Happy Halloween! Are you guys busy getting ready for a night of trick-or-treating and mischief tonight? I know we are. Last night we put the finishing touches on our costumes, and carved our pumpkins – something that everyone looks forward to. I currently have my seeds drying and are going to roast them today. Then I’m thinking maybe pumpkin seed brittle this weekend!

Since the spooky day fell on a Friday this year, I thought it would be fun to share a Halloween-inspired cocktail. I know a lot of folks are heading out to parties tonight, or hosting one themselves, and this drink is just too much fun!

It’s a pretty simple recipe – vodka, pineapple juice, raspberry puree, and some seltzer water for a little fizzy action to tickle the taste buds. But the real kicker is the creepy blood rim that’s made with just corn syrup and red food coloring. How devilishly delicious!

I hope that everyone has a very festive and Happy Halloween! We’re ready to roam the streets of Chincoteague begging for candy for the first time. So watch out ‘teaguers, we have some little ghouls heading your way tonight. Everyone be safe, and have a great weekend!

Vampire Kiss Cocktails

1 cup vodka
2 cups pineapple juice
2 Tbsp raspberry puree*
1 cup seltzer water
ice

For the blood rim:
3 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp red food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or carafe. Stir to combine well.

Combine the corn syrup and the food coloring until well blended in a shallow bowl. Gently dip the rim of the wine glass slightly into the “blood”, then fill with ice. Fill glasses up with the mixed cocktail and serve.

* To make raspberry puree, combine 1/2 cup fresh raspberries with 1 tsp. granulated sugar in a food processor. Blend until smooth, then push through a fine-mesh strainer to remove large pieces of pulp and seeds.