As the nights draw in and the autumn chill begins to creep through the air, we find ourselves inching closer to one of the most thrilling holidays of the year—Halloween. The spooky season is upon us, and while we may be preparing our costumes and decorating with pumpkins, it's also the perfect time to explore the world of spirits—both in the ghostly sense and the kind you pour into a glass.

The Spooky History of Gin

Gin may be your go-to for a refreshing G&T, but its origins are steeped in a much darker past. In the 18th century, gin gained the nickname "Mother’s Ruin" as it swept through London like a plague. Cheap, potent, and widely available, gin consumption became so rampant that it was blamed for a rise in crime, poverty, and general debauchery.

But the most haunting chapter in gin’s history is the association with infamous figures like Jack the Ripper. During the Victorian era, gin was often the drink of choice in London’s East End, where the Ripper’s gruesome murders took place. It was said that many victims of crime and poverty, often seeking solace in gin, met their untimely ends in the foggy, dim-lit streets of Whitechapel. It’s no wonder that gin, with its eerie past, has earned a place in the folklore of London’s haunted history.

Whisky: A Ghostly Tale

Whisky, with its rich, smoky notes, also has a spectral story to tell. In Scotland, the home of whisky, tales of haunted distilleries are as common as a dram of single malt by the fire.

One of the most famous haunted distilleries is based on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Legend has it that a former worker named Ella was accidentally locked in the malt kiln, where she tragically died. Ever since, there have been reports of eerie occurrences, including unexplained noises and shadowy figures haunting the distillery’s dark corners. Locals and visitors alike claim to have felt a ghostly presence while enjoying their whisky, adding a spine-chilling layer to the distillery’s storied history. Luckily at the Berry the only spirts we have are the ones on our shelves! 

In fact, whisky has long been associated with superstition. Scottish tradition held that when drinking whisky, you should always leave a small offering, called a "wee dram", for the spirits—ensuring you wouldn’t fall victim to any supernatural mischief!

Spirits and Cocktails: A Halloween Twist

Now that you’re armed with some spooky tales of gin and whisky, it’s time to bring these spirits to life in your Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a costume party or enjoying a quiet night in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a hauntingly good cocktail.

Here’s a wickedly delightful recipe to try at home:

The Haunted Berry Fizz

Ingredients:

- 50ml Little Red Berry Co London Dry Gin Gin

- 25ml blackberry Whisky liqueur

- 1 egg white

- 15ml fresh lime juice

- 100ml tonic water

- A handful of blackberries (for garnish)

- Ice

Method:

1. Fill a glass with ice

2. Shake up your gin, blackberry whisky liqueur, egg white and lime juice.

3. Top with tonic water and stir gently.

4. Garnish with fresh blackberries

5. Enjoy while sharing ghost stories—or perhaps while reading up on the haunted history of your favourite spirits.

Cheers to the Spirits of Halloween!

Cheers to the Spirits of Halloween!

Whether you're a gin aficionado or a whisky lover, there's something undeniably thrilling about celebrating Halloween with a drink in hand, knowing the centuries of folklore and superstition behind it. So this Halloween, raise a glass to the spirits—both the ghostly kind and the ones you can enjoy in a cocktail!

At The Little Red Berry Co., we’re here to make sure your Halloween is filled with flavour, fun, and just the right amount of fright. So go ahead, stir up a spooky cocktail, and let the haunting festivities begin.

Cheers! 

Team LRB

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