We’re on the final countdown to Halloween, and I don’t know about you, but my own annual Halloween bash is going on this upcoming weekend. I’m a party host who likes to be prepared. I pick the drinks, food, atmosphere, and entertainment with particular care because I want it all to be perfect.

At this year’s bash, we’re keeping it low-key. We’re going to have some drinks, eat some junk food, and watch horror movies.

As I was planning the menu, and more importantly, the film picks for the night, I started thinking: What would happen if I paired drinks with the movies we watch instead of the food I was serving?

This quickly led to: What drinks would I pair with classic horror movies?

And now, here I am, sharing a list with all of you! You won’t find elaborate concoctions on this list. You won’t need an entire arsenal of tools to make them. The most you might need is a cocktail shaker, and you won’t even need that for most.

Check out the list and tell us what you think in the comments then look for PART TWO of this article will be coming later this week! What are you serving at your Halloween party this year?

Horror Movie Drink Pairings for Halloween!

#1 Carrie (1976)–Bloody Mary

It might sound cliche, and maybe even a little gross considering the film’s opening scene, but there was really no other choice for Carrie when blood plays such a pivotal role in the film.

The classic cocktail, invented by Fernand Petiot, was originally comprised of just tomato juice and vodka, but when he moved to the U.S., his customers found it too bland, so he added black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco, and a legend was born.

It’s the most complicated recipe on this list, but then again, Carrie was a complicated girl. Check out a classic recipe for the Bloody Mary cocktail here.

#2 House on Haunted Hill (1959)–Bourbon Neat

When Vincent Price teamed up with William Castle, magic happened on the screen. The frightfully campy House on Haunted Hill was arguably the best example of this. It’s a film I can watch over and over again and notice something different every time.

There is something distinctly American about bourbon, though its name is supposed derived from the French Bourbon dynasty. Other contenders include Bourbon Street and Bourbon County, Kentucky, though both of those places derive their name from that same French source.

It’s barrel aged and distilled primarily from corn which gives it a unique flavor. You can serve it on the rocks, but trust me, drink it neat and enjoy that layered flavor while you enjoy this classic film.

Also, treat yourself to a top shelf label and make Frederick Loren proud!

#3 Friday the 13th (1980)–Pabst Blue Ribbon

Summer camp, horny camp counselors, and an unseen (and unexpected) killer. Friday the 13th married those images together in its first outing so well that it spawned a flurry of sequels, a reboot, and most recently, more fan films than you can shake a machete at.

Still, there’s something about that original, especially, that makes it a must-see. As the October chill gives way to blustery November, one little stopover in the heat of Summer is a welcome reprieve, and there are few things on a hot, Summer day more refreshing than an ice cold beer.

Pabst Blue Ribbon has been around since 1844. It’s a bit of an American institution with a sketchy reputation and, well, that just seems to fit Friday the 13th like a glove. Throw in some s’mores and make a night of it!

#4 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)–Tequila shots with Shiner Bock Chaser

Shot in the heat and humidity of a Texas Summer, Tobe Hooper’s classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre shocked audiences with its brutality and in-your-face story telling. The final 20 minutes of the film are some of the most unnerving I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot!

It’s a uniquely Texas story that calls for a uniquely Texas combination. Now, I know what you’re thinking, tequila is not a native Texas alcoholic beverage and you’re right. Tequila, a form of Mezcal that is believed to have originated in Mexico in the 16th century. Its distinctive flavors have become a favorite the world over, and in the United States, Texas is second only to California in tequila consumption.

Now Shiner Bock, that’s something different. Developed as a seasonal beer at the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, Shiner Bock has become a year around favorite in the Lone Star State. It’s distinctly dark, slightly bitter flavor is incredible and definitely complements the mood of the film.

#5 Halloween (1978)–Scotch on the Rocks

You didn’t think I’d forget Halloween did you?! It’s only my favorite slasher ever!

When it was first released, it was basically the little engine that could. Opening in a handful of theaters then spreading by word of mouth across the country. Today, it’s a classic for its tension, storytelling, and of course, it’s silent, masked villain.

When I mentioned to my husband that I was going to write this article we decided that Dr. Loomis, Carpenter’s Captain Ahab, was definitely a Scotch man, but not really good Scotch. He exists somewhere between rotgut and top shelf in that infinite land with seemingly endless possibilities.

I, personally, would recommend Johnnie Walker Red Label. It’s not the best of their line, but it is the top-selling Scotch in the world mostly because you get the Johnnie Walker blend with the lower end Johnnie Walker price, and much like Halloween, it introduced the company’s brand to the world at large.

#6 The Haunting (1963)–Brandy

Look, I can’t tell you how to live your life, but how do you work your way through a Halloween season without watching 1963’s The Haunting at least once?!

Based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, The Haunting is filled with classy actors, atmospheric setting, and an incredible story that will keep you up at night.

I’m not sure why, but every time I watch the film, it chills me to the bone, and how do we fight a chill?

Sure, blankets are good, but have you ever had a good brandy?

There’s something about this particular beverage, made from distilling wine, that just makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over–even on the coldest night–which makes it perfect to fight off the chill of Robert Wise’s classic film. Pour yourself a healthy portion into your favorite snifter, sit back, and sip your way through The Haunting!

#7 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)–Irish Coffee

You ever think about something and think about something and then realize you’re overthinking it?

That’s what happened to me while I was trying to come up with the perfect adult beverage for watching A Nightmare on Elm Street. I kept thinking I needed something to coincide with Nancy’s vodka-swilling mom, but then it hit me: Irish Coffee.

Nancy threw back enough coffee during the movie to keep Folger’s in business in her attempts to stay awake and keep the evil Freddy Kreuger at bay. And quite frankly, I’m not sure that a little extra kick might not have made that last confrontation all the more interesting.

Irish coffee is simple enough to make. Brew your favorite coffee, sweeten it the way you like it, then add a shot or two of your favorite whiskey. However, in keeping with its Irish name, I do recommend Jameson.

That’s all for PART ONE of Horror Movie Drink Pairings. Look for PART TWO later this week!