This ominous Halloween cocktail is a healthy-ish elixir in disguise

If you’re looking for a Halloween cocktail to serve up, this dark and dreamy elixir just might hit the spot. Not only does it have an eery moody hue—thanks to Concord grape juice and a splash of balsamic vinegar—but it also has a disguise of its own. Though it looks like a devilish drink, it packs some rather angelic health benefits.

“Concord grape juice is rich in flavonoids, including resveratrol, which can help decrease blood pressure,” says Well+Good’s resident cocktail expert, The Outside Institute founder Laura Silverman, who crafted this recipe. “And the licorice kick of fennel pollen is good for digestion.” (Considering all the Halloween candy hanging around, that’s definitely a good thing.)

The flavor, meanwhile, is a combination of familiar (Concord grape juice that’s reminiscent of Welch’s) and unexpected (a rich hit of balsamic vinegar) that blends well with the cool, herbaceous flavor of gin. Now how’s that for a trick and a treat?

Keep reading to get the recipe for this healthier Halloween cocktail.

Dark and dreamy Halloween cocktail

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients
2 oz gin2 oz Concord grape juice
1/2 oz agave nectar, or more as needed2 tsp balsamic vinegarPinch fennel pollen
Ice

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.

2. Shake until will chilled, then transfer to a rocks glass and serve.

Each week, The Outside Institute founder Laura Silverman crafts a cocktail recipe just for Well+Good readers using in-season plants and herbs. Bookmark this page for more healthy cocktail ideas.

Now that your Halloween cocktail situation is figured out, here’s what to dress up as. Or, take this quiz to see what you should be based on your athleisure style.