Halloween-themed drinks are seriously spooky business — definitely not just an opportunity for me to cram as many horror movie references and puns into 1,000 words or less.Here are Pittsburgh’s best witchy watering holes and supernatural pop-ups. Read on for several less scary spots around town offering seasonal cocktails so you can get freaky without being freaked out.Let’s raise some spirits:Participants in last year’s costume contest at Harold’s Haunt in Millvale. Photo courtesy of Harold’s Haunt.Harold’s Haunt 142 Grant Ave., MillvaleSorry, Sanderson sisters — our favorite coven lives near the Allegheny River and serves ghostly cocktails all year long.The October events schedule for Harold’s Haunt, Millvale’s haunted they-bar, is jam-packed with creepy events, like the bar’s second-anniversary funeral on Saturday, Oct. 12. The bar is stocked with potions and “Fauxtions,” a.k.a. mocktails. Try the Monster Mash (silver rum, lime, strawberry, house mint syrup), Ghost in a Glass (gin, triple sec, lemon, simple syrup, aquafava) or Archdevil of Rebellion (vodka, fig jam, lemon, pomegranate, ginger ale, fangs) — which is, ironically enough, what my parents call me.Harold’s Haunt is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 to 11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m.Jekyl & Hyde 140 S. 18th St., South SidePittsburgh has plenty of occult establishments, but only one exists to celebrate Halloween all year long. For South Side’s Jekyl & Hyde, spooky season started in 1996 and hasn’t stopped since.A word of warning: Their drinks are scary good. Ever wanted to be as oblivious as a horror movie protagonist who doesn’t notice the monster walking through the open door behind them? Order a Jac-o-Lantern (Faber orange vodka, Smirnoff vanilla vodka, Smirnoff whipped cream vodka, orange cream liqueur, orange juice and Sprite). It’s what you wish an orange creamsicle tasted like.Keep an eye on their Instagram for their October events calendar. Or just show up in costume whenever — it’s always Halloween there.Jekyl and Hyde is open daily from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.Opening weekend at The Nightmare before Mixtape during the first weekend of October. Photo courtesy of Mixtape. The Nightmare Before Mixtape 4907 Penn Ave., GarfieldLooking for more after the Beetlejuice sequel? Mixtape has once again opened a portal to the Burton-verse. Tickets to the Nightmare Before Mixtape are timed entry, beginning as early as 3 p.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m. Sessions before 7 p.m. are family friendly so long as individuals under 21 are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Only a few are able to see ghosts though — Mixtape has a limited number of tickets and they’re almost sold out for the month.If you missed your chance, don’t fret! Mixtape’s October calendar is chock full of musical performances and events that aren’t afraid to roll up their black-and-white-striped sleeves and serve up a heart-y helping of October ambience.A blood bag cocktail. Photo courtesy of Cocktails from the Crypt.Cocktails from the Crypt 130 Seventh St., DowntownAfter a hiatus in 2023, mixologist Spencer Warren’s baby has returned to unlife. Pop-up Cocktails from the Crypt reopens at a new spot in the Cultural District on Thursday, Oct. 10.Warren is bringing the Halloween pop-up to its largest home ever across the street from Howl at The Moon. This year they’re even able to host private parties of about 25, says Warren. DM them on Instagram for more details.Cocktails from the Crypt is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to midnight until Sunday, Nov. 3.Hocus Pocus Halloween Bar 25 Market Square, DowntownA few days after Barcadia closes out the Mamma Mia Bar on Friday, Oct. 18, they’ll be shouting, “Here we go again!” as they open a new pop-up in the space: a Hocus Pocus Halloween bar.Two Sanderson sisters references in one article? Call that “double, double, toil and trouble.”Neither Barcadia nor the Mamma Mia Bar have announced what will be served when something wicked this way comes, but — judging by past events — it’s sure to feature thematic mixed drinks (and their nonalcoholic versions), wines, brews and bites.The Hocus Pocus bar will open on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and run through Thursday, Oct. 31. Hours pending. Follow Barcadia and Mamma Mia Bar on Instagram for updates.Kingfly Spirits 2613 Smallman St., Strip DistrictLooking for palm readings, sugar skull painting, seances and … spooky burlesque all in the same spot? Kingfly’s 13 Nights of Halloween will introduce you to a few spirits that aren’t your usual vodka or whiskey.The full events calendar is available on its website. The Kingfly crew caps things off with their Samhain celebration — a Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest — on Oct. 31 from 3 to 11 p.m.Kingfly Spirits is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 10 p.m.; Fridays from 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturdays from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m.Looking for more seasonal menus? These places may not have Halloween events, but their drink menus are stocked with apples, pumpkins and more October favorites. Square Cafe 134 S. Highland Ave., East LibertyHarvest Mimosa — apple cider, cranberry juice and sparkling wine. Available until Friday, Oct. 11.  Apple Cider Mimosa — apple cider and sparkling wine. Available Oct. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 2.Halloween cocktails from Ritual House. Photo courtesy of Ritual House.Ritual House 524 William Penn PlaceGrape Ape — blueberry stoli vodka, purple Kool-Aid, white cranberry, lime juice and moscato Gravedigger — Amally mezcal, rosemary syrup, lime juice and ginger beer Fortune Teller — vodka, Luxardo cherry, lychee, lemon and a crystal ball ice cube (while supplies last)Kahlil’s Restaurant 4757 Baum Blvd., BloomfieldSlammin Pumpkin Tahini Martini — tahini, almond milk, rum, dried blood orange and pumpkin spiceThe El Vampiro and Perla Negra cocktails. Photo courtesy of Esquina Cantina.Esquina Cantina (formerly Round Corner Cantina) 3720 Butler St., LawrencevilleEl Vampiro — Cazadores Blanco tequila, house-made sangrita, lime, grapefruit soda and grenadine Perla Negra — ilegal blanco mezcal, squid ink, lime, coriander and agave.The post All the best Halloween bars, pop-ups and cocktails in Pittsburgh this season appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.