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Copyright 2008-2009 North Florida News Daily All Rights Reserved
Dining October 20, 2008  RSS feed

Enjoy the flavors of fall with a special cocktail

Enjoy the flavors of fall with a special cocktail

POSTED 10/22/2008

The days are getting shorter and the nights cooler as touches of fall color and decorations herald in the start of the holiday season. Halloween is next week and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Whether you’re planning a big holiday bash or a quiet evening at home with friends feel free to try these recipes (in moderation, of course) while you enjoy the explosion of holiday happenings.



Halloween Martini

If you plan to host an All Hallow’s Eve party this month, add to the adult fun by concocting a signature cocktail like this

Halloween Martini

1.5 oz. vodka
1 oz. Grand Marnier
splash orange Curacao

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously and serve immediately. Garnish with a twist of orange.


The holidays are a time of year traditionally associated with family celebrations. This year, embrace the season with a couple of cocktails that borrow some of the flavors we typically enjoy in November.

Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

1 oz. Malibu rum
3/4 oz. canned pumpkin pie filling
1/2 oz. Kahlua
2 oz. cold milk
Sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Mix ingredients in blender with ice and blend thoroughly; Pour into graham cracker-rimmed highball glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pumpkin Divine Cocktail

Pumpkin Divine Cocktail

1 1/2 oz rye whiskey
1 1/2 oz Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice
1/2 oz triple sec
1/4 oz anise liqueur
1 egg white
3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously (to ensure the egg is properly mixed) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top if desired.


This Jack-O-Lantern cocktail looks like a pumpkin when garnished correctly, but it has

Jack-O-Lantern
none of the pumpkin flavoring. It's a great drink that mixes Cognac with the flavor of orange (always a great combination) and it has the visual aesthetics which are perfect for Halloween.

Jack-O-Lantern

1 oz Hennessy VSOP Cognac
1 1/2 oz orange juice
1/2 oz ginger ale
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
orange wheel and lime twist for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Strain into a lowball glass over ice. Float an orange wheel topped with a lime twist on top.


Blend the Southwest and the Northeast with this delicious take on the Mexican classic.Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray, host of Food Network's 30 Minute Meals

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberry Margaritas

1 1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup fresh frozen cranberries, rinsed
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
3/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
ice

DIRECTIONS: Mix all the ingredients, except for the ice. Pour half of the mixture in the blender and fill the rest of the blender with ice. Blend. Repeat with second half of mixture. Servings: Approximately 2 medium pitchers.


Punch is a great party drink for larger groups. This super-simple punch is best served

Apple Pie Punch
chilled and can be made in just minutes. Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee, host of Food Network's Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee

Apple Pie Punch

2 cups apple juice or cider
4 ounces spiced rum
2 ounces cinnamon Schnapps
1 red apple, sliced

DIRECTIONS: Combine apple juice, rum, and Schnapps in a punch bowl or pitcher. Serve punch over ice and garnish with red apple slices. Servings: Approximately 6 cocktails, depending on glass size.

Beefeater Toast 

Beefeater Thanksgiving Toast

1 oz. Beefeater Gin
1/2 oz. Canned cranberry sauce
1/2 oz. Ginger ale

DIRECTIONS: Shake vigorously with ice and strain into martini glass. Add a float of ginger ale after straining. Garnish with 3 roasted walnut halves, speared cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary


A specialty of the Las Margaritas Restaurant & Cantina, The Cannery, San Francisco, California.

Cotoño Mexicano (Mexican Autumn)

1 oz. El Patron (Gold) Tequila
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
6 oz. Coffee

DIRECTIONS: Combine ingredients in a mug. Top with whipped cream then sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon.


"When the chill in the autumn air gets into your bones there's nothing tastier than a 'Bourbon Furnace.' A great addition to a tail-gating menu or a welcome treat after raking the leaves." From Heaven Hill Distilleries.

Bourbon Furnace

6 oz hot apple cider
3 whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon
1 1/2 oz Elijah Craig Bourbon

DIRECTIONS: Combine in stemmed mug and serve immediately.

CB Appletini

2 oz. Christian Brothers Brandy
1 ½ oz. sour apple schnapps
½ oz. sweet sour mix

DIRECTIONS: Shake with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon wedge or sliced lime.

Hot Cock Toddy
Hot Cock Toddy

1.5 oz Fighting Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 ounce honey
Juice of half lemon (about 1/3 ounce)
Water to fill mug
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick

DIRECTIONS: Put all ingredients except the Bourbon into a heatproof mug and fill with boiling water. Stir. Allow to cool slightly, then add the Bourbon. If preferred, serve in a strong tumbler when the drink has cooled a little (so as not to break the glass).
Microwave directions
Boil the water in the mug. Add the honey, lemon juice, water, cloves and Fighting Cock Bourbon. Stir. Garnish with cinnamon stick.