Hard Rock Orlando Serves Spooky HHN Cocktails That Steal the Show

Whether it is a sip to calm the nerves before heading into the fog or a drink to soothe the throat after all the screaming, Hard Rock Orlando has created the most alluring Halloween Horror Nights-inspired cocktails.

While everyone knows about the terrifying frights that bombard guests as soon as they go under the arches, Hard Rock Orlando is joining the spooky season with its own offerings. Since the popular restaurant is just steps away from Universal Studios, many people stop before or after a theme park visit.

This year, the mixology team at the restaurant created four specialty cocktails for Halloween Horror Nights season. They are available only on HHN event nights.

Additionally, there is an added bonus for Universal Orlando Team Members. These specialty cocktails are just $10 versus the regular $14 price for team members.

The four cocktails are: Cauldron Crush, Devil’s Margarita, Freddy’s Revenge, and Wraith Whiskey Smash. As some of the names suggest, each one is inspired by a house or character featured in this year’s HHN.

Ahead of Halloween Horror Nights opening night, I had an opportunity to chat with Hard Rock Orlando’s bar team about the specialty cocktails and their inspiration. While the cocktails are rooted in some familiar classics, the little nods connect them to HHN.

For example, Freddy’s Revenge brings the whimsy with a little sneaky side to this Five Nights at Freddy’s inspired beverage. While the little gummy bear is cute, this cocktail packs a punch. The combination of mango, sour mix, and razmataz is sweet but balanced. It is easy to drink.

Personally, I paired it with a Margherita flatbread. It contrasted the vibrant pesto perfectly. It might not be a food pairing served at the fictional Freddy’s, but it is the combination that scores high flavor points.

My other favorite cocktail was the Wraith Whiskey Smash. This cocktail is a take on a blackberry Old Fashioned. The muddled blackberries with the Old Forester Bourbon are perfect. It would be delightful to enjoy while sitting a spell in that rocking chair, with or without a lantern.

While this cocktail is a little sweet, it is easy to drink. For anyone who likes an Old Fashioned, this one is a great example.

The Devil’s Margarita is a cocktail that had everyone staring. While the classic margarita is expected, the Cabernet floater adds both a dramatic visual and a curious flavor.

“In a way, it is a twist on a New York Sour. The tannins in the red wine add depth to the classic margarita.”

Overall, the Hard Rock Orlando HHN cocktails are a smart choice for the popular restaurant. While many people have been raving about the Messi Menu and the World Tour Burgers, the bar program deserves its moment to shine.

Could this concept be a new direction for Hard Rock Orlando? Let’s hope that this holiday season, there are a few more specialty cocktails coming from the bar program.