The Opelika Spirits Trail: 13 Spooktacular Sips To Try This October

Head to Zazu’s Gastropub in downtown Opelika to kick off your Spirits Trail adventure. 'The Deadly Shirley' is a cheeky twist on the classic Shirley Temple, mixing cherry vodka with fizzy Sprite for a sweet, sparkling, and just-a-little-mischievous sip.

Café 123 casts a charming spell with ‘Haynie’s Hex.’ This potion stirs together tequila, blackberry basil syrup, and lime juice, finished with a playful green ‘slime’ rim that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

At Botanic, the ‘Boo-tonic’ blends gin and tonic with pomegranate, rosemary, and elderflower liqueur. This festive and refreshing sip captures the flavors of autumn with just a hint of magic.

Santé serves up a Halloween-ready twist with ‘The Spooky Spritz.’ Lambrusco and Spritz Del Conte Classico mingle with blackberry-cinnamon syrup, then it’s finished with a dried orange, blackberry, and rosemary garnish. Bright, festive, and perfectly seasonal.

John Emerald brings back a crowd-pleaser with ‘The Cauldron.’ Barrel-aged rum mingles with cranberry, pomegranate, blackberry, orange juice, and lime for a festive, fruity sip.

Piedmont on Piedmont conjures up the classic ‘Corpse Reviver.’ Beefeater gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon, and just a hint of absinthe blend into a cocktail that’s chilling in name but reviving in taste.

Southern Oak Bar at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National stirs up a magical mix with ‘The Hocus-Tini.’ Beefeater gin, St. Germain, lemonade, butterfly pea syrup, and egg white create a whimsical cocktail that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Sneak and Dawdle gives a Halloween classic a grown-up twist with their ‘Candy Corn Old Fashioned.’ Made with Maker’s Mark bourbon and a house-made candy corn honey syrup, this cocktail is equal parts nostalgic and sophisticated

Irish Bred Pub serves up a cozy seasonal delight with the ‘Irish Orchard.’ Honey-kissed Irish whiskey meets crisp apple and ginger beer, finished with a cinnamon stick for just the right touch of fall spice.

Resting Pulse Brewing Co. serves up ‘Resting Pumpkin Face,’ a scary good pumpkin ale that captures the essence of fall. With notes of nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and clove, it’s the perfect pour to toast the Halloween season.

Red Clay Brewing Company keeps it local with their ‘Local Harvest Ale,’ brewed with pumpkins from Auburn University’s Horticulture Department and honey from Mount Jefferson Honey. A true taste of Auburn-Opelika autumn in every sip.

Taking a break from the booze? O Town Ice Cream has you covered with The Casper. This peppermint and dark chocolate iced latte is cool, creamy, and just the right amount of spooky. It’s proof that you don’t need spirits to stay spirited on the trail.

Too early for a cocktail? The Coffee Shop in downtown Opelika has just the thing — the Pumpkin Patch Latte. This pumpkin soufflé–inspired drink mixes notes of cupcake, toasted marshmallow, and cinnamon into one perfectly cozy cup. Served hot or iced and fully customizable, it’s a fall favorite that proves you don’t need spirits to get in the spirit of the season.