Cocktail of the Month: Halloween Edition - Pumpkin Spice Cocktail

Halloween is upon us and we have the perfect reason to buy pumpkins other than for decoration, the Pumpkin Spice Cocktail!  In addition to pumpkin, this recipe uses one of my favorite cocktail additives - ginger. Not only is ginger good for you (even if it's infused in the vodka, we'll tell ourselves it's healthy anyway), but it kicks the flavor of the cocktail up a notch. Win-win!

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Ginger-Infused Vodka
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce pumpkin puree (store bought or homemade)
• Splash of honey water (equal parts honey and water)
• Slice of fresh ginger for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake.
2. Pour over ice into a Collins glass.
3. Garnish with a long slice of ginger.

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Simple, delicious and not only is it perfect for Halloween, but all Fall long. And now you've found use for your pumpkins after Halloween is over. Bottoms up!

Cocktail of the Month: Apple Cider Margarita

It's that time of the year again! The sun goes down earlier, the leaves change colors and you're trading in your flip flops for boots. But not so fast! We have the perfect way to hold on to summer a little bit longer. Meet the Apple Cider Margarita.

The Apple Cider Margarita allows you to combine your favorite summer and fall drinks. It's the best of both worlds!

Photo Credit: publix.com

Serving Size: 1 Glass

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Grand Marnier
• 1 oz. Reposado Tequila
• 5 -6 oz. sweet apple cider
• Cinnamon, cane sugar, coarse sugar for glass rimming (to taste)
• Cinnamon stick, optional garnish
• 1 apple

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar and cinnamon.
2. Coat the rim of your glass with Grand Marnier using your finger (after you've washed your hands, of course.)
3. Flip over your glass and press it into the cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat the rim.
4. Fill your glass with a little ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider. Stir.
5. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

And if you're in the mood for a warm drink, use a mug and warm the cocktail up. It'll taste just as great. Simple! Drink this and I promise, your transition from summer to fall won't be as drastic as the change in weather outside. Cheers!