Last week was all about planning comestibles for your Halloween Party. This week, let's move to potables. To those who scoff, "Halloween -- yet another excuse for feckless Americans to get their drink on," I reply, "You are not invited to my party." Besides, while Halloween certainly presents ample opportunities to try "spooky" cocktails, spirit-free libations can be just as fun. Here are ten Halloween drinks for adults, children and all those in between.
10. Brain Hemorrhage. Full disclaimer: This cocktail is my invention, but please don't let that turn you off. Inspired by an ice-cube tray that makes cubes shaped like skulls, I combined spiced rum with pineapple juice and coconut cream (which hides the skull until it starts to "bleed," i.e., melt). Serve to your neurotic friends.
9. Jones Halloween Soda. For a certain period of time, Jones Soda issued Halloween flavors annually. Then, that stopped for some reason, even though Halloween continued. Hmmm. Anyway, the themed mini-cans have emerged in flavors including Red Licorice, Candy Corn, Blood Orange and Caramel Apple. Another reality without explanation: They're available only at Target.
8. Candy Corn Jell-O Shots. It is increasingly coming to my attention that many people really hate candy corn. I don't know what happened in your childhood to make you loathe this perfectly inoffensive candy, but suspend your post-traumatic stress for a moment and give these shots a chance. They'll taste more citrus-y than corny.
7. "Scientist Potion." Dry ice is cool (pun intended), but educate yourself on proper handling before you construct these kid-friendly frothing beverages, or else you'll be celebrating Halloween in the emergency room. Once you've got that covered, use these drinks to show off in front of the other parents at the school party.
