This was very nice! There were a lot of nice recipes in it that I would like to try one day. I also thought the names of the cocktails were very well chosen and the pictures of the cocktails were scrumptious!

‘Hauntingly Good Spirits’ takes readers on a delightful journey through the haunted history of New Orleans while offering 40 gothic-inspired cocktail recipes. Sharon Keating and Christi Sumich weave the city’s spooky past with its rich cocktail culture, creating an immersive experience for lovers of both types of spirits. The book’s unique combination of history and mixology makes it a must-read for paranormal enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

Keating and Sumich do a solid job capturing the essence of New Orleans, drawing from its rich supernatural lore and historical roots. While the paranormal elements may stretch credibility, the authors' research into local legends feels authentic. Their creative flair adds to the eerie charm without detracting from the educational aspect.

Perspective: ★★★★☆

The authors offer a distinct perspective, blending paranormal tales with mixology, capturing the spirit of New Orleans perfectly. Their love for the city shines through in the reverence they show for its cultural and haunted heritage. While some romanticise the dark history, the tone remains playful and engaging.

Relevance: ★★★★☆

This book appeals to modern interests in craft cocktails and the paranormal. It is especially relevant for readers who enjoy themed drinks or are intrigued by New Orleans' supernatural history. Its niche appeal might limit its audience, but within that niche, it’s highly relevant.

Engagement: ★★★★☆

The balance between spooky stories and cocktail recipes keeps readers engaged throughout. The authors’ lively voice and entertaining narrative make it feel like a haunted bar crawl. The structure is fun, though the back-and-forth between history and recipes may feel a bit jarring to some.

Readability: ★★★★☆

Despite its unique blend of genres, the book is easy to follow. The cocktail instructions are clear, and the historical context is delivered in digestible portions. While those unfamiliar with New Orleans or mixology might struggle with some references, it remains accessible overall.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆

This is a highly enjoyable read for those interested in cocktails and ghostly tales. The combination of themed drinks and eerie stories provides an immersive experience. For fans of New Orleans or supernatural lore, this book is a delightful treat.


‘Hauntingly Good Spirits’ offers a fun, spooky, and flavorful exploration of New Orleans’ supernatural and cocktail cultures. With its clever mix of history and drink recipes, it’s perfect for readers looking to spice up their cocktail repertoire with a paranormal twist.

Love! I do an annual Halloween party and this is a great book to have in your back pocket for some great on theme drinks. It would be beautiful on the liqour cart as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of Hauntingly Good Spirits. This book is divided into five captivating sections, each ending with a fascinating "Haunted History" segment.

From Absinthe cocktails to New Orleans cemeteries, ghost stories to vampires, and Voodoo to witchcraft, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the city's dark and mysterious past.
I particularly enjoyed the "Haunted New Orleans Map," which doubled as a handy travel guide, and the "Cocktail Index by Main Spirit," which was incredibly helpful even for non-drinkers like myself.
I'm tempted to step outside my comfort zone and try a few of these intriguing cocktails!

I will say I was skeptical but this book really does New Orleans justice. The book sets the eerie mood by being divided into five sections: Reverence and Revelry, Tomb Time, Ghosts & Haunted Libations, Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails, and Voodoo & Witchcraft. There are 40 easy to follow cocktail recipes. This book is visually stunning. The photographs of cocktails are amazing. I hope my replicas look half as good. There are also photographs and tidbits highlighting the haunted history of New Orleans at the end of each section. I just love that the book also pays homage to the city. As we make our way into spooky season this is a must have for someone like me who loves a unique cocktail mix with flair and fans of New Orleans haunted, supernatural, spiritual history. This is the cocktail book for you. Get into these “spirits”.

A deliciously good read, fun as can be with beautiful illustrations -- a coffee table book about things you drink. I think this is a perfect gift and I was delighted with the layout and overall "vibe" . . . 5 Stars

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Hauntingly Good Spirits is the best cocktail book I have come across to date. Filled not just with amazing photographs of cocktails and easy to follow recipes, the book is woven with interesting historical photographs and information about New Orleans followed with haunted history snippets at the end of each section. The book is broken up over five sections: Absinthe Cocktails, New Orleans Cemeteries, Ghost Stories, Vampires and Voodoo and Witchcraft (which was my favourite section) and the index at the back helps if you want to look for specific ingredients/cocktails. I loved the inclusion of the map of New Orleans at the back, which also had pinpointed locations featured in the book. I've always been fascinated with New Orleans and Witches and Witchcraft, and this book has sparked my interest even more with the added bonus of instaworthy delicious cocktails.

Spooky cool drinks book. But so much more than I even imagined. I loved this and while I probably won’t make a lot of the drinks in here it’s just a fun book. Perfect for an Halloween lovers.

I'm not big on drinks but the little details and history lessons scattered in this book was enough to keep me turning the pages. I loved how they explained all the different areas, the ghosts you may encounter and the history behind it. I've always been interested in New Orleans and I'm not exactly sure why I have not had the pleasure of visiting just yet but it's on my bucket list.

I enjoyed this book so much I already bought a finished copy to keep in my kitchen!

Book Review: Hauntingly Good Spirits by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich

Rating: 👻👻👻👻👻

As someone with a deep appreciation for both mixology and the eerie allure of the supernatural, I couldn't resist diving into Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich. Let me tell you, this book is an absolute gem that deserves every one of its five (ghost) stars!

First off, the cover is PERFECTION! Just looking at it sets the tone for what you're about to embark on—a thrilling journey through the haunted streets of New Orleans, all while sipping on cocktails that are as gothic as they are delightful. The entire layout of this book, from the stunning photographs to the carefully chosen fonts, is visually captivating. It’s one of those coffee table books that you’ll want to display proudly.

But let me assure you, this book isn’t just a pretty face. It delivers on the drink recipes front too! With 40 unique cocktails that perfectly capture the paranormal essence of New Orleans, it’s impossible not to get excited. Each recipe is paired with a sprinkle of history, allowing you to appreciate the cultural depth behind each drink. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try a Corpse Reviver or a Spooky Smoked Sazerac while learning about the city’s rich ghostly lore?

The book is cleverly divided into five sections: Reverence and Revelry, Tomb Time, Ghosts & Haunted Libations, Vampire Bars with Killer Cocktails, and Voodoo & Witchcraft. This organization not only helps to navigate through the myriad of tantalizing libations but also immerses you in New Orleans’ eerie ambiance. Plus, most recipes comes with delightful “LIBATION LAGNIAPPE” tips, which add an extra layer of fun and knowledge.

What truly sets this book apart are the pages dedicated to "haunted history." These fascinating tidbits weave through the cocktail recipes like an enchanting ghost story, making it perfect for anyone looking to add a spooky flair to their home bar or Halloween party planning. Imagine serving your guests a Deadly Vipers while regaling them with tales of the city's haunted past—now that’s a recipe for a memorable night!

Overall, Hauntingly Good Spirits is a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts and fans of all things supernatural. Whether you're gearing up for Spooky Season or simply want to explore the delicious and eerie culture of New Orleans year-round, this book will be your ultimate guide. Cheers to good spirits—both in the glass and in the air!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

The author nailed this! Fun names and great pictures. The New Orleans theme is spot on, especially since I've been binge watching The Originals! This book is a great addition to your Halloween collection. Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher and the author for the ARC of this great book!

If you’re looking to spice up your fall festivities, "Hauntingly Good Spirits" is a must-have! This charming book by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich offers a fantastic collection of spooky drink recipes, all rooted in the rich history and folklore of New Orleans.

What I love most is how each drink comes with a quirky intro that shares local legends, history and ghostly tales, turning every sip into a mini adventure. The thorough introduction and sections of information between the recipes lays down some helpful serving tips and background info, making it easy for anyone to get into the spirit (pun intended).
And can we talk about the photos? They’re absolutely stunning! Each recipe looks like a work of art, setting the perfect spooky mood.

I can't wait to try out a bunch of these recipes this fall—there's nothing better than enjoying a well-crafted drink while soaking up the autumn vibes.

I loved learning about the history of the beverages and the locations in New Orleans. The pictures were fantastic and made me want to try each one of these concoctions. I like that the authors include substitutions for some of the ingredients because some of these ingredients I have never heard of before. There were 12 recipes that we should easily be able to find the ingredients for in our city, so we will give some of those a try the next time we have friends over.

I do wish that authors would include non-alcoholic substitutions, to create a similar flavor, for some of the drinks. I have a few friends that don't drink (for personal or medical reasons) and it would be great to know how to make them fancy mocktails that look and taste similar to the cocktails.

I am addicted to this book. I love ghost stories, paranormal and of course a good cocktail. This book is perfect. This creative book is all about New Orleans and the amazing historical look at the spirits, haunts and more. Then there is a special cocktail designed for the wonderful places. It is so jam packed with amazing paranormal history of New Orleans with photographs and details you don’t wanna miss. I can’t get enough of this book. I loved learning about the different areas and their history. I even found my new favorite drinks, like the Undertaker, the Soggy Grave and the Evil Woman Shooter. The author include a spirit guide with a map. Now I want to plan a trip and find all of these amazing places.. The photos of the cocktails are simply mouthwatering. You will want to try every single one. You're going to love this book.
I received this as an ebook ARC and I can’t wait to buy it for my home collection. I have several friends that are absolutely going to love this as a gift. Enjoy this cocktail and paranormal adventure.
1000 stars

First of all - just wow! I was a bit wary that 'Hauntingly Good Spirits' would be just another gimmicky take on a cocktail book. We've all seen them: a perfunctory spin on, say, a martini with just a peppermint cane stuck in it, etc. I was so pleasantly surprised to find that this was actually a proper passion project. Not only are a lot of the cocktails incredibly original and sound like they'll taste amazing, but the photography, the depth of the New Orleans history padding the book out, and the quality of the finished product really make this exceptionally special.

It'd make the perfect gift for a cocktail lover, fan of anything spooky, and anyone into quirk with quality.

It's a cocktail book, of course, but of note there isn't a nod to any mocktail/virgin cocktail options, so you'll need to turn elsewhere if you need inspiration for those.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I run a cocktail/bookstagram page so this book was perfect for me!!! I loved the way it was designed and divided up. I have made several of these cocktails and they turned out excellent! My maiden name is Foster so NOLA bananas foster will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for the ARC!

Hauntingly Good Spirits are hauntingly good.
I must admit that I was here for the mood, the atmosphere and I was not disappointed.
Hauntingly good spirit recipes coupled with haunting information - I like that the reader is given a break from the recipes with information - this is a great idea. The coupling of food/drinks and another fun topic is just wonderful.

The book is beautiful done with some fun recipes that I can't wait to show off at gatherings when I have the chance to!

Hauntingly Good Spirits by Sharon Keating and Christi Keating Sumich is a delightful surprise. It offers both a cocktail how-to and a fascinating journey through New Orleans' haunted history. This well-executed book is a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The little tidbits about the drinks, their origins, and the spooky stories from New Orleans add a charming touch. The book's layout is not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly user-friendly. It allows for easy navigation and seamless execution of the drink recipes. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a novice, the clear and concise instructions instill confidence and make drink mixing a delightful experience.

I am excited to share these Hauntingly Good Spirits with my friends and am confident that this recipe book will become a cherished addition to my bar's library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group—Wellfleet Press for generously gifting me an e-book copy of Hauntingly Good Spirits in exchange for an honest review.

Capture the paranormal essence of New Orleans in a tumbler with the 40 tasty, gothic, and unique cocktail options included in Hauntingly Good Spirits. Few places possess such a robust, thriving culture of death as does the soulful city of New Orleans. In this captivating cocktail book, travel enthusiasts Christi Sumich and Sharon Keating take you on a historical romp through the supernatural by way of the NOLA bar scene and the spirits celebrating local New Orleans ingredients and the hometown mixologists who make them sing. Separated into five sections, this book is serving up cocktails that are delicious, steeped in spookiness, and historically accurate, let Hauntingly Good Spirits be your guide for your next trip during Spooky Season and beyond as you plunge into these decadent drinks and the creepy culture that inspired them.

New Orleans is a fascinating city. This book combines interesting cocktails with snippets of New Orleans's colorful history. The book includes beautiful photography of the drinks and interesting information on many haunted sites in the city, making me want to go back for another tour. Although many ingredients in the drinks aren't readily available, the authors included suggestions for substitutions which makes the recipes more approachable.
Recommended.