Libations for Mabon and Samhain

I'm not a mixologist, but I'm damn good at googling things. Here are some recipes for drinkies to serve those of legal drinking age. Why stop at plain ol' apple cider (delicious though it may be)?

Herb's Harvest Cocktail (cocktails.about.com)

* 2 parts Herb’s Rosemary vodka
* 1/2 part pear puree
* 1/2 part lemon juice
* 1/4 part almond syrup
* 3/4 part cranberry juice (optional)
* sprig of rosemary for garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.


This would be perfect for Samhain, as rosemary is an herb for remembrance. You could mix up a pitcher and use it to toast your ancestors.

For Mabon - Fall Spice Cordial (cocktails.about.com)

* 1 oz Navan Natural Vanilla Liqueur
* 1 oz Bourbon
* 3/4 oz Chipotle-orange syrup (recipe below)
* 2 Dashes Regan's Orange Bitters
* Orange peel, for garnish
* --
* Additional ingredients needed:
* water
* Chipotle pepper
* fresh orange peel
* sugar

Preparation:

1. Mix together all ingredients except for the orange peel.
2. Shake together with ice and strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with the orange peel.

Chipotle-Orange Syrup

* 2 Cups water
* 1 Chipotle pepper
* 2 Strips fresh orange peel
* 3/4 Cup sugar

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Reduce to a simmer and add the chipotle pepper and orange peel.
3. Cover and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain with a fine-mesh sieve and add the sugar.
4. Return to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves.
5. Remove from the heat and let cool.
6. Pour the syrup into a container and keep in the refrigerator.