Blood is an important part of a gruesome Halloween costume. Some opt for simple lipstick makeup, or they just smear ketchup all over their clothes. While these are good choices, they can be unrealistic. Since you want to go all-out on your costume, why not make realistic-looking fake blood instead? Here’s an easy fake blood recipe you can try.

You’ll need:

• 1/3 cup of water
• 2/3 cup of corn syrup
• Five tablespoons of cornstarch
• Two to three drops of green food coloring
• Three to five teaspoons of red food coloring
• A drop of peppermint extract

Here’s what to do:

1. Mix the water and the cornstarch thoroughly.
2. Add the corn syrup and mix well again.
3. Add three teaspoons of red food coloring first, then add two drops of green food coloring. This will take the “pink” edge from the red coloring.
4. If you think the mixture is two light, add one or two teaspoons of red food coloring again. If it becomes too pink, add a drop of green coloring.
5. Add the peppermint extract to make the blood mixture minty.

You can use this fake blood as a makeup. It’s edible, so don’t worry about swallowing it.