Spike Your Spooky Sweets: 12 Devilish Halloween Cocktails

Anjelika Temple

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 For Fall

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!

Brit + Co

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)

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-car

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

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)

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)

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)

Sincerely Kinsey

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)

Half Baked Harvest

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)

How Sweet Eats

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)

Half Baked Harvest

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)

Completely Delicious

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)

Prospect: The Pantry

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)

Handle The Heat

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)

Averie Cooks

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)

Vikalinka

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)

Half Baked Harvest

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)

Local Kitchen

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)

A Sweet Pea Chef

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)

How Sweet Eats

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)

Crowded Kitchen

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)

Dessert For Two

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)

A Spicy Perspective

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)

Half Baked Harvest

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)

Katie at the Kitchen Door

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)

Belle Vie

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)

Half Baked Harvest

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)

A Spicy Perspective

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)

Half Baked Harvest

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)

Culinary Hill

Apple Cider Donuts

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

A Spicy Perspective

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)

Barley & Sage

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)

Coconut & Lime

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, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more fall recipes!

This post has been updated.

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8 "Charming" Old Man Baby Names Perfect For Your Little Guy

Baby name trends will always come and go, but some classic picks will just never go out of style. These monikers, occasionally called "old man" names, stand the test of time for a reason. They're strong, vintage, and sometimes hold historical significance.

So, if you're welcoming a baby boy into your family soon, you can't go wrong with an old man baby name. Here are our top picks that are packed with character.

Scroll to see all the old man baby names we're loving right now!

1. Walter

Carlos Santiago

With German roots, Walter is a compelling name that's derived from the Old High German Walthari. It combines the elements "walt," which means "power," and "hari," meaning "warrior." This gives Walter the meaning of "commander of the army."

Its regal sound and commanding symbolism make Walter the perfect fit for a boy who's destined to be a future leader.

2. Franklin

George Pak

This distinguished name has deep historical roots and was most famously carried by the former American president and founding father, Benjamin Franklin.

It originates from the Middle English word "frankeleyn" and was originally used as a surname, meaning "freeman" or "freeholder." Franklin carries a sense of independence, intellect, and hard work, all qualities that most parents hope to instill in their little ones.

3. Leroy

Norman Milwood

French in origin, Leroy is bold and actually means "the king." This name hit its height of popularity during the mid-nineteenth century, but to this day, it continues to exude strength and authority.

Many expectant parents across the globe keep choosing this moniker for their newest additions because it's a timeless choice that feels both distinguished and approachable.

4. Grady

Ivan Samkov

With Irish roots, Grady means "noble" and "renowned" and has a rugged, adventurous vibe. It might make you think of an outdoorsy little boy with a curious spirit who's always seeking out new experiences.

Grady has traditionally been considered a boy's name, but in recent years, it's been used as a gender-neutral choice, too.

5. Kenneth

Foden Nguyen

Kenneth is a name with deep Scottish ties, as it was famously borne by the first King of Scotland. Then, author Sir Walter Scott popularized Kenneth outside of the nation in his 1825 novel The Talisman.

More recently, the name became a household one when Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, was introduced to children everywhere in 1959. Kenneth actually holds two appealing meanings, "good looking" and "fire born."

6. Preston

Larbigno

Preston is English in origin and means "priest's town" or "priest's estate," offering a nice blend of history and charm. This name is also associated with a historic town in Northern England that was known for playing a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.

With an air of sophistication and a connection to faith, Preston is a great choice for parents who want their little boy to stand out.

7. Casper

Henley Design Studio

While Casper might call to mind the friendly ghost that graced our TV screens during the '90s, it actually dates back to the Old Testament. This cute name has Persian origins and means "treasurer bearer," which couldn't be more appropriate for the newest gift in your life.

Casper is derived from the Chaldean word "gizbar," meaning "treasurer," and can be spelled in multiple ways, such as Caspar or Kaspar.

8. Harold

Becerra Govea Photo

Finally, Harold is derived from Old English, Germanic, and Old Norse variations, all of which carry the strong meaning of "army ruler" or "heroic leader."

Historically, this name was favored by Scandinavian settlers and royals throughout England, Norway, and Denmark. Despite its interesting history, Harold is surprisingly underused today, making it a distinctive option for parents who want a name that's classic and still a bit unique.

Looking for more baby & parenting advice? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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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.)

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10 Low-To-No Caffeine Coffee Alternatives For All Energy & No Buzz

My love for making latte recipes has come to a halt with the news I need to balance my hormones. I could curse the sky for this minor inconvenience, but I've been testing low-to-no caffeine coffee alternatives to curb my sadness. Thanks to Google, I've found 10 of the best products ever created.

I know this sounds far-fetched, but I think I may opt to drink them more often than relying on things full of acidic caffeine!

Scroll to find the best low-to-no caffeine coffee alternatives that boosts your energy without being harsh on your body.

Low Caffeine Coffee Alternatives

Live Conscious

Live Conscious Beyond Brew Vanilla Latte

Starting off with the first coffee alternative I've tried, Live Conscious' Beyond Brew Vanilla Latte is high on my list because almost forgot I wasn't drinking my Nescaf Gold Instant Coffeelatte mix. My favorite thing about it is how easy it is on my tummy. Coffee usually gives me an extreme case of gas cramps, but this doesn't. I think it's because it's filled with ingredients like turkey tail and other probiotics!

Everyday Dose

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

Next up is Everyday Dose's Mushroom Coffee! Made with 80% less coffee than other brands, it's way better than Dr. Robotnik's recipes in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It's easy on digestive and nervous systems because it's full of ingredients like collagen, chaga, and lion's mane. So, you get the boost of energy without the weird jitters and pained run to the bathroom!

MUD/WTR

MUD/WTR Matcha Starter Kit

Is Matcha coffee-adjacent? It depends on who you ask, but it's technically not. I just love drinking it when I feel like I've exhausted my go-to latte drink. MUD/WTR's starter kit only has 55g of caffeine in it which is a better alternative than your go-to coffee drink. Trust me!

No Caffeine Coffee Alternatives

World Wide Botanicals

World Wide Botanicals French Chicory Root Brew-Like Coffee

Not only is this coffee alternative caffeine free, but it's not acidic either! I especially love that how the chicory breaks down into a healthy prebiotic that helps the right kind of bacteria flourish in your digestive tract. Knowing that most illnesses begin in our stomachs, I love how this promotes a healthy version of what coffee lovers typically drink.

Anthony's Goods

Anthony's Goods Instant Chicory Root

Do you need another reason to drink chicory root? Not really, but Anthony's Goods has another alternative that's just as good as World Wide Botanicals' version. Besides being caffeine-free, this product's also gluten-free and has non-GMO properties. The taste is just an extra benefit!

Rasa Koffee

Rasa Koffee Original Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee

What I want? More mushroom coffee ASAP! This vegan product is also great for anyone who's following a Whole 30 or Ayurvedic diet. It has 13 natural herbs in it and helps you feel less stressed with each cup you drink. How's that for an incentive to reach for coffee alternatives?

Walmart

Cafix All Natural Instant Beverage Crystals

Calling all barley lovers! I've found instant coffee crystals that are 100% caffeine-free! Amazingly enough, Cafix has figured out how to leave out the ingredient that makes some of us experience a post-coffee crash and I love that. I will say it's a little pricey for Instant Coffee, but you don't need to use that much.

Teeccino

Teeccino Turkey Tail Astragalus — Toasted Maple

The name 'Turkey Tail' may sound hilarious, but this blend is so good it's not funny. It's another acid-free, pre-biotic drink that doesn't taste like raw mushrooms (so important) and it brews like your favorite drink. Not bad.

Banyan Botanicals

Banyan Bitter & Bold Coffee Alternative With Chicory & Dandelion

If you don't need a ton of sugar or caramel syrup in your coffee, you'll enjoy drinking this chicory and dandelion mix. It a;so has adaptogens and prebiotics for a bold flavor you'll enjoy before a busy day. Plus, the fact it's caffeine-free is another added bonus.

Sip Herbals

Sip Herbals Peppermint Mocha Superfood Coffee Alternative

Did you really think I'd forget to include something that tastes festive? I couldn't leave this coffee alternative off the list because it combines "antioxidant-rich carob and soothing peppermint" together for a taste that feels like someone's throwing a Christmas party in your mouth.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more healthy food and drink alternatives!

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

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Everything You Need To Know About The 'White Lotus' Season Finale

White Lotus season 3 is coming to a close, and the internet has a lot of questions — led, of course, by Who is The White Lotus killer? Well, I can't answer that one for you just yet, but we'll all get the answer this Sunday, April 6, when the White Lotusseason finale airs. Here's everything you need to know about how to stream the episode (and how to rewatch all the episodes leading up to it).

Here's everything you need to know about season 3 The White Lotus season finale episode, airing on HBO and Max April 6, 2025.

When is The White Lotus season finale?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 finale will air on HBO and Max April 6, 2025 at 9 PM EST.

How many episodes will The White Lotus season 3 have?

The White Lotus season 3 will have 8 episodes total, and episode 8, "Amor Fati," is premiering this week! Here's the full schedule:

Season 3, Episode 1 "Same Spirits, New Forms" premiered on February 16, 2025
Season 3, Episode 2 "Special Treatments" premiered on February 23, 2025
Season 3, Episode 3 "The Meaning of Dreams" premiered on March 2, 2025
Season 3, Episode 4 "Hide or Seek" premiered on March 9, 2025
Season 3, Episode 5 "Full-Moon Party" premiered on March 16, 2025
Season 3, Episode 6 "Denials" premiered on March 23, 2025
Season 3, Episode 7 "Killer Instincts" premiered on March 30, 2025
Season 3, Episode 8 "Amor Fati" airs on April 6, 2025

Who's in The White Lotus season 3 cast?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 cast is one of the best on TV right now! The list includes:

Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff: a financier vacationing in Thailand with his family, and with some secrets.
Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff: Timothy's wife.
Patrick Schwarzengger as Saxon Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's eldest son who works Timothy.
Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's daughter, a college senior who's studying religion.
Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's youngest, a high school senior.
Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn Lemon: a TV actress on a girls' trip.
Leslie Bibb as Kate Bohr: one of three friends on a Thailand girls' trip.
Carrie Coon as Laurie Duffy: a lawyer escaping the real world with a girls' trip.
Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett: a guest at The White Lotus traveling with his younger girlfriend Chelsea.
Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea: a young English woman staying at the resort with her much-older boyfriend.
Lalisa Manobal as Thidapon "Mook" Sornsin: the White Lotus' health mentor.
Lek Patravadi as Sritala Hollinger: an owner of the White Lotus.
Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey: spa manager visiting from the White Lotus Hawaii vacation.

Where did The White Lotus season 3 film?

The White Lotus season 3 filmed from February 2024 until August 2024, and filmed in various locations around Thailand, like Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui.

Is White Lotus season 3 finished?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The final episode of White Lotus season 3 airs this week, April 6, 2025. But filming for the show finished in August of 2024.

Are you excited for The White Lotus season finale? Tag us with all your insane theories on Instagram!

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