Something about the fall makes me want to indulge in a conflicting mix of both comforting and creepy beverages. I always look forward to coming up with eerie punches and cocktails to serve around Halloween time, but the cold autumn chill also leaves me craving something warm and full-bodied. I decided to include two recipes I’d come up with to satisfy these combative desires, one for a ghoulishly dark cocktail and one for a spiced and soothing latte.
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| The presentation factor of this ice bath almost makes up for all the food we lost when our refrigerator broke. So many homemade half-eaten jams… |
I used black cherry juice, 7-Up, vodka, and McCormick black food coloring to make the Black Magic Cocktail, in which the vodka-flavor was dangerously undetectable. Instead there was the sweet and slightly tart zing of black cherries and the wonderful carbonation and citrus hint that 7-Up provides. And the black food coloring helped push the already dark cherry juice over the edge to creepsville. I served them in individual 8 ounce mason jars placed in an ice bath in one of my stainless steel pots because my refrigerator was broken and I had no other way to chill them, but it actually ended up looking kinda spooky and fun. Hurray!
For the Butternut Chai Latte I used Bhakti Chai (love this brand because it is fair trade, creamy, and just spicy enough for my palette) butternut squash puree, and some frothed up whole milk with a dash of spices. I used this tutorial from The Kitchn to get the milk to froth using only a mason jar and a microwave. Very useful indeed!
Also, just a reminder that there is only one day left to enter McCormick’s Halloween giveaway! To enter leave a comment on my Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies post about your favorite kind of cookies. The winner will be announced on Halloween!
Black Magic Cocktails
Ingredients
- 4 and 1/2 Cups Black Cherry Juice
- 1 and 1/2 Cups Vodka can put more or less depending on how strong you want it to be
- 2 Cups 7-Up
- 7 Drops McCormick Black Food Coloring
- 8 8 Ounce Mason Jars (optional)
Instructions
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Mix all the ingredients together until combined. To serve, distribute the cocktail evenly throughout the mason jars and place the mason jars in a large steel pot filled with ice (optional). Serve chilled.
Butternut Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup Bhakti Chai hot
- 1/3 Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Tablespoons Butternut Squash Puree
- 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Pinch of Nutmeg
Instructions
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Whisk the butternut squash puree and vanilla extract into the chai. Pour into a mug and set aside.
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Pour the milk into a mason jar, tighten the lid, and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Remove the lid, place the glass jar in the microwave, and heat for 30 seconds. Pour the milk into the mug, using a spoon to hold back the foam. Once the milk is emptied into the mug, spoon the froth onto the top and sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the top. Serve immediately.
LOVE the mug!!! And this almost makes me wish for a microwave…
Thank you!! ME TOO, I am obsessed with them, I have one other plan one in cream and it is equally adorable. I got them here from Terrain: http://www.shopterrain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.results&searchString=mug
Was just going to ask where you got them from, thanks for the link! And keep up the great work!
Yum, these look awesome and so perfect for fall/Halloween. And, I adore that chai mug – so pretty!
Thank you Sara! It is my favorite cup š
The mug is gorgeous and the drink sounds crazy GOOD!
Aw thank you! I can't find that mug on Terrain anymore, it must have sold out! But the company has ones that are the same size and style, just in different colors http://www.shopterrain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.results&searchString=mug
I think we need to try both of these drinks – they sound delicious. Must confess that the squash chai will be a bit adventurous for us! But we're usually game for out-of-the ordinary ingredients and flavors. I'm guessing it will be a hit. :^D
Haha, thank you! They are a bit of an adventure, but well worth it!
Mmmm this looks so warm and comforting, especially with the nip in the air that has now arrived! I have a weakness for chai lattes and I definitely want to curl up in front of a cozy fireplace with this drink!
Thank you Angie! It is quite comforting indeed š
Uhhmmm for a cold day! very nice pictures!
http://sugar-steps.blogspot.com.es/
Butternut chai latte sounds sooo yummy!:)
i've been following you on instagram for ages but for some reason i've only just thought to visit your site and i've just spent the last hour looking through it! it is honestly one of the most beautiful food blogs i've seen and most definitely a new favourite. such a wonderful find! x
Thank you so much! Hearing that makes me very happy š I am ecstatic that you came to visit and are enjoying yourself here. I just took a look at your blog and love it! I just learned super basic calligraphy so I could address my save-the-dates, but am nowhere near as beautiful and creative as your handwriting skills. Your writing style is so smooth and perfect! I am hoping to improve by the time I have to do the wedding invites in a few months….we shall see! And thank you again so much for your kind words!
hi eva! i commented on your comment on my blog but wasn't sure if you'd see it. thank you so much for your lovely words – it means a lot coming from you! that was honestly one of the first things i've written in that style – i've had a classic calligraphy set for a while now but it turns out it's an italic pen whilst for this style, 'copperplate' nibs seem to be so much easier and make my writing far prettier so if you don't have any, i'd recommend getting some. it's a dip pen so it's taking some getting used to and i'm convinced i'm not doing it quite right. i see an online course on my horizons, i think! thanks again for the lovely comment and good luck doing your invites (congratulations too, by the way!) thanks again, you made my day! x
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