BOOze Clues: 5 Festive Halloween Cocktails

Trick, Treat, Toast!

It's Halloween, and you've got your costume figured out. However, you were so busy shopping that you forgot all about the cocktails. (Insert horror movie scream.) Fret not... Whether you're hosting your own party or attending one at a friend's house, we have cocktail suggestions that will surely put the boo in your boogie. (Yeah, that was candy corny, but oh well.) Anyway, the drinks:

Doing shots?

American Honey Hellfire Shot

American Honey Hellfire
1 oz. Wild Turkey American Honey
1/2 oz. Art in the Age SNAP
1/2 oz. Combier Peche de Vigne

Combine ingredients over ice. Shake well  and strain into a shot glass (glass only!). Top with a splash of American Honey. If you dare... (AND are completely sober) light a candle or match and hold over shot glass until it ignites. Blow out the flame and drink, but be careful because the glass will be hot. (From the mind of Eric Binder, beverage director at NYC's Harlem Tavern.)


In the mood for something sweet?

Pinnacle Vodka Bobbing for Apples Cocktail

Pinnacle Vodka Bobbing for Apples

2 parts Pinnacle Caramel Apple Vodka
1/2 part DeKuyper Buttershots Schnapps
2 parts apple cidercider

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with caramel on the rim.


Feeling fancy?

Hendrick's Gin Mortal Sin Cocktail

Peche Mortel (The Mortal Sin)
2 parts Hendrick's Gin
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 part Saint Germain
1/2 part elderberry juice
2 dashes Bitter Truth Creole Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an edible flower.

Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos?

Sauza Tequila Cafe Loco Cocktail

Sauza Tequila Café Loco
1 1/2 parts Sauza Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
1/2 part Kamira Coffee Liqueur
4 parts coffee
2 tsp cinnamon sugar
Whipped cream

Blend all ingredients in a mug. Top with whipped cream.


Counting calories?

Skinnygirl Vodka Spooky Sipper cocktail

Spooky Sipper
1 part Skinnygirl White Cherry Vodka
3 parts lemon-lime sparkling water
Splash of cherry juice
Lime wheel and cherry for garnish

Blend ingredients over ice. Shake and strain into rocks glass full of ice.

Booze Clues: 5 Easy Tips- How to Host a Fab Fall Brunch

Entertaining and Lifestyle expert, Limor Suss. 

Summer is the season for al fresco brunching, but as we approach Autumn, what's a girl to do with her Saturday and Sunday afternoons (especially if she's not into football)? We say get a little more personal and host a brunch for a few friends at home. Entertaining expert, Limor Suss, has provided us with 5 quick tips to get you started.

Of course, for us, the focal point of brunch (once you've selected your shoes) is liberal libations. Suss suggests keeping it simple by making a punch so that you can spend your time chatting with friends instead of constantly shaking or blending drinks. Since we're entering the fall season, something with a hint of cinnamon, like this Pinnacle Vodka cocktail, is a great idea. 

The Pinnacle Cinnabon Brunchy Punch

1 part Pinnacle® Cinnabon® Vodka

1 part Orange juice 

1⁄2 part Cranberry Juice 

1⁄2 part club soda 

Mix ingredients in a large punch bowl. Garnish with lemon wheels and cherries.

Stumped on which shoes to wear? We suggest wearing a casual wedge, like this Leighann sandal by Nine West. Since it's suede, it's the perfect transitional shoe. Plus, it'll add simple sophistication to jeans or a maxi dress. 

Suss' other tips: 

• Give Your Brunch a Theme: With summer coming to an end and autumn almost upon us, a fall themed brunch is the perfect way to welcome the new season. Incorporate fall flavors (think: apples, pomegranates, pumpkins) and festive decor in rich colors (lots of red, gold and orange!)

• Make a Menu that’s Easy to Serve: The last thing you want to do is ‘made-to-order’ omelets, or a dish that will have you running to and from the kitchen all day. Give yourself a break and serve a few dishes either on a buffet table or family style. Prep as much in advance as possible so you can spend time with your guests and enjoy the brunch.

• Add Cute Touches Where You Can: I love to serve food in themed dishware. It adds another level of whimsy into whatever you’re serving. If it’s a smaller brunch, splurge on a nice set of themed dishware that can be used all season long.

• Use Food That Doubles as Decor: Buy squash and pumpkins and hallow them out. Fill them up with olives, nuts ... whatever you like! They make the place look festive and lovely, without spending too much money on decorations.

*Image of Limor Suss via LimorSuss.com. Cocktail courtesy of Pinnacle Vodka. Shoe Image via Amazon.com, where Shoes N Booze is an affiliate site.