TO QUOTE THE wee one in Poltergeist: “They’re baaaaack!” Houston’s beloved gothic and girl-powered pop-up The Cursed Cauldron returns Friday, Oct. 4 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. The new Aero Cocktail Co. will host the pop-up Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4pm-12am, and Sundays 2pm-10pm. To help contribute to the spooky (and fun) vibe, visitors are invited to “don their magical attire;” kohl eyeliner and black nail polish are strongly recommended.

Co-founded in 2023 by long-time hospitality pros Alexis Mijares and Angelique Cook Cavazos, this spooky, seasonal immersive pop-up has everything a glamourous ghoul could want: crazy, creative cocktails (more on those in a minute), tarot card readings by The Aunty Alchemist, and spellbinding burlesque performances by the bodacious Belle be Damned & Jadore Productions. “We are going even bigger this year with creative design and spirited activities,” says Mijares. “This year has completely different visuals for a new experience for those who have visited us before.”

Cook, who serves The Cursed Cauldron as its artistic director, has led the transformation of Aero Cocktail Co. into a witchy woman’s abode, complete with curated artwork, a 3D fireplace (we’re not sure what that is…), and plenty of Instagram-worthy nooks and crannies. “I love incorporating tiny details into the installation,” says Cook. “We’ve spent a lot of time crafting this multi-layered experience, and I’m excited for our guests to find new mystical details to explore.”

Meanwhile, Mijares has concocted a menu of creative libations for guests to consume. Along with such classics as the Hexpresso Martini and Sex Magic On The Beach, the new cocktails include Oshun’s Offering, a combination of rum, pumpkin, brown butter, almond, orange liqueur, and lime; Coven’s Calling, an alchemic blend of gin, dry sherry, elderflower, sage, black pepper, lemon, and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water; and Freyja’s Cup, a fertile mix of vodka, strawberry, rose, honey, lemon, and Fever-Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer. Spirit-free options will also be on tap, and to keep your stomach full, Aero Cocktail Co.’s kitchen offers Hocus Pocus Popcorn, Paranormal Pizza, and Char-Boo-terie Boards.

“The design transformation, the drinks, it’s all very first-class,” says Nick Galvan, owner of Aero Cocktail Co. “We can’t wait for everyone to come check it out!” (Cue: Thunder, a black cat screeching, and maniacal laughter.)

Alexis Mijares and Angie Cavazos

Oshun's Offering cocktail

Sex Magic on the Beach cocktail