Witches Punch and Drac-kula

[cheranne]

Halloween isn't just for kids any more, as a host of liquor companies have made clear with a number of potent potables they're suggesting to help make the day a treat.

The punsters of the spirits world have been practicing their rib-tickling charms, trying to come up with cute names for their powerful concoctions.

Dra-Kahlúa has plenty of bite, mixing Cognac and triple sec with the coffee liqueur. Not content to stop there, Kahlúa has also laid out recipes for the gravely amusing Cryptini, with vodka and espresso, and the lucky Black Cat, with vodka, sambuca and espresso beans. The caffeine jolt from each of these will sure keep your eyes wide open for any scare that comes your way.

1800 Select Silver Tequila offers several seasonal drinks that are set on fire before serving. You might want to do that only for the first drink of the evening — and only if you feel sure your guests won't torch your house. You might also want to test the Jack-O'-Lantern, a layered drink that also includes Irish cream and coffee liqueur with a dusting of cinnamon, ahead of time, just to make sure it's as good as it sounds and easy to pour.

The folks at Bacardi didn't have to work on a playful name at all. They simply resurrected the Zombie. Their revamp is as lethal as the original, but the traditional brandy and rum blend has been streamlined to include only rum.

Skyy's Ghostly Martini may look like a glass of milk, but the flavor and aroma will convince you it is anything but. Mix vodka, light cream and amaretto in an ice-filled shaker, strain and enjoy.

Several pumpkin liqueurs on the market provide an autumnal flavor that can be used to blend into cocktails or served by themselves over ice.

So, scare up some fun for Halloween. Just remember, you're an adult. Drink responsibly like one.

Dra-Kahlúa

In an ice-filled shaker, add 1 1/2 parts Kahlúa or coffee liqueur, 1/2 part Cognac, 1/2 part triple sec, 3/4 part fresh lemon juice and 1/2 part simple syrup. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass that has been half rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a blood-orange wedge.

Kahlúa

Cryptini

In an ice-filled shaker, add 2 parts Kahlúa or coffee liqueur, 1 part vodka and 1/2 part freshly brewed espresso. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass.

Kahlúa

Black Cat

In an ice-filled shaker, add 1 part Kahlúa, 2 1/2 parts vanilla vodka and 1/4 part sambuca. Stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with 3 espresso beans.

Kahlúa

The Zombie Resurrected

Mix 3 1/3 parts rum, 1 part grenadine, 1 part triple sec, 2 parts sour mix and 2 parts orange juice with ice and pour into a tall glass. Float a small portion of Bacardi 151 Rum on top. Garnish with fresh fruit.

Bacardi

The Jack-o'-lantern

Carefully layer in a shot glass 1/3 ounce Kahlúa, then 1/3 ounce Irish cream and finally 1/3 ounce 1800 Select Silver Tequila. Light the tequila on fire and let burn for 15 seconds. Blow out the flame and sprinkle with cinnamon. Why the name? The flavor is said to make you grin wider than a jack-o'-lantern.

1800 Select Silver Tequila

Ghostly Martini

Mix 2 ounces vodka, 1 tablespoon light cream and 1/2 ounce amaretto in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Skyy Vodka

Spider's Kiss

Mix 1 ounce Midori melon liqueur, 1 ounce vodka and a dash of fresh lemon juice in an ice-filled shaker. Strain into a martini glass. For an extra scare, drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass, creating a blood-like effect. For garnish, add a chocolate-dipped orange slice.

Midori

The Great Pumpkin

In an ice-filled shaker, mix 2 ounces chardonnay, 1 ounce Cognac, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, 1/2 ounce apple cider and 1 heaping teaspoon spiced pumpkin pie mix (canned). Shake hard and fine-strain into a cocktail glass.

Fat Bastard Chardonnay

Witch's Punch

Mix 2 ounces citrus-infused vodka, 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice, 1/4 ounce pomegranate juice and 1 ounce simple syrup in an ice-filled highball glass. Stir. Garnish with blueberries.

Skyy Infused Vodka