Episode 36 - Halloween Drinks - Spirits for Spirits!

Happy Halloween!  It’s a little early, we know, but that was what the impetus of this week’s show was.  Drinks that you could serve to all your spooky friends at your annual Halloween shindig.

If you listened to the show, congratulations.  We hope you enjoyed the secret drink that we added as a reward for listening.  If you didn’t listen to the show, that’s ok too.  The two main drinks are right here, right now.  In fact, let’s get started.  

The first drink comes from the fall 2014 issue of Taste magazine and was created by Danielle Tatarin whose website is designercocktail.com.  Taste Magazine is the publication that the BC Liquor Board puts out 4 times a year.  Illusions of Grandeur is a neon green drink that is certain to make an impression on your guests.  Or you for that matter.

Illusions of Grandeur
by Danielle Tatarin - Check her out here

1 ounce London Dry Gin (we used Bombay Sapphire)
1 ounce melon liqueur (we used Midori)
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce Green Chartreuse

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass

This drink is so well balanced.  You get to taste a little bit of everything in it.  Nothing is hidden and the big surprise for most people is the Green Chartreuse.  Don’t be arfraid of  investing in this delightful liqueur.  You will most definitely find a use for it!


Halloween is harvest time.  Particularly PUMPKIN harvest time.  So why not try a Pumpkin Old Fashioned?  There are a few different recipes out there, but we chose one from Finch in Boston.  It’s like a warm hug from David S. Pumpkins!  Any questions?  No?  Then let’s try it out.

Pumpkin Old-Fashioned
from the Finch in the Boxer Hotel, Boston, 2013

1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 ounce maple syrup

Orange peel twist or rosemary sprig for garnish (we used the Rosemary sprig)

Combine pumpkin puree, bourbon, syrup, Grand Marnier and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig or orange peel.

Dave did not say this was yummy.  He thought it was, but he did not say it.  Instead, he said that he really, really liked it.  He said this because we all really liked it.   You’ll like it too.  If you don’t want it very sweet, cut the maple syrup to 1/2 an ounce.  Also make sure you don’t get pumpkin pie filling, but the actual pumpkin puree.  This could also be a nice after dinner drink for American Thanksgiving!  Think about that.

Happy Halloween everybody!  Be safe out there this year and don’t forget to listen to the podcast for the secret drink from Oscar Haimo!

Boooooo! Fred enjoys his spooky sip. Imagine this great looking drink at your Halloween party!