Spike Your Spooky Sweets: 12 Devilish Halloween Cocktails

Oct 22, 2012

What would a whole month of spooky sweets be without some spiked ones? Here are 12 that we’re digging from all over the web. Stay tuned for a whole week of Halloween cocktails as we count the days to Halloween weekend!

1. Zombie Jello Shots: We’ll kick it off with a little recipe we like to call, Thriller in Jello Shot Form. These zombie shots feature green jello topped with crushed Oreos for a little earth illusion, and white chocolate skeletons for garnish. (Recipe and photo: E is for Eat)

2. Witches Brew: Rum punch is always a party go-to. Spook yours up with gummy worms and other gummy versions of things that go bump in the night. (Photo: Societe Perrier)

3. Midnight Mary #3: This savory cocktail combines heirloom tomatoes and basil with a dose of aquavit magic. (Recipe and photo: Esquire)

4. Drunken Spider: The rich color of this one comes from Creme de Cassis and pomegranate juice. Mmm! Garnish with a black licorice spider (made from Twizzler’s Pull N’Peel, we think!). (Recipe and photo: Talk of Tomatoes)

5. Jello Shot Syringes: Eeek! These are a bit beyond spooky, don’t you think? (Recipe and photo: Halloween Forum)

6. Pumpkintini: Remember this tipsy take on the Pumpkin Spice Latte? Yum! Perfect for fall, winter, and even the beginning of spring. (Recipe and photo: Brit + Co.)

7. Brains!: These shots combined peach schnapps, lime juice, and Bailey’s with rather curdling results. (Recipe and photo: Not Martha)

8.Brew-Ha-Ha Punch: Halloween is all about the dry ice. Nothing really beats a cauldron of smoking punch, even if that punch is non-alcoholic. Of course, we recommend spiking this one up with a little tequila. (Recipe and photo: Southern Living)

9. Devilish Martini: The most devilish thing about this is that they’ve decided to make a martini with rum. Unheard of! But probably delicious. (Recipe and photo: Food Network TV)

10. Shrunken Heads in Cider: More a party trick than a cocktail recipe, this is a great garnish for mulled cider, sangria, or even champagne. (Recipe and photo: Martha Stewart)

11. Dark and Spooky: What do you get when you add a gummy spider and black sanding sugar to a regular dark and stormy? Dark and spooky! Simple, clever, and still delicious. (Recipe and photo: Claire Robinson for Food Network)

12. Butterfinger Jello Shots: Wait, what? Butterfinger Jello Shots that also happen to look like super creepy fingers? Ok maybe they’re not so chocolatey and look rather buttery, but we’re still signing up. (Recipe and photo: Good Cocktails)

What are your favorite punches, cocktails, and brews to serve for All Hallow’s Eve? Talk to us in the comments below.

31 Sweet And Savory Apple Cider Recipes

It wouldn’t be fall without a jug of fresh apple cider and an apple cider donut (or two!). But in addition to the classics, there are plenty of ways to use the spicy fall beverage for savory and sweet recipes alike. Here are the recipes we’ll be adding to our “to-cook” list immediately!

Apple Cider-Glazed Pumpkin Bundt Cake

This cake brings together pumpkin and apple cider, amplifying the *best* fall flavors of all time. Have a boozy hot chocolate at the ready, and you're golden. (via Brit + Co.)

Apple Cide-car

Try this tangy fall take on a classic cocktail – you won’t be disappointed. (via Brit + Co.)

Mulled Apple Cider

This apple cider recipe infuses your sip with the zest of lemon and orange, then blending beautifully with warm fall spices. (via Brit + Co.)

Bourbon Apple Cider Sorbet

It’s another addition to our Spike Your Sweets series, and this apple cider sorbet is made even better by the fact that you don’t need an ice cream maker to make it. (via Brit + Co.)

Slow-Cooker Apple Cider

The slow cooker adds deeper, more rich tasting notes to your big ol' batch of autumnal apple cider. (via Brit + Co.)

Apple Cider Pancakes

Not only do these pancakes include apple cider, but they also have nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar. Yum! (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Sweet + Salty Chocolate Drizzled Cider Caramel Apples

Caramel-covered apples get a sweet + salty upgrade with this recipe. You can even make it boozy with a splash of bourbon. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Loaded Apple Cider Oatmeal Muffins with Brown Butter Apple Cider Glaze

If you made it through that recipe title and your mouth isn’t watering, we don’t even know what to say. These easy muffins are our new fall favorite. (via How Sweet Eats)

Fig Bourbon Cider Smash

Drink to all things fall with this cocktail that mixes apple cider with orange, fig preserves, bourbon, and sparkling water. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Apple Oven Pancake with Apple Cider Syrup

This open-faced pancake recipe lets you dig into the best fall feels, all covered with a super sweet apple cider syrup. (via Completely Delicious)

Mussels With Apple Cider and Thyme Glaze

Try cider in place of the traditional white wine for a unique flavor next time you’re cooking mussels. (via Prospect: The Pantry)

Apple Cider Caramels

A new twist on the traditional combo of caramel and apples, these bite-sized sweets are guaranteed addictive. (via Handle The Heat)

Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Apples

This dish perfectly exemplifies that sweet and savory were meant to be. Sink your teeth into some tender chicken, then rotate to the sweet, caramelized apple component! (via Averie Cooks)

Boneless Pork Chops with Apples + Cider

This is the *best* apple cider recipe for entertaining a crowd. Full of meaty sustenance, this is one you'll definitely want to add to your recipe book. (via Vikalinka)

Apple Pecan Pie Cronuts with an Apple Cider Caramel Drizzle

Cronuts never really went away, and these apple-pecan ones are sure to send you into sugar shock — only in a good way! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Apple Cider Jelly with Rosemary and Peppercorns

Your morning toast or PB&J will *never* be the same once you try this sweet + savory jelly. (via Local Kitchen)

Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Adding a bit of cider to this pulled pork recipe makes your sandwich have just a touch of sweet. It’s a recipe you don’t want to miss. (via A Sweet Pea Chef)

Apple Cider Sangria

Using apple cider and brandy in your sangria is a no-brainer. We love this refreshing fall cocktail recipe! (via How Sweet Eats)

Fall Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Crunch on the best of the best with this kale-filled salad. It's tossed in an unforgettably tangy apple cider dressing! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Apple Cider Tiramisu

Tiramisu no longer has to just be coffee-flavored. This apple cider version — made with apple pie moonshine — is a tasty update. (via Dessert For Two)

Apple Cider Turkey Gravy

Bring a little more fall to a turkey dinner with this apple-cider gravy that's made with five ingredients: turkey stock, apple cider, garlic, flour, and salt. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Perfect for an October night, this dinner recipe slow-cooks short ribs in apple cider and adds in caramelized onions and fresh herbs. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Apple Cider Donut Cake

There’s no need to have a special pan to enjoy apple cider donuts. This bunt cake fits the bill just as well and looks like a giant donut. (via Katie at the Kitchen Door)

Apple Cider Margaritas

Surprisingly, apple cider and tequila go quite well together. The best part of this sweet margarita cocktail, though, is the brown sugar rim. (via Belle Vie)

Mini Apple Cider Cakes

The secret to these cinnamon-sugar dusted cakes is boiling the apple cider down for optimal flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Apple Cider Cinnamon Knots

The dough for these knots starts with apple cider, and they're finished with a dusting of butter and cinnamon sugar. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce

A white wine + cider sauce takes this fall chicken dinner to a whole other level. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Apple Cider Donuts

Feast on these fall-favorites, fresh out of the oven for a real autumnal treat. (via Culinary Hill)

Lentil Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This vegan salad made with lentils, pomegranate arils, almonds, and green onion gets topped off with apple cider vinaigrette, apple butter, and Sriracha. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Brown Butter Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Filled with an apple-pecan streusel and topped with a cinnamon glaze, this apple cider bundt cake is perfect on a crisp fall day. (via Barley & Sage)

Apple Cider Jelly Candy

For those of you that love gumdrops, these DIY candies are the perfect homemade version. (via Coconut & Lime)

What’s your favorite way to use cider? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

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Mauricio Just Officially Moved Out — Here's What That Means For RHOBH Season 14

Last season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, we all speculated that Kyle Richards swapped one Mo for another given her separation from Mauricio Umansky and budding friendship with Morgan Wade. While Richards was tight lipped throughout each episode, we learned a lot more from Buying Beverly Hills and tabloids alike, featuring more definitive timelines and theories about what was really going on at home with the Richards-Umansky family. Now, with Mauricio reportedly fully moved out and Morgan allegedly out of the picture, what's left for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14? Here's a breakdown of everything we know, from returning cast members, remaining couples, and more.

Who's returning to "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for season 14?

Images via Bravo

There aren't any official announcements about the returning cast yet, but there are plenty of stories out there about who's not returning — and who's potentially getting demoted!

First up is Dorit Kemsley. Dorit's been on the show a while now, gabbing and girling with Kyle Richard throughout the latter half of the show's history — but there's been a wrench in that relationship ever since Kyle befriended Morgan Wade. And now, The Daily Mail exclusively reported that Dorit may even get demoted to "friend of the show" after not being fully truthful about the state of her relationship with husband PK Kemsley. Kyle Richards "dismissed" these reports, but we'll have to see about that. Fingers crossed she and Kyle can mend things...and that she and the producers can as well!

Next, we've gotta address Anne Marie Wiley. Anne Marie was let go from the show after just one season — where we can't help but giggle at the journey from calling herself a literal doctor to finally addressing that she's actually a nurse — and is allegedly okay with it. She told Peoplethat she's "in a great space" since then, so...good for you, girl! Just maybe don't obsess over someone's esophagus in your next foray into the film and TV world.

A regular for the last three season, Crystal Kung Minkoff is also not returning to the RHOBH world, according to Deadline. She noted on Instagram how heavy it was to carry "the weight" of being the first — and only — Asian American woman to join the RHOBH cast. Her presence and thoughtful opinions will definitely be missed!

For now, we can only assume that Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, and Sutton Stracke will make a return, but only time — and tabloids — will tell!

Will any new cast members join "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14?

Image via NBC

Apparently Melanie Griffith, known for starring in projects like Working Girl, is joining the RHOBH crew for season 14, according to In Touch Weekly! She's a long-time friend to Kyle Richards, and I think that'll add a great dynamic...especially given how rocky things got between Kyle and Dorit last year. The girl needs friends now more than ever!

One of the sillier rumored cast situations is that Chelsea Handler was joining the show. The hilarious comedian quickly shut that down, however.

A person we don't think will ever return as a main cast member, friend, or otherwise? Miss upside down jacket herself, Denise Richards. 🤭

Who's still a couple on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" right now?

Image via Netflix

That's a very, very good question! Kyle and Mauricio are definitely broken up, and seemingly for good. The only other remaining couple is Dorit and PK, and well...according to The Daily Mail, PK's living in the Beverly Hills Hotel at the moment. It's not looking great for them, but we're hoping for the best!

When will "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14 air?

Image via Bravo

There's no set air date for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14, but I'd have to guess that we'll see these ladies (and whoever else joins them) by sometime in 2025.

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Transform a Paloma Into an Instagram-Worthy Tart

If there's one thing The Seaside Baker blogger Jackie Bruchez knows, it's the sweet spot between fresh ingredients and luxurious desserts. In her new cookbook, Decadent Fruit Desserts($22), there is a little something comforting for everyone in more than 60 recipes, such as grilled peaches and a banana-chocolate pot de crème with cognac sauce. At the heart of each recipe is a key fruit ingredient, meant to shine as the star of the show. Bruchez elaborates in the intro of her book, “Transforming fruit, be it apples or oranges or more exotic varieties like dragon fruit, into a decadent, sophisticated, blow-your-mind dessert is the revelation I want to share with you." You don't have to just take our word for it. The paloma tart recipe below takes the tequila-grapefruit drink and morphs it into a bright and snappy multi-layered fruit tart.

Paloma Tart

(Serves 8-10)

Baker's Note: When making the curd, it is necessary to whisk the egg yolks and sugar before adding the citrus juice to avoiding curdling.

Ingredients:

Crust:

nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lime zest, freshly grated
1/2 cup coconut, shredded
1 cup unsalted butter, cold
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Grapefruit Tequila Curd:

6 egg yolks
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
2 cups grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
1 tablespoon tequila, optional

Whipped Cream:

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
1 1/2 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon lime zest, freshly grated
lime and grapefruit wedges, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch fluted tart pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Make the crust. In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar, flour, salt, lime zest, and coconut until they're well blended, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and lime juice; mix to combine them until moist clumps form. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

3. Bake the crust until it's golden brown, about 23 to 25 minutes. Cool it for 10 minutes.

4. While the crust is cooling, make the curd. In a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized pot, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until it's light and pale. Whisk in the salt, grapefruit zest, juice, and cornstarch. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and cook the curd until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat; stir in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, and then add the tequila, if using.

5. Pour the warm curd into the crust; let it sit for 30 minutes, then transfer the tart to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Right before serving, make the whipped cream. Beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and lime zest on high until stiff peaks form.

7. Dollop the cream onto the tart and garnish it with lime and grapefruit wedges.

(Reprinted with permission from Decadent Fruit Desserts by Jackie Bruchez, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Photo credit: Jackie Bruchez.)

Dessert Recipes Spike Your Sweets Summer Party Cookbookmarked

4 Unexpected Summer Color Trends That Work Surprisingly Well Together

We’re ever so thankful that things are warming up a bit, and with a new season comes a whole new round of trends. Talking about color specifically, the 2024 Pantone Fashion Color Trend Reportgives a good guide to all the hues we’ll be seeing this summer. We hand-picked our 4 favorite colors that are approachable for everyday wear – and just downright fun. Hop into something vibrant, and explore the coolest summer colors for 2024 below.

Kimchi Blue Shay Smocked Cropped Top

Butter Yellow

This serene shade of yellow is honestly the “It” color of the season. It’s literally smooth like butter, and is super adorable alongside a good pair of denim shorts or jeans. Butter yellow is light and breezy, just like the summer season.

Free-est Made Me Smile Mini

This adorable strapless dress would go great with a patio on a warm day.

Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Knock out two trends at once with these simple butter yellow ballet flats that work wonderfully with skirts and jeans alike.

Adidas Samba OG Sneakers

Lilac

Since it was spotted on our fave gal, Taylor Swift, this purple-y hue isn't going anywhere. Lilac feels like an elegant graduation from lavender (ahem, someone play “Lavender Haze”), and we are totally here for it. It looks so dreamy on flowy skirt styles or more structured tops.

Maeve Boxy Tee

This casual tee is worthy of everyday wear. Its cotton construction makes it super breathable for the office or the gym.

Wild Fable Leisure Mini Skort

You'll wanna jet around in this easygoing mini skort for those wild summer adventures. It's fitted with attached shorts for extra coverage and is delightfully stretchy so you have freedom of movement.

Old Navy High-Waisted Crinkle Gauze Pull-On Ankle Pants

Red-Orange

Basic red was trending so hard last year, so it’s no surprise that its orange-y color cousin has entered the chat. Red-orange is just the shade you need for embracing summer, especially if where you live is heatin’ up. Make a statement with a red-orange dress, or even just add a simple pop of color with some earrings!

Free-est Oasis Midi Dress

This fiery, flirty dress is an easy one-and-done for summer date nights. The fluttery sleeves and tied neckline add to a very whimsical vibe.

Universal Thread Flat Sprayed Metal Hoops

Add a splash of color to a basic get-up with these colorful hoops! They're fairly large, so you can't miss 'em.

Everlane The TENCEL™ Boxy Shirt

Chambray Blue

Denim is undeniably having its moment right now (everyone say “thank you, Beyoncé”), but it’s not always practical for the hotter months. That’s why chambray is the perfect solution! Chambray is essentially woven cotton, so it makes for a lighter, more breathable wear. You can rock it alongside more denim pieces, or even white pants or skirts to pull it off easily.

Chinese Laundry Rozie Half d'Orsay Slingback Pumps

Step out in trendy style with these paneled slingbacks! The chunky square heel makes each and every step comfortable as ever.

J.Crew Astrid Pants

Stretchy pants FTW! These easy, breezy chambray bottoms have a flattering wide waistband and a singular back pocket for practicality.

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19 Amazon Mother’s Day Gifts For Every Budget

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about that something special to celebrate the special women in your life! Whether you’re celebrating your mom, grandma, MIL, or even your BFF’s mom, the women in your life deserve a thoughtful surprise (and a delicious brunch). If you're in a time crunch, check out these Amazon Mother's Day gifts you can order today!

W&P Porter Seal Tight Lunch Bowl Container

Everyone loves reusable containers, especially ones that are pretty and functional. With this lidded glass and silicone bowl, mom can easily pack her lunch and midday snacks in style! This piece is especially cool because it's microwave-safe.

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Face Skincare Serum

This everyday serum boosts the brightness and elasticity of skin and reduces the look of dark spots. Get your mom on the way to her brightest glow with this affordable skincare pick that still offers spa-quality service.

Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies

Help her protect her luscious locks with these luxe-looking silk scrunchies. These hair ties have an amazing hold and don’t damage hair, so they are definitely worth the investment for everyday wear.

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om Magnesium Powder

Get mom on the Sleepy Girl Mocktail wave ASAP with this flavored magnesium powder. Not only does it facilitate healthy sleep, a single dose also improves mood, reduces muscle aches, supports brain health, and supports bowel regularity.

Inglam MegaAIR Styler Air Styling & Drying System

This impressively powerful hair tool will be an instant replacement for all of her miscellaneous curlers, straighteners, and hair dryers. It basically serves as a three-in-one, using a high-velocity airflow to dry and style the hair in mere minutes.

Anne Klein Leather Strap Watch

This stylish wristwatch is as practical as it is cute. She can easily sport it to the office or when she's running errands!

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

This is any mom's dream gift. And now, it's on sale for 27% off!

DmofwHi 1000W Gooseneck Electric Kettle

Her coffee (or tea) routine will never be the same with this quick-heating electric kettle. It stands strong, being made of durable stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask

Her locks deserve some real love, and this hair mask gets the job done. It's formulated with ingredients that strengthen hair elasticity, prevent breakage, nourish strands, and repair damage.

BedHead PJs Women's Classic Stripe Pajama Set

Comfortable, high quality pajamas are hard to come by these days, let alone on Amazon. Gift mom or grandma this striped set for extra-restful sleep!

Keurig K-Duo K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker

Coffee is a total no-brainer for moms everywhere, and this is the perfect piece for helping her perfect her caffeine routine! It specializes in making single servings, so she'll have a batch of freshly-brewed coffee all to herself. She'll have the option to brew a single mug with K-Cup pods or a carafe up to 12 cups.

Caraway Mini Duo Non-Stick Ceramic Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan

This luxe pair of pots is eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, made with no harmful chemicals, and sustainably packaged for certified clean cooking in the kitchen. The two-piece set comes ready with storage organizers at no extra cost, which is especially important in keeping them in tip-top shape.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Amazon.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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