I'll Drink to That! ...a selection of spirits.

This post could easily get carried away. There is a whole world of Halloween-flavored beverages to consume, and anyone who knows me knows that I'm the world's worst at ordering drinks. I lack the ability to make a split-second decision when it comes to alcohol consumption, and if you give me time to decide that just makes it worse. Guinness, PBR, and Vodka with Cranberry are the results of my Lame Lack-of-Party attitude.

Still, I like a good mixed drink (or non-alcoholic alternative) as much as the next guy and if I'm really being honest, it all revolves around not wanting to order some dumb-sounding drink and risk being asked to tell the bartender how to make it. I will make all the exceptions in the world for a tasty, Halloween concotion, though. I just think I should come prepared with a recipe or two.

Let's start with Martha Stewart; she always has such great pictures:

Ghost in the Graveyard
Serves 1
2 ounces black vodka
2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver
Serves 1
1/4 cup ice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
1 1/2 ounces black vodka
1 black licorice twist, for serving

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.

Berry Scary Martini
Serves 1
1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Swamp Sips

Its murkiness comes from a generous helping of green fruit juice blend, available at the grocery store in the health- or energy-drinks section; tequila and a dash of lime juice give it a delectable edge. For the fuzzy, mold-colored rims, we used file powder, a Creole seasoning, but green tea powder will work just as well.

Not from Martha...

Smashing Pumpkin Martini

3 oz. Infused Spiced Pumpkin Vodka

1 oz. Amaretto

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds for Garnish

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

A good substitute for the infused vodka is 2 1/2 oz of Stoli Cinammon Vodka & 1/2 oz. of Bols Pumpkin Smash Liqueur.

Created by Felix Albano -The bar at Fifty Seven Fifty Seven - NYC

Blackbeard's Ghost

Rum, coconut 1 oz.

Rum, dark 1 oz.

Rum, light1 oz.

Grapefruit Juice 1 oz.

Orange Juice 1 oz.

Syrup, mango 1 oz.

Molasses 1/4 oz.

Mixing Instructions Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a highball glass over ice and garnish with a cherry.

Taboo
1 1/2 oz. Vodka or Pineapple Infused Vodka Splash Triple Sec
1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz. Sour

Mix Pineapple Wedge Maraschino Cherry Combine vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and sour mix in a blender with one cup ice, blend 15-20 seconds until smooth and serve in a collins or highball glass. Garnish with pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.

The original list of Halloween-themed drinks that inspired this post can be found here.

Sinister Sippables from Midori

What to Drink.com: Halloween

Drink Nation: Halloween

The Monster Bar

Drinkalizer: Halloween

Webtender: Halloween