A Spirited Halloween!

Halloween is the day children get to dress up and run around the neighborhood collecting candy. It is also a time for adults to dole out that candy, but before we do that why not have a little fun?

While I am not a fan of costume parties, I am a big fan of a proper adult themed bash. There is no better way to celebrate a kids’ holiday than by making it your own. So if you are a fan of cheesy slasher films, fun finger foods, and fantastic libations then please continue reading. Halloween can be the kickoff to the holiday party season. Aside from serving scary themed drinks, it’s a great time to try out a new fall themed cocktail or punch. I know most people (myself included) use Thanksgiving as the first major get together of the fall season. But let’s start using Halloween as a test run for our holiday entertaining.

Here I am rambling about parties when I should be rambling about serving ideas for those parties. So let’s move on to some fun fall spirits and how they can be used. 

The first is Heritage Hills Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur. With sweet notes of oranges, pumpkins, vanilla, and graham crackers layered with cinnamon and cloves, this cream cordial will transport you back to the days of eating your mum’s homemade pies. Heritage Hills can be enjoyed on its own over ice or served with fruit cocktail or candied nuts. However I prefer to make a decadent pumpkin pie martini with it.

Heritage Hills Pumpkin Pie Martini


2oz Heritage Hills Pumpkin Liqueur
1oz Vanilla Vodka of your choice
1tbls Spiced Rum (optional but it adds complexity)
Ginger Snaps crushed for the garnish
Pumpkin Spice and Sugar for the Rim
Simple Syrup
Whipped Cream for the top
Method: Start by crushing the ginger snaps and set some of the crumbs aside. In a shallow bowl add sugar and pumpkin spice with the remaining ginger crumbs. In a shallow dish add a little simple syrup.

Now for the drink: In a shaker filled with ice add the vodka, pumpkin liqueur, and rum if you are using. Shake well to combine. Once ready dip the rim of a martini glass in the simple syrup then place in the ginger snap mixture. Pour the cocktail into the glass and top with the whipped cream. Sprinkle a few ginger snap crumbs on top for effect.

Next is Blackcraft Ghost Pepper Whiskey. This corn-based whiskey is distilled two times giving it an undeniable smoothness and the hint of ghost pepper adds just a touch of heat. Here are two great cocktail ideas that can be made using Blackcraft whiskey.

Forbidden Fruit


1oz Blackcraft Whiskey
2oz Hot apple cider
Cinnamon stick for garnish
Method: combine Blackcraft whiskey with warm apple cider stir gently to combine, then garnish with a cinnamon stick.


Diablo’s Dessert


1.5oz Blackcraft Whiskey
1oz 1941 Craft Vodka
2Tbls Peanut Butter
.5oz Cream of Coconut
1Tbls Chocolate Ice Cream
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake rapidly until well blended. Strain into a martini glass and serve.

Finally what would Halloween be without something fiery.

Angels & Demons Cinnamon Whisky is just that. This intensely flavored whiskey will remind you of Red Hot candies from your youth. Then a burst of cinnamon spice and a hint of apple pie. Stick in the freezer and pull it out for shots, or use it in cocktails. Here is one that I enjoy making quite often.

Cinnamon Old Fashioned


3oz Angels & Demons Whisky
1.5oz Real Maple Syrup (I prefer light Amber)
3oz fresh squeezed orange juice
Method: Juice the oranges and make sure the seeds are removed, add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake rapidly and then strain into coupe glasses. Garnish with orange peel.

Apple Pie on the Rocks

1oz Vanilla Vodka of your choice
1oz Angels & Demons Whisky
4oz Apple Cider
Pinch of Cinnamon
Brown Sugar for the Rim
Method: Wet the rim of the Rocks glass and gently sugar the rim. Next add vodka, whiskey, and apple juice along with the cinnamon to a shaker with ice. Shake until well combined and strain into the glass making sure not to rub off the sugar rim. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired and enjoy.

Hopefully these simple cocktail ideas have inspired you to get creative, maybe invite a few friends over and watch Sleepaway Camp or some other horrible film. If not, at least enjoy one of these delicious cocktails while you are handing out candy.

Happy Halloween from your friends at Kappy’s!

Cheers,

Anthony Dichiara