Spooky Cocktails to Brighten Your Halloween

Halloween isn't just for kids. Adults can also have fun on this bewitching day. Costume parties for adults should be about more than dunking for apples. After all, isn't every party more fun with some interesting cocktails.

Here's a roundup of some drinks that will be sure to keep your Halloween guests feeling like they are the life of the party on a day that celebrates the living dead, including a special drink from wine and spirits expert Michael Green…

Michael Green's Halloween Helper
2 oz Maker's Mark Bourbon
1-1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz clove simple syrup (see below)
3 dashes of bitters
Lemon peel twist for garnish

Clove Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 ounces whole cloves

To make the Clove Simple Syrup:
Mix together the sugar, water, and cloves together in a saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

Let simple syrup cool overnight at room temperature. Strain off the clove, mix in drink ingredients and serve with lemon peel twist.

Note: you can store simple syrup in a bottle refrigerated for up to four weeks.

Blood Shot
One Part Iceberg Vodka
One Part Peach Schnapps
One Part Jagermeister
One Part cranberry juice

Mix ingredients together and chill. Pour into shot glasses.

Poison Apple Martini
2 oz Cockspur Fine Rum
1 oz Applejack
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple slice for garnish

Combine rum, applejack and cinnamon in a glass. Add ice and stir to chill. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with the apple.

Mayhem Martini
2 oz rum
½ oz triple sec
½ oz Godiva Liqueur
Orange twist for garnish

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass and garnish.