Jack O' Lantern: A Spooky Sipper for Halloween

Embrace the Halloween spirit with this festive Jack O' Lantern cocktail! This recipe offers two variations: a classic cognac-based version and a fruitier rum option, letting you choose your boo-ze.

Ingredients (Classic Version):

• 1 ½ ounces Cognac
• ½ ounce Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• 1 ounce Orange Juice
• 2 ounces Ginger Ale (to taste)
• Lime Twist (for garnish)
• Orange Wheel (for garnish)

Ingredients (Rum Version):

• 1 ounce Light Rum
• 1 ounce Dark Rum
• ½ ounce Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• 3 ounces Orange Juice
• 1 ½ ounce Lemonade
• ¼ ounce Grenadine
• Orange Wheel (for garnish)

Instructions (for both versions):

1. Chill the glass:  Place a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

2. Combine liquids: Add the chosen spirit(s), orange liqueur, orange juice (and lemonade for the rum version) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

3. Shake and strain: Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled. Strain into the chilled glass filled with fresh ice (for the classic version) or without ice (for the rum version).

4. Top with ginger ale (Classic Version only): Slowly pour ginger ale over the back of a spoon to gently layer it on top of the cocktail in the classic version.

5. Garnishment magic: Here's where the Jack O' Lantern comes in! Cut a small slit in the center of the orange wheel. Fold a lime twist (for the classic version) or a cherry stem (for the rum version) in half and insert it into the slit, creating a spooky stem for your Jack-O-Lantern. Gently float the orange wheel with the "stem" on top of your drink.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of ginger ale (classic version) to your taste preference for sweetness and carbonation level.
• For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol and adjust the orange juice or lemonade quantities to your preference.
• Get creative with the garnish! You can use a small clove or star anise instead of the lime twist/cherry stem for the "stem" on the orange wheel.

Enjoy your spooky and delicious Jack O' Lantern cocktail!