Collegiate Times

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Not because I am in to gothic attire, wish I were a member of the undead or have a problem with depression. What I love most about Halloween is the time of year; fall is my favorite season, and I love apple cider and pumpkin pies. And who doesn?t enjoy dressing up and being someone else for a night (or maybe all weekend)? If you?re hosting a Halloween party this weekend, consider changing the drink menu from beer and Jell-o shots to some more festive cocktails. Here are a few recipes I have gathered that sound particularly tasty.

Black Berry Martini:

It?s a classic drink that James Bond loves. This twist on the classic adds a nice fruity flavor and a spooky black color. If you prefer a more classic martini, ABC stores carry black vodka called Blavod that can be mixed with vermouth instead.

About 3 oz of Vodka or Gin

1/2 oz of blackberry brandy or black raspberry liqueur

Garnish with orange twist (to get the black and orange color scheme going)

Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass.

*Adapted from ?The Bartender?s Black Book?

Ghostbuster

A little novelty from time to time is always welcome, and this drink has just that. Floating in the middle of your glass you?ll find an unexpected fright: a little ghost.

1oz Peach Schnapps

1oz melon liqueur

A few drops of Irish cream liqueur

Shake the first two ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass. Add the Irish cream drop by drop to create a ?ghost.?

*Adapted from About.com?s Cocktail guide

Fake Blood

If sweet isn?t your thing, here?s a savory cocktail that will tantalize the vampire in all of us.

1oz Bourbon

1/2oz lime juice

Tomato Juice

1 tsp. Tequila

Pour the bourbon and limejuice into a glass filled with ice. Add the tomato juice until the glass is almost full and stir. Top the whole thing off with a dash of tequila.

*Adapted from ?Atomic Bodyslams to Whisky Zippers: Cocktails for the 21st Century?

Zombie

A classic drink that people drink year-round, by the ingredients you can guess how it got its name. Very easy to make and yummy.

1 shot each of dark, white and spiced rum

1 shot of apricot brandy

A dash of sugar syrup

1 shot each of lime juice and pineapple juice

Pour all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with pineapple slices.

And if you still want to do Jell-o shots (they are lots of fun, after all) Consider trying this: pour the Jell-o into clear shot glasses and add a gummy worm to each before the Jell-o hardens.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!