On Oct. 1, Orlando’s resident meadery kicks off its third annual Dark Ritual Halloween Celebration, a transportive month-long odyssey that takes visitors on a macabre and mead-soaked journey through the fun of the season.
“This is Zymarium’s third year doing Dark Ritual, and it keeps getting bigger and more elaborate,” said Ginger Leigh, co-owner of Zymarium Meadery at 1121 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando.
“Not only is the taproom decor spookier than ever, but we’ve added new events throughout the month. Some of the new elements include partnerships with local vendors, like tarot readings by Moonlit Melancholy on select dates and a pop-up Kaiju Market hosted by the Goblin Market. We also have a scary movie marathon on the ‘big screen’, and exciting new additions to our Dark Ritual Halloween drink menu, like our new Spiced Pumpkin Coquito.”
Named for Zymarium’s triple “black” berry mead, Dark Ritual, seasonal flavors on tap are largely back by popular demand, said co-owner Joe Leigh.
This includes Witch of Persia, a baklava-inspired pour with pistachio, orange blossom honey and rosewater, along with Scarlet Majick, a collaboration with Hunger Street Tacos that showcases the flavors of hibiscus and clove.
“We’ve been asked about bringing these two meads back nearly every week since last year,” said Leigh.
Got a green thumb? Zymarium is also hosting a Halloween-themed Bonsai and Cheers class in partnership with L&J Nursery on Oct. 25. Guests can build their own bonsai while enjoying the seasonal meads.
Zymarium Meadery owners Ginger and Joe Leigh. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Tarot readings available on select nights; the first is on Oct. 1 from 8 p.m. to midnight. “Kaiju Mart” art market is 6-11 p.m. on Oct. 11. Follow Zymarium Meadery on Instagram at instagram.com/zymarium for updates and more information.
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/09/29/zymarium-meadery-halloween-event-mills-50/
