Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s when the Texas weather finally cools down and football season is in full swing. It’s the day I met the love of my life when I least expected. This photo is from the night we met, and my life has never been the same since. (Thanks Hope for capturing the magical moment!)
This is also the time of year when you can mix rich, flavorful autumn liqueurs such as pumpkin spice (with or without cream), hazelnut, almond, walnut, and Kahlua to make a variety of nutty, spicy cocktails. They’ll warm you up as they go down. Pick up a few of these for your at-home bar or ask your local bartender. Try any of them mixed with vodka, bourbon, half-and-half, water, or on their own, either neat or over ice.
If you’ve already read Becker Circle, my romantic suspense, you know Gillian, the heroine, tends bar part-time in her neighborhood pub. With Halloween around the corner, here are two simple, yummy-licious cocktail recipes she would serve her pub regulars. Gather some friends, play bartender, and try them.
White Pumpkin
If you’re a fan of a good White Russian, you might like my twist on the Pumpkin Spice White Russian.
2 oz Vodka
½ oz Kahlua
1 oz Pumpkin Spice (or Pumpkin Pie) liqueur
1 oz half-and-half
Pour over ice in a low ball glass. If you want a little more sugar and spice, dip the glass rim in Kahlua and a cinnamon sugar mixture. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
A Little Nuts
1 oz hazelnut liqueur such as Frangelico
1 oz bourbon
½ to 1 oz water (depending on your taste)
This makes a nice after dinner cocktail. Pour over ice in a low ball glass and enjoy. You can also try this blend with other liqueurs such as walnut or amaretto.
While you mix and sip your cocktails, tune in to Spooked, my favorite podcast series for this time of year. It’s full of real recounts of curses, ghosts, black magic, haunted places, and general unexplained strangeness. With 13 episodes (of course) from last year’s first season and 11 so far for season 2, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and looking over your shoulder until Halloween.
Cheers to cocktails, friendly ghosts and Halloween!