Starbucks Unveils Its Scariest Halloween Drink Ever
Updated: Jan. 07, 2023
Finally! Starbucks has revealed its stateside Halloween Frappuccino, and it's strangely appealing!
We’ll admit, it was a bit frustrating having to wait…and wait…for Starbucks to unveil its 2018 Halloween Frappuccino.
But eventually, the day came—and in time for some serious weekend sipping too. And the spooky yet strangely appealing Witch’s Brew Crème Frappuccino was well worth the suspense.
In fact, the anticipation just keeps going as we delve into how this Witch’s Brew is made.
Start with a dash of Toad’s Breath
The Witch’s Brew Crème Frappuccino would be nothing without “Toad’s Breath,” a ghastly purple-hued yet orange crème flavored Frappuccino base. The orange flavor comes from a special Starbucks “purple powder blend,” or perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a purple power blend since it contains spirulina, a green superfood (superfoods are simply packed with nutrients).
Stir in a handful of Bat Warts
The “Bat Warts” are actually made of chia seeds, another superfood. Chia seeds in a Frapp! What a brilliant way to pack that coffee treat with nutritional value!
Sprinkle with a pinch of Lizard Scale
Yet another clever way to get some superfood into your Frappuccino fix: sprinkle with “Lizard Scale,” er, sorry, make that more spirulina, sweetened with sugar. On top of the whipped cream that bedecks your Toad’s Breath drizzled with Bat Warts, your friendly neighborhood barista will sprinkle Lizard Scale and turn your whipped cream a ghastly green.
This isn’t the first time Starbucks has given us some good nutrition along with our treats.
So? How is it?
If you love Creamsicles, you’re gonna love the Witch’s Brew Crème Frappuccino, because it’s dominated by an orangey-vanilla creaminess:
Love the Witch’s Brew Frap from Starbucks. Tastes like an Orange Julius. pic.twitter.com/JHnmYbea60
— Chef Vince (@foodnwrestling) October 28, 2018
That being said, some detect additional fruitiness:
@saiIorwitch @xunicornjessx I found your Starbucks drink! It’s called witches brew and it tastes like fruit loops 😂 pic.twitter.com/egUiqf2e7S
— Nightowl_Kae (@ElizabethKate86) October 28, 2018
Where and when can you get the Witch’s Brew?
Witch’s Brew Crème Frappuccino is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico and select markets in the Caribbean for a limited time…until supplies run out.
Have you heard the “buzz” about these Starbucks copycat recipes?
Jack Skellington Pops
Cake mix makes quick work of these cake pops decorated to look like Jack the Pumpkin King from The Nightmare Before Christmas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slithering Snake Roll
There’s nothing sinister about this snake. It’s filled with meat, sweet red pepper and cheese. You can paint the pizza dough any color or leave it plain.—Jaclyn Scanlan, Dayton, Ohio
Spirited Spaghetti
Transform this pizza-flavored pasta sauce into something spooky by adding some black food coloring to the pasta water.—Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
Cake Eyeballs
Customize these cake balls to your liking with the flavors of your choice. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bewitching Stuffed Potatoes
I livened up my cheesy stuffed potatoes by giving each a silly hat and grin. These creepy spuds will be a hit at dinner.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
Spiced Chocolate Truffles
I make truffles for family events and gift-giving. Someone once asked me to add pumpkin spice, and now my recipe is legendary. —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, WI
Boo-rito Bites
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. My entire family loves these cute apps, especially my kids, which makes the recipe extra-special. —Rachel Ruiz, Hurlburt Fld, Florida
Witches' Brooms
Pair these edible mini brooms with Witches’ Brew for a spellbinding combination. The only ingredients you need here are pretzel rods and licorice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Cookie Pops
These cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mummy Poppers
I wrapped these spicy jalapeno poppers in puff pastry like a mummy. You can tame the heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Anti-Vampire Potion (Butternut Squash & Garlic Soup)
I remember making this velvety soup with my mom. Butternut squash gives it warm color, and garlic wards off any unfriendly spirits. Try using whipping cream for an extra smooth texture. —Steven Eder, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Eyeball Cookies
All eyes will definitely be on these adorable cookies when they're set on any buffet table. I created them for my son's kindergarten class for Halloween. —Sherry Lee, Columbus, Ohio
Kiss from a Vampire Cookies
Raspberry jam eerily oozes from these soft butter cookies. One bite, and you'll have a hard time stopping! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dirt Balls
Dill and garlic go well with the tang of feta in this cheese ball...in fact, I think it tastes like a million bucks. It's super easy to do and for other holidays omit the black sesame seeds.
Spooky Gelatin Bubble Cupcakes
It's so much fun to make these and decorate with them! Bubbles can be made weeks ahead. Turn them into orange pumpkins, multi-colored balloons -- whatever! —Sarah Thompson, Taste of Home Culinary Director
Day of the Dead Cookies
I make these cookies for all occasions. In the spring, I cut them in flower shapes and insert a lollipop stick in each to make a bouquet. Using candies, food coloring and a wild imagination, try your hand at this Day of the Dead version. —Kristine Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois
Witches' Brew
Stir up some Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. Omit the vodka for a nonalcoholic version so the kids can have some, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Coffin Pumpkin Cake
The maple flavoring in the frosting makes this spooky cake taste delicious! And the gingersnap crumbs make the "coffin" look like a pine box…to suit the season perfectly. —Kathy Michel, Dubuque, Iowa
Witches' Fingers
You don't need a cauldron to conjure these frightening fingers. They're a sweet-and-salty treat that's spookily easy to make. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer, Taste of Home
Coffin Ice Cream Sandwiches
These cute coffin sandwiches our Test Kitchen created are such a breeze to decorate, kids could do it themselves. With ice cream sandwiches and the toppings of their choice, the frozen snacks are ready in a snap.
Skull Deviled Eggs
Thrill partygoers with Halloween deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a spooky version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mummy-Wrapped Brie
You can assemble our baked Brie appetizer in advance and bake it right before the party. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Meringue Bones
This unique treatment for meringue travels well, too! You will certainly get requests for the recipe, and folks will be surprised at how simple it is! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spider Sliders
We're always trying to do fun things with food to make meals memorable. Better grab one of these sandwiches before it walks away! —Frank Millard, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Graveyard Cake
Underneath tasty tombstones, ghosts, pumpkins, worms and soil that make this dessert a conversation piece, you'll find a delectable chocolate cake made from scratch in a few simple steps. It's a recipe I use year-round with different frostings. —Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Hot Dog Mummies with Honey Mustard Dip
These flaky mummy sandwiches are instant party hits! The accompanying mustard dip adds just the right kick.
Vampire Killer Martini
If you're going to hang with vampires, you're going to need a strong drink. This spicy vodka martini, with a blood-red beet garnish, does the trick. A little garlic helps, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Brainy Cake
My Godson and I made this cake after fun day at the science museum. We've made it several times now, and we get a kick out of experimenting with the frosting colors. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Goblin Eyeballs
Our home economists had great vision when creating these devilish deviled eggs. Guests at your Halloween party will be "goblin," them up! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wormy Orange Punch
Gummy worms crawling out of the punch bowl will have your guests howling as they ladle out cups of this festive orange cooler. The punch recipe is super-easy, and its color fits in perfectly with other foods and decorations for my theme party. —Vicki Schlechter, Davis, California
Gingerbread Skeletons
Any small gingerbread boy cookie cutter can take on new "life" with these classic cookies. Give him some cat friends, too. The more the merrier! —Dore' Merrick Grabski, Utica, New York
Ghosts in the Graveyard Cake
This spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Edible Arachnids
I bring cake pops to my church group when we have movie nights. This year for Halloween, I used my go-to recipe to make these not-so-scary spiders. —Nicole Rae Paoli, Newark, Delaware
Ghostly Custards
You'll hear shrieks of delight when these not-so-spooky pumpkin custards appear for dessert. These ghosts will be gobbled up in no time! —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Tombstone Treats
My brother loves Rice Krispies squares, and my mom loves sugar cookies. I came up with a cute treat they'd both like.
Bones & Blood
Like a zombie, you'll be desperate for more of these bone-shaped cookies and dip. Fight nicely over them—no biting! —Taste of Home Food Styling Team
Scary Eyeballs
Kids will squeal with delight at the sight of these eyeball treats. But the peanut butter flavor is the best part! —Shannon Blatchley, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Steak-Through-the-Heart Bites
Our Test Kitchen staff enhances the already fabulous flavor of beef kabobs by topping them with a colorful roasted red pepper sauce. Guests will fall in love with these appetizers!
Spooky Pretzel Bones
I hosted a party one Halloween and wanted to make pretzels to go with my beer cheese dip. Considering the holiday, I shaped the dough into bones. —Courtney Lentz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Freaky Frankenstein Cookies
They're alive! Each year when the Halloween invites start coming my way, I create a little treat to bring. These cute cookies bring a lot of life to every party. —Philia Kelnhofer, West Allis, Wisconsin
