happy hour: halloween cocktails

in case you didn't realize, we're suddenly at the end of october...and you know what that means.  halloween time!  in honor of that spooky holiday, i've rounded up some yummy (yet sinister) cocktails to enjoy with your candy.

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sundown cocktail

3 ounces orange juice

1 1/2 ounces light rum

3/4 ounce grenadine

combine o.j. and rum in a hi-ball glass filled with ice. drizzle with grenadine. serve.

this cocktail is two-toned when first poured.  after it sits, the ingredients start to mix together into an intense orange color.  (adapted from {this} recipe.)

credit {here}

bloody cider punch 

2 cups brandy

1/2 cup black currant schnapps

1/8 cup superfine sugar

4 cups apple cider

1 1/2 cups seltzer

pour all the ingredients into a punch bowl and stir well until all the sugar is dissolved - this works best if the liquids are at room temp.  refrigerate until  cold and then, if you really want to add some creepy-goodness, drop in a block of dry ice to create some spooky fog!  (adapted from {this} recipe.)

cheers to a creepy halloween!

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happy hour: creamy caramel apple martini

credit {here}

i'm not usually one for martinis with a cream base, but this one jumped out at me as a delicious after-dinner cocktail for fall.  the sweet creaminess of the caramel baileys paired with the tart apple vodka would make for the perfect autumnal treat : )

credit {here}

1 ounce(s) baileys caramel irish cream

1/2 ounce(s) smirnoff green apple vodka

1 slice apple

1 teaspoon caramel

credit {here}

1. in a shaker, add baileys & vodka.

2. shake with ice and pour into a martini glass.

3. garnish with an apple slice and a drizzle of caramel.

cheers!

original recipe {here}

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happy hour: cran-spice martini

last night, for thirsty thursday, i decided craig and i would enjoy some fireside cocktails.  inspired by fall, i wanted something spicy with autumnal ingredients - like cranberry.

so, i came up with the cran-spice martini...and it was pretty darn good, too!

1 shot captain morgan's spiced rum
1 shot vodka
2 shots cranberry juice
squeeze of fresh orange
seltzer (or ginger ale)

1. in a shaker with ice add the rum, vodka, juice and fresh orange.  shake.

2. pour concoction into a martini glass and top off with seltzer (or ginger ale).

3. garnish with a wedge of orange.

the captain morgan's adds a spicy vanilla quality to this drink, and the cranberry juice adds just the right amount of sweetness.  the fresh orange brightens the flavor a bit, which is just lovely.  (if you're looking for a lower calorie option, go with the seltzer.  if you're looking for something sweeter, add the ginger ale instead.)

cheers, mavens!  happy friday : )

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happy hour: fall sangria

i saw this recipe the other day and have been dying to try it.  in the fall, i always (want to) like mulled wine, but sometimes hot, spicey wine just doesn't cut it.  i think is autumnal take on a classic sangria might just do the trick!

credit {here}

fall sangria

3 apples

3 pears

3 clementines

2-3 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
6 oz triple sec or cointreau
2 bottles of red wine (something fruity works best)
optional: fresh cherries

1. core and cube all fruit and put into a pitcher or carafe

2. add 2-3 cinnamon sticks & 2 honey, stir

3. add liquor and wine, stir and let sit.

it's best if you make this drink a few hours or even a day in advnace and let the flavors mariante in the fridge.  garish with fresh, ripe cherries : )

cheers & happy weekend!

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