Iowa Fall 21-Winter 22 - 28

idea. They're too hard to eat standing up, and
Halloween's not the time for a sit-down party.
Remember to provide healthy and vegetarian
options and to keep your guests' allergies in mind.
BEVERAGES
Equally important is Food's best friend, Drink.
Variety is key-wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic
options for kids, drivers and non-drinkers. Make
sure there's plenty of water on hand, as alcohol is
dehydrating. If you want the party to be especially
festive and ghoulish, try making your own
Halloween punch complete with eyeball- or skullshaped
ice cubes. If you want to go all out, add
some food-grade dry ice to the punchbowl to
make it look like a witch's cauldron. Don't make
the punch too strong, though. While a few drinks
can lighten the mood and stimulate socializing,
too much alcohol can ruin a party.
DECORATION
Even grown-ups can appreciate a holiday-themed
atmosphere. Don't forget to trim both the inside
and outside of your home. Spiderwebs, pumpkins,
skeletons and scarecrows are all pretty easy/cheap
to make, and if your kids get involved the workload
is cut in half. Theoretically, thrift stores and dollar
stores are ideal places to look for cheaper, and
sometimes more distinctive, decorations. Candles,
mood lighting, and a fog machine will help create
a spine-chilling vibe, as will a motion-activated
voice croaking out spooky messages.
Last but not least, you can't throw a memorable
party without holiday-specific drinks. Try one or more
of these Halloween-inspired cocktails for your party:
Pirate Mary
1 ½ ounces dark rum
2 ½ ounces Pirate Mary Mix*
2 dashes bitters
black pepper to taste
pineapple slice
 Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker.
Mix vigorously until cold, approx. 45
seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled
with ice. Garnish with pepper and a
pineapple slice.
*If you can't find a ready-made mix, make it
yourself by stirring together equal parts tomato
juice and coconut water with half as much pineapple
juice.
28 IOWA SPIRITS
Iowa Fall 21-Winter 22

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Iowa Fall 21-Winter 22
