
- Add ½ oz chocolate liqueur
- Rim the glass with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
🍂 Pumpkin Spice Ghost
- Swap Bailey’s for Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice
- Add a cinnamon stick for stirring
💀 Dark Spirit Ghost
- Add a float of spiced rum on top for a warmer, layered flavor
- Garnish with black sugar for that gothic vibe
Let your imagination go wild—this is your haunted canvas.
Final Thoughts
The Screaming Ghost Cocktail is more than just a Halloween gimmick—it’s a genuinely delicious, creamy dessert drink with cozy fall flavors and an eye-catching look. Whether you’re serving it for Halloween, a cold-weather treat, or a themed movie night, it delivers on flavor, texture, and spooky charm.
So grab your shaker, light a candle, throw on a creepy playlist, and let this cocktail cast a spell on your tastebuds. Sweet, spooky, and just a little sinful—exactly what October nights are made for. 🎃👻🍸
FAQs
1. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or almond milk creamers in place of heavy cream and Irish cream. Stick with coconut milk as your base.
2. Can I serve it warm?
Not recommended—alcohols like Baileys can curdle when heated. Stick with chilled or blended versions.
3. What’s the best vodka for this?
Vanilla or whipped cream vodka works best for sweetness and smoothness, but plain vodka with a splash of vanilla extract also works.
4. How far ahead can I make it?
Mix it just before serving. Creamy drinks don’t sit well over time—they separate and lose that frothy magic.
5. Is this strong?
It’s smooth and sweet, but don’t let it fool you—it has a solid amount of liquor. Sip slow and enjoy responsibly.
Screaming Ghost Cocktail
Description
Looking for a cocktail that’s equal parts indulgent, spooky, and absolutely delicious? Meet the Screaming Ghost Cocktail—a creamy, dessert-like drink that’s hauntingly good. With a mix of vanilla vodka, white chocolate, coffee liqueur, Bailey’s, cream, and coconut milk, this rich concoction tastes like a boozy milkshake with a ghostly twist.
Ingredients
1 ounce vanilla vodka (or whipped cream vodka)
1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
½ ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Tia Maria)
1 ounce Bailey’s Irish cream (original or caramel flavor)
1 ½ ounces heavy cream (or half and half)
2 ounces coconut milk
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar if you don’t have one) along with a couple ice cubes
1 ounce vanilla vodka,1 ounce white chocolate liqueur,½ ounce coffee liqueur,1 ounce Bailey’s Irish cream,1 ½ ounces heavy cream,2 ounces coconut milk
Shake until chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass (or martini glass)
Garnish with a ghost marshmallow, candy eyeballs, or whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!