Shaker Mill, a Santa Barbara cocktail bar at 418 State St., is serving up 10 original cocktails inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Shaker Mill, a Santa Barbara cocktail bar at 418 State St., is serving up 10 original cocktails inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Credit: Casey Stouffer / Casey Stouffer Photography photo

Step into the delightfully eerie world of Tim Burton’s cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, at Shaker Mill, one of Santa Barbara’s favorite cocktail bars by Good Lion Hospitality.

This imaginative pop-up experience is open now at 418 State St. and will run until the New Year, blending the whimsical with the wonderfully spooky in honor of both Halloween and Christmas.

Here, holiday mashup enthusiasts can enjoy a lineup of 10 original cocktails inspired by iconic characters and scenes from the 1993 movie, each crafted to capture its strange charm.

Decked out in décor reminiscent of Jack Skellington’s world, Shaker Mill combines enchanting set pieces and atmospheric lighting to make you feel like you’re wandering through Halloween Town.

Whether you’re a fan of Christmas, Halloween or just a lover of finely crafted cocktails, this pop-up promises a unique evening experience.

  • Shaker Mill, a Santa Barbara cocktail bar at 418 State St., is serving up 10 original cocktails inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas.
  • Shaker Mill, a Santa Barbara cocktail bar at 418 State St., is serving up 10 original cocktails inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The Lineup

Here’s a look at the creative libations on offer, each named after a beloved character or theme from the film:

  1. The Fog Juice — Dive into mystery with this reposado tequila cocktail, layered with smoky mezcal, zesty grapefruit, clove, Jamaican rum and lime. It’s a tart and smoky sipper that plays on the film’s iconic foggy aesthetic.
  2. Oogie Boogie Cocktail — Inspired by Halloween Town’s resident baddie, this drink mixes absinthe with cucumber, vodka, lime and French vermouth soda. Fresh yet hauntingly complex, it’s a tribute to Oogie’s trickster vibe.
  3. Ghost Dog Nog — A nod to Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost pup, this festive drink blends a Halloween Town rum blend with creamy coconut and baking spices. It’s a cozy concoction reminiscent of holiday nog with a spooky twist.
  4. Jack Skellington — This bold concoction honors the Pumpkin King himself with a mix of spiced rum, Alverna and a dash of absinthe. Dark and strong, it captures Jack’s mysterious spirit.
  5. Zero’s Red Nose — Blanco tequila, strawberry Campari, vanilla, mezcal, bitter rhubarb and lemon give this drink a bright and tangy profile, a nod to Zero’s iconic glowing nose.
  6. Lock, Shock and Barrel — Named after Halloween Town’s mischievous trio, this cocktail brings together vodka, espresso, peppermint, cacao and Amaro Braulio for a flavor that’s bold, dark, and just a little wicked.
  7. Harlequin Demon — This fiery mix of Blanco tequila, lime, pomegranate bubbles and a touch of spice captures the chaos and heat of Halloween Town’s residents.
  8. Making Christmas — Vodka, Curacao, lemon, absinthe and honey make this drink both sweet and tart, celebrating the town’s peculiar attempt to make their own version of Christmas.
  9. What’s This? — Bourbon, Caribbean allspice, pineapple and lime lend a tropical feel to this drink, a cheerful burst of holiday wonder with a playful twist.
  10. Frog’s Breath — This quirky drink pairs apple brandy with bourbon, lemon, apple cider and black walnut for a warm, earthy profile that nods to Sally’s famous potion ingredient.

Each cocktail is as artfully presented as it is crafted, with garnishes and flavors designed to capture the spirit of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Whether you’re raising a glass to Halloween or Christmas, Shaker Mill’s festive pop-up promises an evening of enchantment, perfect for friends and fans of the fantastical.

So, throw on a favorite festive outfit  and head down to Shaker Mill before the New Year for an experience that’s sure to make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the movie!

Collin Harmon is a passionate home cook who loves creating recipes for her family and friends, drawing inspiration from her beautiful hometown of Santa Barbara. With a deep appreciation for local ingredients, she enjoys incorporating the best of Santa Barbara’s farmers markets and artisanal products into her dishes. She has a genuine love for meeting new people and learning about their small businesses in the food and beverage industry, believing that knowing where your food comes from makes every meal more special. Collin lives in Santa Barbara with her husband, John, and their dog, Beau. The opinions expressed are her own.