Eyeball Martinis

If there was ever a time to treat yourself and your friends to a ghoulish cocktail, it’s the delightfully creepy month of October. This easy eyeball martini, made with lychees and whole cranberries, is spooky, fruity, and guaranteed to have everyone screaming for more. The secret ingredient is a simple can of lychees in syrup: The fruit becomes the “eyeballs,” and the syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, eliminating the need for simple syrup or other sweeteners. Neutral vodka and a splash of orange liqueur let the delicate lychee flavor shine, while a layer of bright red grenadine at the bottom of the glass gives the cocktail its eerie glow.

Hungry for more Halloween eats and treats? Check out these mummy hot dogs, spider cookies, and a scary Halloween punch for the kids that will make the whole week fun and festive!

Can you make an eyeball martini without grenadine?

Yes! You can skip the grenadine if you prefer, though it adds a sweet, bright red layer that gives the drink its spooky “eyeball” effect. If you’d like a substitute, try maraschino cherry syrup for a similar color and a hint of sweetness. You can also omit the layering altogether; the martini will still taste delicious and look festive, just a little less gory!

What's the trick to creating layers in an eyeball martini?

The secret to the pretty layered look is density! Grenadine is thicker and heavier than the rest of the ingredients, so it naturally sinks to the bottom of the glass. To keep the layers distinct, pour the grenadine in first, then slowly pour the martini mixture over the back of a spoon so it floats gently on top.