Looking to impress your guests with a mesmerizing drink experience? Dry ice cocktails are a surefire way to add a touch of magic to any gathering.
With just a few simple techniques and safety precautions, you can create stunning, smoky beverages that will leave your guests in wonder.
This blog post guides you through 11 creative dry ice drink recipes, from classic cocktails with a smoky twist to spooky Halloween concoctions.
We’ll also cover essential tips for handling dry ice safely and achieving the perfect smoky effect in your drinks.
Get ready to elevate your mixology game and wow your friends and family with these incredible dry ice drink ideas.
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) commonly used as a cooling agent.
Unlike regular ice, dry ice does not melt into a liquid. Instead, it undergoes sublimation, directly transforming from a solid to a gas at temperatures above -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit).
This unique property makes dry ice an excellent choice for creating smoky, bubbling effects in drinks without diluting them.
When added to a liquid, dry ice rapidly releases carbon dioxide gas, causing the drink to bubble and emit a captivating fog.
However, handling dry ice carefully and following proper safety guidelines is crucial to avoid potential injuries.
Top 29 Dry Ice Drink Recipes
Get ready to impress your guests with these 29 stunning dry ice drink recipes.
Each recipe includes a brief description, ingredients, and unique preparation steps to help you create mesmerizing beverages for any occasion.
1. Dry Ice Halloween Punch
A fun, bubbly punch that can be enjoyed by all ages or spiked for adult guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberry Juice | Equal parts with ginger ale |
| Ginger Ale | Equal parts with cranberry juice |
| Rum (optional) | To taste |
| Dry Ice | A few chunks |
Preparation
- Mix equal parts cranberry juice and ginger ale in a large punch bowl.
- For an adult version, add a splash of rum to taste.
- Before serving, carefully add a few chunks of dry ice to create a foggy, mysterious effect.
- Serve the punch in cups, ensuring no dry ice is included in the individual servings.
2. Witches Brew Cocktail
An eye-catching neon green drink with a tangy citrus twist.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 1 oz |
| Blue Curaçao | 1/2 oz |
| Lemonade | 2 oz |
| Lime Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz blue curaçao, 2 oz lemonade, and 1/2 oz lime juice in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice to the drink for a bubbling, smoky effect.
- Garnish with a slice of lime if desired.
3. Vampire’s Kiss (Love Potion)
A tantalizing berry-flavored martini, perfect for romantic evenings or themed parties.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Chambord | 1/2 oz |
| Cranberry Juice | 1 oz |
| Lime (squeeze) | To taste |
| Dry Ice | Small pellet |
Preparation
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 1/2 oz raspberry vodka, 1/2 oz Chambord, 1 oz cranberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Drop a small dry ice pellet into the drink for a smoking effect.
- Garnish with a fresh raspberry or a small edible flower.
4. Smoking Sangria
A deep, rich sangria with a smoky twist.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Wine | 1 bottle |
| Orange Juice | 1 cup |
| Brandy | 1/2 cup |
| Dark Cherry Juice | 1/2 cup |
| Orange and Apple Slices | As desired |
| Dry Ice | Small piece per glass |
Preparation
- In a large pitcher, combine 1 bottle of red wine, 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of brandy, and 1/2 cup of dark cherry juice.
- Add slices of orange and apple to the mixture and stir well.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, pour the sangria into glasses and add a small piece of dry ice to each glass for a smoking presentation.
5. Poison Apple Martini
An enchanting apple cider martini with a mystical vapor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider | 2 oz |
| Vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Pomegranate Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine 2 oz apple cider, 1 1/2 oz vodka, and 1/2 oz pomegranate juice in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice to create a magical, smoky effect.
- Garnish with a thin slice of apple or a cinnamon stick.
6. Spooky Gin and Tonic
It’s a classic gin and tonic with a haunting purple hue.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gin | 1 1/2 oz |
| Tonic Water | To top up |
| Blue Curaçao | 1/2 oz |
| Lime | 1 wedge |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine 1 1/2 oz gin and 1/2 oz blue curaçao in a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water and stir gently.
- Squeeze a wedge of lime into the drink and drop the wedge into the glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a spooky, smoky effect.
7. Witch’s Brew Drink
This bubbling potion is bright green and has a melon flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Midori Melon Liqueur | 1 1/2 oz |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Soda Water | To top up |
| Dry Ice | Chunk |
Preparation
- Combine 1 1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur and 1/2 oz lemon juice in a cauldron-like bowl or large glass
- . Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Add a chunk of dry ice to create a bubbling, smoking effect.
- Serve the drink in small glasses or test tubes for a more potent presentation.
8. Pomegranate Ginger Punch
A zesty punch that combines the sweetness and spice of pomegranate and ginger.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pomegranate Juice | 2 parts |
| Ginger Beer | 1 part |
| Lime Juice | 1/2 part |
| Vodka (optional) | To taste |
| Dry Ice | A few chunks |
Preparation
- Mix 2 parts pomegranate juice, 1 part ginger beer, and 1/2 part lime juice in a large punch bowl.
- For an adult version, add vodka to taste.
- Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add a few chunks of dry ice to create a dramatic fog effect.
- Serve the punch in cups, ensuring no dry ice is included in the individual servings.
9. Smoking Blueberry Lavender Martini
An elegant martini with homemade blueberry lavender syrup.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Blueberry Lavender Syrup | 1 oz |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- To make the blueberry lavender syrup, combine 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of dried lavender in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup and let it cool.
- Combine 1.5 oz vodka, 1.5 oz blueberry lavender syrup, and 1.5 oz lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a smoking effect.
10. Poisoned Orchard Cocktail
A warming, spiced apple cocktail perfect for crisp evenings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider | 2 oz |
| Spiced Rum | 1 1/2 oz |
| Cinnamon Sugar (for rim) | As needed |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Rim chilled glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Combine 2 oz apple cider and 1 1/2 oz spiced rum in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glasses.
- Add a small piece of dry ice to each glass for a smoking effect.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple.
11. Halloween Punch
It’s a versatile, fruity punch that hits any Halloween gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orange Juice | Equal parts with blackberry juice and ginger ale |
| Blackberry Juice | Equal parts with orange juice and ginger ale |
| Ginger Ale | Equal parts with orange juice and blackberry juice |
| Dry Ice | A few chunks |
Preparation
- In a large punch bowl, combine equal parts orange juice, blackberry juice, and ginger ale.
- Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add a few chunks of dry ice to create a spooky, smoking effect.
- Serve the punch in cups, ensuring no dry ice is included in the individual servings.
12. Ghostly White Russian
A spooky twist on the classic White Russian cocktail.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Coffee Liqueur | 3/4 oz |
| Heavy Cream | 1 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream in a rocks glass.
- Stir gently and add a small piece of dry ice for a ghostly, smoky effect.
13. Bubbling Blackberry Bramble
A refreshing, fruity cocktail with a hint of smoke.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gin | 1 1/2 oz |
| Blackberry Liqueur | 3/4 oz |
| Lemon Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine gin, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rock glass filled with crushed ice.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a bubbling effect.
14. Smoky Margarita
It’s a smoky, tangy take on the classic margarita.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tequila | 1 1/2 oz |
| Lime Juice | 1 oz |
| Orange Liqueur | 1/2 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a smoky effect.
15. Misty Mojito
A refreshing, minty cocktail with a mysterious fog.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Rum | 1 1/2 oz |
| Lime Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Sugar | 1/2 oz |
| Mint Leaves | 6-8 leaves |
| Soda Water | To top up |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- In a tall glass, muddle mint leaves with sugar and lime juice.
- Add white rum and fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a misty effect.
16. Dragon’s Breath Daiquiri
A tropical, fruity cocktail with a fiery presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Rum | 1 1/2 oz |
| Strawberry Puree | 1 oz |
| Lime Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine white rum, strawberry puree, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a dragon’s breath effect.
17. Spellbound Spritz
A light, bubbly cocktail with a magical atmosphere.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Aperol | 1 1/2 oz |
| Prosecco | 3 oz |
| Soda Water | Splash |
| Orange Slice | For garnish |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine Aperol and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of soda water and stir gently.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a spellbinding effect.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
18. Elderflower Collins
A floral, refreshing cocktail with a touch of enchantment.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gin | 1 1/2 oz |
| Elderflower Liqueur | 3/4 oz |
| Lemon Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Soda Water | To top up |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and add a small piece of dry ice for an enchanted effect.
19. Mystical Mule
A spicy, smoky twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Lime Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Ginger Beer | To top up |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine vodka and lime juice in a copper mug or tall glass.
- Fill the mug with ice and top with ginger beer.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a mystical, smoky effect.
20. Sorcerer’s Sour
A tangy, frothy cocktail with a magical presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 1 1/2 oz |
| Lemon Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Egg White | 1 |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then add ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass and add a small piece of dry ice for a sorcerer’s smoky effect.
21. Phantom Paloma
A smoky, citrusy twist on the classic Paloma cocktail.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tequila | 1 1/2 oz |
| Grapefruit Juice | 2 oz |
| Lime Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Soda Water | To top up |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine tequila, grapefruit, lime, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and add a small piece of dry ice for a phantom-like effect.
22. Bewitched Bellini
A sparkling, fruity cocktail with a fascinating presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peach Puree | 1 oz |
| Prosecco | To top up |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Pour peach puree into a champagne flute and top with chilled prosecco.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a bewitched, smoky effect.
23. Haunted Hemingway Daiquiri
It’s a classic daiquiri with a spooky, smoky twist.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Rum | 1 1/2 oz |
| Maraschino Liqueur | 1/2 oz |
| Grapefruit Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Lime Juice | 1/2 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine white rum, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a haunted, smoky effect.
24. Sorcerer’s Sake
A mysterious, smoky twist on traditional sake.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sake | To pour |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Pour chilled sake into a small ceramic cup or glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a sorcerer’s smoky effect.
25. Enchanted Espresso Martini
A rich, creamy cocktail with a magical presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Coffee Liqueur | 3/4 oz |
| Espresso | 1 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for an enchanted, smoky effect.
26. Spooky Sidecar
It’s a classic cocktail with a haunting, smoky twist.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cognac | 1 1/2 oz |
| Orange Liqueur | 3/4 oz |
| Lemon Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a spooky, smoky effect.
27. Misty Mai Tai
A tropical, rum-based cocktail with a mysterious fog.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Rum | 1 oz |
| Dark Rum | 1 oz |
| Orange Curaçao | 1/2 oz |
| Lime Juice | 3/4 oz |
| Orgeat Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine white rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a misty effect.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a cherry.
28. Phantom Pina Colada
A creamy, tropical cocktail with a ghostly presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Rum | 1 1/2 oz |
| Coconut Cream | 1 1/2 oz |
| Pineapple Juice | 3 oz |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass and add a small piece of dry ice for a phantom-like, smoky effect.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
29. Bewitched Brandy Alexander
A rich, creamy cocktail with a fascinating presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brandy | 1 1/2 oz |
| Crème de Cacao | 1 oz |
| Heavy Cream | 1 oz |
| Grated Nutmeg | For garnish |
| Dry Ice | Small piece |
Preparation
- Combine brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Add a small piece of dry ice for a bewitched, smoky effect.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg.
How to Store Dry Ice
When planning to use dry ice in your drinks, purchasing it as close to the time of use as possible is essential. Dry ice sublimates quickly, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas at temperatures above -78.5°C (-109.3°F).
Store it in a well-insulated cooler to slow the sublimation process and keep your dry ice solid longer.
Keep the top of the cooler slightly open to allow for ventilation, as the carbon dioxide gas released during sublimation can build up pressure if the container is sealed tightly.
Never store dry ice in a completely sealed container or your freezer, as this can lead to a dangerous pressure build-up and potential explosions.
Basic Preparation Techniques
To prepare dry ice for drink use, you must break it into smaller pieces appropriate for individual servings.
The ideal size for a single drink is about 1-2 inches in diameter. To break the dry ice, carefully place the larger block in a towel and use a hammer or mallet to crack it into smaller chunks.
Always wear insulated gloves and protective goggles when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite or injury from flying particles.
Once you have broken the dry ice into suitable pieces, use tongs to place a chunk into each drink just before serving.
The dry ice will immediately begin to sublimate, creating a mesmerizing foggy effect and causing the drink to bubble. Advise your guests not to consume the dry ice directly, as it can cause severe internal burns.
Allow the dry ice to completely dissipate before drinking the cocktail.
Essential equipment for preparing dry ice drinks includes:
- Insulated gloves to protect your hands from the extreme cold
- Tongs for safely handling and placing dry ice chunks into drinks
- Safety goggles to shield your eyes from any flying particles when breaking the dry ice
- A hammer or mallet for breaking the dry ice into smaller pieces
- A well-insulated cooler for storing the dry ice until ready to use
Wrapping It Up
Dry ice drinks are a fantastic way to elevate your cocktail game and impress your guests.
By following the proper storage and handling techniques, you can safely create a wide range of mesmerizing drinks that will be the talk of any party.
Whether you prefer spooky Halloween-themed concoctions or elegant, smoky twists on classic cocktails, there’s a dry ice drink recipe for everyone.
As you explore these recipes, remember to prioritize safety and always supervise the use of dry ice.
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of dry ice cocktails gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and raise a glass to an unforgettable evening of smoky, bubbling delights.
Cheers to mastering the art of dry ice drinks!
