Spooktacular Halloween Cocktails and Snacks
Halloween isn’t just for ghosts, superheroes and fairy princesses anymore. People of all ages love all things Halloween - decorating, costumes, pumpkin carving, haunted hayrides and parties.
Halloween History Fun Facts
- Jack-o-lanterns are an Irish tradition. In Ireland, oversized rutabagas, turnips and potatoes were hollowed-out, carved into faces and illuminated with candles to be used as lanterns during Halloween celebrations.
- The word “witch” comes from the Old Saxon word “wica,” meaning “wise one.” The earliest witches were respected dealers in charms and medicinal herbs and tellers of fortunes.
- The pumpkin originated in Mexico about 9,000 years ago and is one of America’s oldest known vegetables. Pumpkins generally weigh from 15 to 30 pounds, although some weigh as much as 200 pounds. The majority of pumpkins are orange, but they also can be white, yellow or striped. They are rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene and potassium, and their seeds provide protein and iron.
Spooky Cocktails (and Mocktails)
There are so many opportunities for Halloween fun, including serving up some bewitching cocktails at a gathering for family and friends. Check out our scary boosy concoctions Bloody Brew, Poison Apple Sour and our seasonal favorites Pumpkin Punch and Apple Cider Martini.
Witches Brew
Don’t forget a special mocktail for the kids. This chilling green Witches Brew requires no toiling over, and little goblins will love it!
Here's what you'll need:
- 4 cups lemon lime soda or ginger ale, chilled
- 2 cups pineapple juice, chilled
- 3 cups lime sherbet
- Large cauldron or punch bowl
Add the soda and pineapple juice to the cauldron, and stir to combine. Stir in the sherbet just until it begins to melt, then serve. Yields approximately 16 servings.
Seasonal Snacks
Pumpkins are front and center when it comes to Halloween decorating, especially carved pumpkins. Carving is no longer as simple as creating a jack o’lantern, but rather an activity where family and friends have fun showcasing their creativity and skill. If pumpkin carving is a part of your halloween plans, be sure not to throw away the seeds. Rich in protein and iron, the seeds are delicious roasted, and a great snack to munch on!
Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Clean the pulp off the pumpkin seeds and let dry on paper towels.
If desired, toss with just a little olive oil, and add salt or other seasonings such as garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon, etc. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seeds out in a single layer. Roast for 3-5 minutes just until the seeds begin to brown.
Pumpkin Antipasto
Create an incredibly easy, edible centerpiece with your favorite cheeses, meats, etc. for your Halloween bash.
-1 small pumpkin
-Assorted meats, cheeses, veggies, cooked shrimp, olives, etc.
-Wooden skewers
Using wooden skewers, create a variety of mini kabob combinations. Place skewers randomly into the pumpkin.
Halloween Trail Mix
What would Halloween be without candy? Kids aren’t the only ones who like it since 90% of adults admit they sneak candy from their kids trick-or-treat bag 😁 Here’s a sweet and salty treat that comes together quickly with a few popular candies.
Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
This recipe, courtesy of Farm Flavor, puts an autumnal spin on a classic party favorite!
Hershey’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark
This sweet and salty candy bark recipe courtesy of Hershey’s is quick, easy and makes a great party snack.
Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup lightly salted peanuts
- 1 ⅓ cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis (26 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis cut in half)
Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place milk chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at medium (50%) for 1 minute. Stir. If necessary, microwave and additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Cool slightly. Stir in peanut and peanut butter pieces. Pour mixture on prepared tray, spread to about ½ inch thickness of mixture. Repeat tapping cookie sheet on counter until candy is desired thickness. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until firm. Break or cut into pieces. Store in a cool, dry palace. Makes about 1 ½ lbs. bark.
Monster Music
Last, but not least, set the mood by playing eerie music in the background. Some possibilities include scary soundtracks from movie thrillers like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm St., the Shining, and the Addams Family or get the party rockin’ with Halloween dance tunes like Thriller, Ghostbusters or the Monster Mash. Happy Halloween!
