Halloween Cocktails for the Curious Year 2020

October 30, 2020 – Since everything is different this year, Halloween is sure to be too.  So let’s try some really different cocktails that will make it pleasantly memorable.

Anyone with a taste for both bourbon and red wine will love the Blood-Red Bourbon Smash.  The wine comes from Casillero del Diablo in Chile and is made with the Carménère grape, which originated in Bordeaux but is now a mainstay of Chile’s red wine production

We like the versatility of The Manzana, a rum based cocktail that can be served hot or cold.  It is made with Nicaragua’s award-winning rum Flor de Cana.

On a cold night, Milagro Tequila fans will appreciate the peppery flavor of The Freshest Sangrita, that comes from steeping Serrano peppers in lime and grapefruit juices and Grenadine.  Plan ahead on this one.

And what could be a more seasonal, perfect nightcap than Reyka Vodka Pumpkin Spice Latte.  This simple, delicious recipe will get you through all the upcoming holidays and wintery nights ahead.

Blood-Red Bourbon Smash

Cocktail handcrafted exclusively for Casillero del Diablo by Dan Magro, mixologist and author of “Suck It Up: Extraordinary Cocktails for Everyday People.”

Ingredients (Makes 1 cocktail):

• 1.5 ounces bourbon
• 1.5 ounces Casillero del Diablo Carménère
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• 5 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon grape or cherry preserves
• Lemon peel, to garnish

Method:  In a shaker combine Casillero del Diablo Carmenere, bourbon, 5 mint leaves, and lemon juice.  Muddle until thoroughly blended.  Add preserves and fill shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.  Garnish with lemon peel.

The Manzana

by Charlotte Voisey, Global Head of Ambassador Advocacy at William Grant & Sons

Charlotte Voisey’s Instagram: @charlottehdovoisey  (Web Link)

(Can be served hot or iced)

• 1 ½ parts Flor de Cana 7 Rum
• ½ part Amontillado sherry
• ½ part agave nectar
• 2 parts apple cider
• 2 dashes apple bitters

Method: Combine in a mug and heat OR combine ingredients and shake well. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks or tall glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

The Freshest Sangrita

by Jaime Salas, National Milagro Ambassador

Jaime Salas’ Instagram account: @jthetequilaguy (Web Link)

• 4 parts Milagro Silver Tequila
• 4 parts fresh lime juice                   
• 4 parts grapefruit juice                 
• 8 parts Grenadine
• 3 red Serrano peppers                                           

Method: In four shooter glasses, pour Milagro Silver neat. Cut serrano peppers in half and remove veins, seeds or stems. Blend the halves with remaining ingredients and allow pepper infusion to steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour into four separate shooter glasses.

Reyka Vodka Pumpkin Spice Latte

by Trevor Schneider, Reyka Vodka National Ambassador

Trevor’s Instagram: @cocktailninja (Web Link)

• 2 parts Reyka Vodka
• 1 part coffee liqueur
• 1 part heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice
• Garnish: Pumpkin pie spice dust

Method:  Combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Serve on the rocks.

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