The purple people eater cocktail is here to serve up the frights just in time for Halloween. This bubbly purple potion is crafted with coconut rum, lemon-lime soda, and blue curaçao while dry ice adds a cascade of smoke for a mysterious visual.

Purple People Eater Cocktail in a beaker glass

Why this recipe works

The people people eater cocktail emits a spooky vision of spewing fog with the use of dry ice. The witchy purple brew is a mixture of sweet Malibu coconut rum, grenadine, lemon-lime soda, and citrusy blue curaçao that come together to make a sweet and fruity cocktail worthy of its whimsical appearance.

Halloween is hands down the best time for fun creations in the kitchen. From black Halloween candy apples to candy corn jello shots and cocktails that put on a smoke show, you can guarantee we’re whipping up all of the coolest concoctions to celebrate.

Hand holding up a Purple People Eater Cocktail

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Purple People Eater Cocktail

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

LIQUEUR – You will need Malibu coconut rum and blue curaçao to make this cocktail. The blue curaçao is essential to create the pretty purple hue you see in the photos.

GRENADINE – Grenadine adds sweetness, but it’s also an integral ingredient alongside the blue curaçao for creating the purple coloring in this cocktail. Blue + red = purple!

SODA – Use your favorite lemon lime-flavored soda for this drink, either 7UP or Sprite will work.

DRY ICE – We used dry ice for a fun Halloween effect. If you use dry ice, please do your research and use it carefully. Here is a great article on using dry ice safely in cocktails. Dry ice should NEVER be consumed, however, it is safe to drink a cocktail once all the “smoke” has gone. Dry ice will sink to the bottom of your glass and will continue to evaporate, hence the smoke effect. Ooo and ahhh over your smokey drink, take selfies, etc., but wait until the smoke is gone before consuming.

How to Make a Purple People Eater Cocktail

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

To a cocktail glass add Malibu coconut rum, blue curaçao, and lemon lime soda.

TIP – We used these fun beaker-style tube cocktail glasses.
Pour in grenadine and use a cocktail stirrer to gently combine.
Add ice if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I make the purple people eater cocktail without dry ice?

Yes, of course! If you can not find food-grade dry ice at your local grocery store, you can leave it out entirely. It’s only there for a fun visual and does not alter the taste of the cocktail if omitted.

Two Purple People Eater Cocktails on a tray

Serving Suggestions

Be sure to let the “smoke” from the dry ice evaporate entirely before consuming the purple people eater cocktail. This drink is perfect for Halloween parties but with its fruity flavor profile, you can also enjoy it year-round with or without the added dry ice.

If you are serving it without dry ice, optionally garnish it with sliced blood orange or with a cocktail pick skewered with raspberries or blackberries.

We served our purple people eater cocktail in these cool beaker-like tube cocktail glasses. You can serve it in any kind of cocktail glass desired, 12 ounces or larger.

More Halloween Recipes Recipes

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This post was originally published here on October 6, 2023.