Recipe Thursday – Halloween Cocktails

There’s nothing scarier than a crappy cocktail. So if you’re hosting a Halloween bash, make sure that you aren’t guilty of that transgression.
 
Here are a few that are a wee bit naughty but taste mighty nice: a margarita with just the right amount of pumpkin; a rum-based cocktail with a little sparkle; and a classic Scotch cocktail with a hint of smoky mystery.  From Make It Better, Oct 29, 2014 By Julie Chernoff
 
  
Halloween Chic Cocktail
Serves 2
 4 ounces Brugal Extra Dry rum
 1-1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
 1-1/2 ounces Honey Syrup (recipe follows)
 4 ounces brut Champagne
 Garnish: orange peel (see photo for jack-o-lantern idea)
 
Directions: 
 
Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice. Add rum, lemon juice and honey syrup. Shake to mix well. Strain into two chilled coupe glasses and top each with 2 ounces of Champagne. Garnish with orange peel. (Photo courtesy of Brugal & Co.)
 
For Honey Syrup:
 
Combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve honey. Let cool and use in cocktails. Reserve the rest for later use.
 
 
 
Pumpkin-Spice Margarita
Serves 2
 4 ounces tequila
 3 ounces fresh lemon juice
 1 ounce Pumpkin Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
 Garnish: cinnamon sticks, lemon juice, cinnamon sugar
 
Directions: 
 
Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lemon juice and pumpkin simple syrup. Shake to mix well. Rim cocktail glasses by dipping into lemon juice and then cinnamon sugar. Strain margarita into prepared glass and garnish with cinnamon stick.
 
For Pumpkin Simple Syrup:
 
In medium saucepan, combine one 15-ounce can pumpkin purée with 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 2 cups water over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for 20 to 30 minutes. Mixture will be smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. Cover and refrigerate.
 
 
 
Blood & Sand Cocktail
Serves 2
 2 ounces blended Scotch whiskey
 2 ounces sweet vermouth
 2 ounces Cherry Heering or other cherry liqueur
 2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
 Garnish: Luxardo cherries
 
Directions: 
 
Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice. Add scotch, vermouth, cherry liqueur and orange juice. Shake and strain into two martini glasses. Drop a Luxardo cherry into each one and serve.