Halloween, a contraction of All Hallows’ Eve, is a holiday observed on October 31st, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day – and associated with all things spooky – but why?
The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls’ Day. In much of Europe and most of North America, observance of Halloween is largely non-religious.
Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 on contemporary calendars, the new year was believed to begin. That date was considered the beginning of the winter period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed.
During the Samhain festival the souls of those who had died were believed to return to visit their homes, and those who had died during the year were believed to journey to the otherworld. People set bonfires on hilltops for relighting their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day.
If you’re marking Halloween in any way, it’s always good to get into the ‘spirit’ with some spooky cocktails for the adults. Check out these exclusive make-at-home cocktail recipes below, courtesy of the team at 44, Cafe, Bar and Bistro in Leamington.
Vampire Kiss Martini
Vodka, Prosecco, Chambord & Raspberry Syrup.
How to make:
In a cocktail shaker – Add Vodka, Chambord, Raspberry Syrup.
Add Ice.
Shake Vigorously for 30 seconds.
Strain into a martini glass.
Top up with Prosecco.
Garnish with Candy Floss
Cinnamon Crypt
Spiced Gin, Orange Gin, Orange Bitters, Caramel Syrup & Cinnamon Syrup.
How to make:
In a cocktail shaker – Add Spiced Gin, Orange Gin, Caramel Syrup & Cinnamon Syrup.
Shake Vigorously for 30 seconds.
Fill Tiki Glass with ice.
Strain into filled glass.
Add 3 dashes of orange bitters on top. Garnish with Cinnamon Sticks
Dark & Spooky
Dark Rum, Ginger Ale, Lime Juice & Absinthe.
How to make:
Fill a tumbler glass with ice.
Add Dark Rum, Lime Juice.
Pour Ginger ale to fill.
Add couple drops of absinthe on top.
Garnish with Chocolate Powder
