Black Lagoon Pop-Up: Official October Dates and Haunting New Menu

 Black Lagoon, the award-winning Halloween pop-up celebration from industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, has revealed its full cocktail lineup and official spirit partners for the 2025 season. Now in its fifth year, the darkly imaginative bar takeover expands to 38 cities across North America this October, offering fans more sinister sips and haunted thrills than ever before.

Conceived in 2019 at The Dungeon, a cult-favorite dive bar in New Orleans, founders Hayes and Ramage knew they were onto something wickedly unique and deliciously dark. Black Lagoon officially launched its first bar pop-up in 2021. Five years later, it has now cast its veil of darkness over major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, expanding to 38 locations for the 2025 season.

“We wanted this year’s cocktails to push the boundaries of spooky creativity while also being approachable, fun and above all, delicious,” says co-founder Erin Hayes. “It’s important to us that every drink feels like an experience, whether you’re sipping tequila, rum, or even a zero-proof cocktail.”

This year’s cocktail menu features spine-chilling originals including:

  • Griselda’s RevengeFords Gin, Lustau Vermut Blanco, Giffard Liqueur Mangue, tarragon, lemon, Bitter Queens Thai Spice, Soda
  • Nocturna ColadaKraken Black, Kraken Gold, Mr Black Liqueur, passionfruit, coconut, pineapple, Bitter Queens Coffee Cardamom Bitters
  • Corpse FlowerLalo Tequila Blanco, ube, Giffard Banane, lime, Lustau Amontillado Sherry
  • Death’s Door (non-alcoholic)Spirit-free alternative, Giffard Pineapple, miso falernum, lime, soda

Black Lagoon’s 2025 cocktails are powered by Lalo TequilaFords GinKraken Rum (Gold & Black), Mr Black Cold Brew Liqueur, Giffard LiqueursLustau Sherry/Vermouth, and Bitter Queens, with Canadian partners including Absolut Vodka, and Lot 40 Rye

“Partnering with some of the most exciting spirit brands out there makes the magic possible,” adds co-founder Kelsey Ramage. “Each sponsor brings a unique character that fits right into the Black Lagoon universe and flavors we bring to life each year.”

For its fifth season, Black Lagoon continues its reign as North America’s premier Halloween bar pop-up, transforming the following cities and venues, with dates varying by location:

United States

Guests will step into eerie, immersive worlds where haunted house-inspired décor comes to life—think skulls, coffins, and macabre details that embrace goth, horror, and the spirit of Halloween across every city. To explore the nightmarish world of Black Lagoon this Halloween season, please visit www.blacklagoonpopup.com and follow along on Instagram at @blacklagoonpopup

About Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is an immersive Halloween bar pop-up where mixology meets the macabre. Created by industry veterans Kelsey Ramage and Erin Hayes, Black Lagoon helps cocktail bars present a dark celebration for those who revel in the mysterious and bizarre, where guests can transport themselves to a world that blurs that line between reality and the supernatural. Black Lagoon was named Canada’s Best Pop-Up Bar by Canada’s 100 Best in 2022. 

It’s Not Over Yet: There’s Still August at the Journeyman

Just because August is almost here, doesn’t mean the summer fun needs to slow down. Award-winning Journeyman Distillery is turning up the heat with some can’t-miss events this month, like Island Night at the Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, MI, and Dirty Boots Night at The American Factory in Valparaiso, IN. Whether you’re drawn to fire dancers and tropical cocktails or steel guitars and line dancing lessons, there’s something worth putting on the calendar.

⛳️First Fridays Glow Putt Nights

DATE: Friday, August 1

WHERE: Welter’s Folly, 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128

TIME: 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. ET

ADMISSION: $9 Adult Day Pass, Kids 12 & under golf free | More DetailsDETAILS: Welter’s Folly lights up after dark for Glow Putt Nights ONE LAST TIME this season. From dusk to close, the green becomes a glowing playground for late-night putting with a laid-back vibe. Whether you are aiming for precision or just enjoying the summer air with a stiff drink, it’s a glowing way to spend a summer evening.

Island Night at the Featherbone Factory

DATE: Friday, August 16

WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128

TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET

TICKETS: $80 General Admission | All Ages Welcome | Link to Purchase Tix

DETAILS: Island Night is bringing a taste of the island life to Three Oaks. As the sun sets, the Featherbone Factory will glow with tiki torches and tropical flair. Expect a Polynesian-inspired buffet featuring island dishes, including soy-ginger pork shoulder, soba noodle salad, and coconut rice, as well as handcrafted tiki cocktails. The evening will also feature vibrant performances, including live hula dancing and a fire show. It’s a dreamy event that captures the laid-back magic of summer nights in Harbor Country with a fun island twist. Tropical attire encouraged!

Dirty Boots Night at the American Factory

DATE: Friday, August 23

WHERE: The American Factory, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385

TIME: Doors at 6:30 p.m. CT | Event: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

TICKETS: $25 General Admission | 21+ Only | Link to Purchase Tix

DETAILS: Dust off your boots because Dirty Boots Night is back! This high-energy evening kicks off with line dancing lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studios, followed by live music from Steel Country and plenty of room to two-step. Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, and the cash bar will be open all night. For a full dinner experience, grab a table at Union Hall before the music starts.

🎶Summer Music Live

DATE: Every Wednesday and Friday

WHERE: The American Factory, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385

TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT

ADMISSION: Free Event

DETAILS: Back for its second year, Journeyman is continuing to host their free summer music series every Wednesday and Friday night on the courtyard stage at the American Factory in Valpo, IN. Bring the family for the last month of this series for the season, enjoy lawn games, and soak in the live music under the summer sky. Want to make a night of it? Reserve a table for dinner at Union Hall. Check out the lineup HERE

New Whiskey from Journeyman Distillery: Corsets, Whips & Honey Whiskey

Coming this July, Journeyman Distillery’s new Corsets, Whips & Honey is the latest evolution of their nationally acclaimed Corsets, Whips & Whiskey (which won the distillery Craft Distiller of The Year AND Best in Show: Whiskey of The Year at the 2023 American Spirit Council of Tasters Awards).

This bottle takes the beloved 100% wheat whiskey and elevates it with real Michigan honey from Great Lakes Bee Co. The result is a smooth, sippable spirit with layered notes of cereal grain, sweet oak, toffee, and vanilla with a subtle hint of spice. 

The new Corsets, Whips & Honey Whiskey is available at Journeyman Distillery locations in Three Oaks, MI and Valparaiso, IN, beginning July 4th, and is expected to be available nationally via online ordering later this summer.

Eater: Overheard at the 2025 James Beard Awards

https://www.eater.com/pre-shift/887235/overheard-at-the-2025-james-beard-awards

It’s Not Too Late to Attend the Bourbon Classic

https://www.bourbonclassic.com/saturday/

Join in a Friendsgiving Dinner at Virtue Cider

On Saturday, November 23rd, from 6-9 pm, join Virtue founder Greg Hall for an evening of feasting, proper farmhouse cider tastings, and live music. Hosted in the cider tasting room at the beautiful 48-acre Virtue Farm in Fennville, guests can dig into roasted turkey and seasonal sides all paired with curated cider selections — a perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your closest friends before heading home for the holiday.

Plus, those still searching for a Thanksgiving Day housewarming gift can pick up one of Virtue’s Thanksgiving Cider Boxes, which contain four 750 ml bottles of old-world, autumnal craft ciders. Each box is $125 and will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets for the evening are $100 and can be found on Tock. Must be 21+ to attend. 

All photos courtesy of Virtue Cider.

FRIENDSGIVING WITH VIRTUE CIDER FOUNDER GREG HALL

https://virtuecider.com/ | 2170 62nd Street Fennville, MI 

DATE: Saturday, November 23rd 

TIME: 6-9 pm 

TICKETS: $100 per person, available for purchase here.

MORE INFORMATIONHere

Get Into The Spirit With These Hauntingly Good Halloween Cocktails

These inventive and eerie drinks are perfect for celebrating the spooky season

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, it’s time to stir up some fun with Halloween-inspired cocktails that will have your guests ‘howling’ with delight! 

Photo courtesy of Frames For Your Heart 

“Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party or cozying up for a spooky movie marathon, these eerie drinks are the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season,” says Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whisky Masters, a premier online whisky retailer.

With ghoulish garnishes, creepy color changes, and bewitching flavors, Daniel’s creative concoctions will bring a festive flair to Halloween.

Witch’s Brew White Russian

Ingredients:

2 oz. vodka

1 oz. Kahlua

1 1/2 oz. pumpkin spice creamer

Cinnamon stick

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

3 Tbsp. crushed graham crackers

Method: Combine the pumpkin pie spice and crushed crackers on a plate. After dipping the rim of each glass in water, dip them into the spice and cracker mixture. Then, add ice to each glass, pour in the vodka and Kahlua, and top it with the creamer. Stick in a cinnamon stick and sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice on the top to garnish.

Photo courtesy of Carlos Felipe Ramírez Mesa

Chameleon’s Curse Margaritas

Ingredients:

2 cups sliced purple cabbage

4 cups boiling water

8 oz. tequila

4 oz. triple sec

3 oz. lime juice

1 c. lemonade

4 lime wedges

1/4 cups kosher salt or coarse sea salt

Method: Pour the boiling water over the purple cabbage in a large bowl and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Strain out the cabbage and let the water cool; it should look bluey-purple. When the water has cooled, freeze it in ice trays. 

Then, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and lemonade in a large pitcher. Wet the rim of each glass with a lime wedge and then dip it in salt. Replace the lime wedge, add the purple ice cubes and pour in the margarita.

“The purple cabbage-infused ice cubes will turn the margarita pink and purple, changing colors as you drink,” says Daniel. “But don’t worry; the cabbage cubes won’t affect the taste!”  

Ghostly Glowing Gin

Ingredients:
3 oz. gin

1/2 oz. lemon juice

1 tsp. grenadine

1 handful ice

Tonic water

Method: Shake the gin, grenadine, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker without ice. Then, pour into a glass over ice and top with tonic water. “These cocktails should glow white under a blacklight for a spooky Halloween vibe. For extra fun, you can add a glow stick to each drink as a stirrer,” suggests Daniel. 

Poison Apple Shot

Ingredients:
1 oz. sour apple schnapps 

1 oz. whisky

1/2 oz. pomegranate juice 

1/2 oz. cranberry juice 

Juice from 1 small lime 

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

Method: Stir the schnapps, whisky, and both juices well in a pitcher. Squeeze the lime juice into one bowl and add the sugar to the other. Take each glass and dip the rim first into the lime, then the sugar. Then, you’ll be ready to pour and serve.

Cursed Lagoon Curacao

Blue Curacao is perfect for a spooky Halloween cocktail. Photo courtesy of Senior & Co.

Ingredients:

1 oz. light rum

2 oz. coconut rum

1 oz. Blue Curacao

1 handful ice

Pineapple juice

Method: Add the Blue Curacao and both rums to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well for about 30 seconds. Then, pour the mixture into a glass and top it off with pineapple juice.

“The Blue Curacao will give this drink a spooky blue glow like a witch’s potion!” says Daniel.  

Daniel Ufland, founder of The Whisky Masters, commented:

“You can easily tweak these fun cocktails to suit your taste or make them family-friendly! For a spooky mocktail version, swap out the alcohol for flavored syrups or juices. Adjust the sweetness by adding more fruit juice or dialing up the spice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. 

“When it comes to serving, presentation is everything on Halloween! Use themed glasses like skeleton-hand goblets or potion-style bottles. Rim your glasses with black sugar or edible glitter instead of salt for a magical touch. Add playful garnishes like candy eyeballs, gummy worms, or black licorice ‘straws’ for an eerie twist. 

“For extra flair, serve your drinks with glow-in-the-dark stirrers or spooky straws for that mysterious, bubbling cauldron effect! Don’t be afraid to get creative – frozen berries can double as ‘bloody eyeballs,’ and edible glitter can add a mystical shimmer to any drink. Halloween is all about having fun and letting your imagination run wild, so go ahead and brew up some ‘books’ that match your spooky vibe!”

About The Whiskey Masters

The Whisky Masters is a premier online whisky retailer offering a curated selection of fine and rare whiskies. Catering to both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers, the company provides an extensive range of products from renowned distilleries worldwide. Their collection includes limited editions, rare collectibles, and exclusive releases, all aimed at enhancing the whisky-tasting experience. The Whisky Masters prides itself on exceptional customer service.

Featured photo courtesy of Carlos Felipe Ramírez Mesa

All Natural Edible Glitter for Drinks & Rimming Sugar

Eco-friendly and biodegradable, Edible Glitter is a sustainable choice for adding sparkle to any occasion.  Made in the USA using fruits and vegetables, the minority-owned business has created a product that is free from synthetic ingredients. Perfect for adding a touch of glamour to a variety of culinary creations from cocktails to desserts to savory dishes, it’s a showstopper at any gathering.

Article: Michter’s Unveils 10th Anniversary Edition of Iconic Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon

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Celebrating 5 Years of Cincoro Tequila at Star-Studded NYC Event

Cincoro Tequila, an award-winning portfolio of tequilas, celebrated its five-year anniversary with its five legendary founders and Team Cincoro co-owners last night in New York at Spring Studios. The intimate evening took a look back at the past five years of success and the exciting future for the brand, including an unveiling of its limited-edition Añejo Cristalino.

“Five years ago, we set out to create an exceptional brand and achieve the gold standard in tequila,” said Cincoro Tequila Co-Founder Michael Jordan. “What started as a passion project has grown into something truly special with some of my closest friends joining the business and enjoying Cincoro together, whether it’s stateside or around the world.”

The star-studded evening included VIPs Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Eric Church, Michael Strahan, and more. Guests were greeted upon arrival with specialty cocktails such as an Espresso Martini and Cristalino Margarita, passed hors-d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to taste Cincoro’s core five expressions.

Then attendees were invited to witness the unveiling of Cincoro’s limited-edition Añejo Cristalino with an infinity room experience complete with a mirrored bar and photo moment. In this space, guests were able to enjoy a pairing of the Cristalino served neat alongside Petrossian Caviar. As the evening progressed, attendees mixed and mingled in the lounge area of the venue while indulging in bottle service with the limited-edition Cristalino.

“Being a part of this journey has been incredibly rewarding. I’m passionate about quality and excellence in everything I do, and that’s exactly what we strive for with Cincoro,” said Cincoro Tequila Co-Owner and 23-time Grand Slam Champion, Serena Williams.

Cincoro Tequila also unveiled their new limited-edition Añejo Cristalino 750mL in an elegant platinum chrome-finished bottle at the anniversary celebration. The Cristalino liquid begins with the meticulous hand-selection of fully matured 100% Blue Weber Agave, sourced from both the Highlands and Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

The expertly distilled liquid is then aged for over 20 months in Tennessee Whiskey barrels, developing the rich character and complexity that defines Cincoro’s Añejo expression. Then the liquid is filtered to remove the color, while accentuating the vibrant notes of citrus, agave, and fruit, resulting in a sublimely smooth spirit with a rounded mouthfeel and lasting impression. The limited-edition Cristalino bottles will be available for purchase online at Cincoro.com and in retail stores in mid-September.

Cincoro Tequila was launched in 2019 by five NBA legends: Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers, Wes Edens of the Milwaukee Bucks, Emilia Fazzalari and Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics, and Michael Jordan. In five years, Cincoro has won over 29 awards in accredited spirits competitions and is continuing to create the gold standard for greatness in tequila.

Fabolous, Michael Jordan

For more information on Cincoro’s five-year anniversary or to purchase a bottle of the limited-edition Añejo Cristalino, please visit www.cincoro.com/expression/anejo-cristalino/.

About Cincoro Tequila

In July 2016, five friendly competitors met for dinner and bonded over their shared passion for tequila. After many more adventures together, this group of five founding partners set out with one mission: to create the finest tequila anyone has ever tasted. Cincoro Tequila is uniquely made with 100% Blue Weber agave from private farms in both the highland and lowland regions of Jalisco, Mexico.

The agave is hand-selected and slow-cooked in a small batch process to create the Cincoro signature taste profile. This is the heart of Cincoro: a rich and delicious family of tequilas that are smooth on the palate with a complex, long finish. Cincoro Tequila is a taste experience unlike any other, created to be sipped neat, but also to elevate cocktails. For more information about Cincoro, please visit www.Cincoro.com and @Cincoro.

Cristal Basil Paloma

  • 2 oz. Cincoro Añejo Cristalino
  • 1 oz. Aperol
  • 2 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
  • 5 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 2 oz. Soda Water

Glass and Garnish:  Grapefruit Ribbon or Rose

Muddle the 5 fresh basil leaves in a shaker, combine all ingredients except the soda water, shake and strain over a highball glass with ice. Top with soda water.

Spicy Margarita

  • 1.5 oz. Cincoro Blanco
  • .75 oz. Fresh lime juice
  • .5 oz. Agave nectar
  • ¼ Muddled Jalapeno

Glass & Garnish: Lime (wheel) /black lava salt

Tajin (chili lime spice)

Method: Muddle Jalapeno in shaker, combine ingredients, shake well with ice and pour in a rocks glass with a Tajin rim.