Easy, Craft, and Classic Vodka Cocktails

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September 6, 2024

A plate of Halloween cookies on a black background

Perfect for Halloween parties, trick-or-treaters, or simply a seasonal indulgence for the time of falling leaves, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies bring together autumn flavors and Halloween fun in every bite. With a hint of spice and a creamy surprise in the center, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Tips for Cooking with Pumpkin

Though pumpkin is an an extremely popular fall ingredient, many don’t differentiate between its different flavor profiles and forms. This Halloween cookies recipe uses canned pumpkin purée, which is unsweetened, as opposed to pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-seasoned. The recipe also calls for drying out the moisture out of the pumpkins, so the cookies don’t become cakey and too thick.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

The little extra work is worth the tasty outcome!

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup canned pumpkin purée
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
Cheesecake filling (See below)
Pumpkin spiced sugar (See below)
Icing (See below)

For the cheesecake filling:

6 oz cream cheese, cold
3 tbsp sugar
½ tsp vanilla

For the pumpkin spiced sugar:

¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

For the icing:

2 cups sugar separated into 1 cup each
¼ cup water
5 egg whites
1 lb room temperature not soft unsalted butter (cut into tablespoon pieces)
3 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Dry your pumpkin to get rid of excess moisture. This may seem weird but it is the only way these cookies will bake properly and not turn out cakey! Spread your pumpkin on a plate and place paper towels over the top. Lightly press to absorb the liquid.
Then, repeat the step at least four more times until hardly any liquid transfers to the paper towel. (It needs to reduce down to just under ¼ cup from ½ cup). Then set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric hand mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add in the egg yolks and vanilla and mix for one minute on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Add in the dried pumpkin and combine on medium speed. Add in the dry ingredients and combine on low speed.
Scoop the dough into 16 portions with a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, then roll into balls. Slightly flatten out each then place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center.
Then close the cheesecake ball in with the cookie dough and roll into a ball again. Make sure the cheesecake is completely covered in cookie dough. Roll the cookie dough balls in pumpkin spice sugar. (Keep the cheesecake balls in the freezer until ready to use for each batch of cookies.)
Transfer the cookie dough balls to the prepared baking sheet. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 12-13 minutes.
Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

For the cheesecake filling:

First, line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Add the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla to a small bowl. Then, mix on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Scoop the cheesecake filling into 16, 2 teaspoon portions onto the baking sheet.
Finally, pop the cheesecake balls into the freezer until they are frozen and very firm.

For the pumpkin spiced sugar:

Add the sugar and pumpkin pie spice to a small bowl.
Then, whisk to combine and set aside.

For the icing:

Begin by separating the egg whites into the bowl that fits a mixer. Then, use the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites with 1 cup sugar until they form stiff peaks.
In a small saucepan, bring the other cup of sugar and the water to a boil and allow the temperature to come to 245 degrees.
Immediately remove the pan from heat and drizzle the syrup mixture into the whipped egg whites mixture on medium speed.
Once you’ve added all the syrup bring the speed up a bit and mix until the bowl is cool to touch. About 8-10 minutes.
Then, place the flat paddle blade onto the mixer. Next, add the butter one tablespoon at a time with the mixer on high. I drape a towel over the mixer so it doesn’t splatter everywhere.
Keep adding the butter while the mixer is going, continue to mix until all butter is incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
If it looks curdled, or thin keep mixing. It may take a few more minutes to become thicker and smooth. Finally, add in vanilla, then pour into a container with a lid.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Apple Cider Margarita

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September 6, 2024

An apple cider margarita in a Halloween-inspired glass

This Apple Cider Margarita is a fall-inspired twist on a classic cocktail recipe. Who says that a margarita is only for the summer? With the addition of apple cider, this cocktail blends the refreshing tang of lime, the warmth of cinnamon, and the intriguing distilled citrus of the Cointreau. Serve in a spooky-inspired goblet as a Halloween cocktail and enjoy! Also check out our other apple cider recipes, including Vegan Apple Cider Muffins and Cranberry Kombucha Apple Cider Rum Punch.

Using Mulling Spices in Our Apple Cider Margarita

This Apple Cider Margarita calls for mulling spices, which are a combination of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. If you have those in your kitchen, you can make mulling spices yourself and customize with your favorite other spices like cardamom and star anise. But you can also buy a mix at the store and use it in other fall recipes like mulled wine as the days get shorter!

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Apple Cider Margarita

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

The perfect fall margarita uses a dose of apple cider.

Ingredients

Scale

3 oz apple cider
1.5 oz tequila
1.5 oz Cointreau
1.5 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tsp mulling spices
Juice of 1 lime
Cinnamon sugar for the rim

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Instructions

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and a cinnamon sugar rim.
Garnish with lime before serving.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Halloween Espresso Brownies

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September 6, 2024

A Halloween brownie in a sheet pan drizzled to look like a spider web.

These brownies are the perfect way to combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a Halloween twist. Infused with a hint of espresso for a little kick, and adorned with creepy-crawly spider decorations, these Halloween brownies are a great group treat for any spooky gathering.

Which Espresso to Use for Espresso Brownies

For the most intense coffee flavor, and an ingredient optimized for baking, use King Arthur Espresso Powder. Espresso powder is different than espresso grounds. It’s brewed espresso that has been dehydrated to create water-soluble granules of coffee flavor. You can get different variations of dark and light roast espresso powder, depending on how strong you want the flavor and caffeination to be in your brownies.

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Halloween Espresso Brownies

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

We like to think brownies can only get better with espresso.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, cold
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp dark cocoa powder
2 tbsp espresso powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
Store-bought chocolate icing
4 marshmallows for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a stainless steel pan, brown the butter over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. While it cooks, the butter will foam, pop, and crackle. This is normal! Stand by and stir it occasionally. When the bottom of the pan has brown bits of butter solid and it starts to smell nutty, scrape all of it into a separate bowl.
Add the chocolate chips to the bowl of browned butter and stir to melt completely. Set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso, and salt. Set aside
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
With the mixer running on low, stream the melted butter and chocolate into the batter. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out covered in moist crumbs. All ovens are different, and your brownies may bake quicker or take longer than the indicated baking time.
Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack then ice with your favorite store bought chocolate icing.
In a small bowl, microwave 4 marshmallows for 30 seconds. Using your hands, rub the melted marshmallows between your fingers and stretch the marshmallows over the brownies creating a spiderweb look.

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Monster Rice Krispy Treats for Halloween

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September 6, 2024

A set of monster rice krispy treat Halloween dessert cookies with candy eyes and candy corn on them

Imagine gooey, crispy squares transformed into adorable little monsters, complete with googly eyes and colorful decorations that capture the essence of Halloween dessert fun. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply want to bring some festive cheer to your home, these Monster Rice Krispy Treats are a delightful way to celebrate the season.

Tips for Baking Rice Krispy Treats

While you can buy Rice Krispy Treats in a store, baking them yourself is fun, rewarding, and will make you realize how easy it is to home-make things that you see in the grocery store aisles. Some tips are to adjust the sweetness with different marshmallow fluff ratios (while we’ve used half a cup, you can go up or down), to firmly but gently press them into shape with a spatula, and to allow them to cool completely before you cut into them. You want to allow the marshmallow fluff to settle entirely before enjoying for the smoothest, most delicious texture.

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Monster Rice Krispy Treats for Halloween

Author: Anna Franklin

Description

Let the kiddos run the show!

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz large marshmallows
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
¼ cup butter
5–8 drops green food coloring
5–8 drops purple food coloring
Large candy eyes
½ cup black or brown icing

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Instructions

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add marshmallows and marshmallow fluff to the skillet. Stir constantly over medium-high heat until they are completely melted and smooth.
Split the marshmallow mixture evenly between two bowls. Add 5-8 drops of green food coloring to one bowl and 5-8 drops of purple to the other. You can add more or less to achieve the desired color. Stir well.
In a large bowl, quickly combine the melted marshmallow mixture with the Rice Krispies cereal until very well mixed. The mixture will be thick, you’ll want to work quickly because it will start to set as it cools.
Press rice Krispy mix evenly into a 9×13 greased baking dish.
Place into refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or until firm. Once firm, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into circles using a cookie cutter.
Using your black or brown icing, make small dots where you want the eyes to be and stick candy eyes to the dots of icing. Use the same icing to add a mouth under the eyes.
Once the icing has set, serve and enjoy!

Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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The Best Hockey Game Party Menu

By

Kylie Thomas

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September 6, 2024

A flat lay photo of variety of handles, pigs in a blanket, soft pretzels with beer cheese, and a blue snow cone cocktail for the best hockey game party menu.

Celebrate the start of hockey season with the best hockey game party menu that’ll leave your guests feeling satisfied from the great food and a great game.

Admit it. There’s nothing quite like the energy of watching a hockey game, especially the tense moment where the puck just barely slides through the 5-hole and into the net. You’ll see bars filled with patrons in hockey jerseys and sofas stuffed with friends both cheering and yelling out to their favorite teams in joy and distress. It’s truly an event any time a game is on. The next time you get together with your loved ones to watch two teams face-off on the ice, make sure you’re prepared with the best hockey game party menu. We combine delicious, hockey puck-sized appetizers with a cocktail based on the number one star of the games (Hint! It’s not a player) to create a menu that’ll have everyone snacking.

Just be sure you make enough, these are treats you won’t want to run out of or else you might have a donnybrook on your hands!

The Best Hockey Game Party Menu

Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard

Get ready to party with our Ultimate Beer Cheese and Easy Honey Mustard recipes. These mouthwatering dips are the perfect accompaniment to a tailgate or game day house party. Add a tray of fresh baked soft pretzels from your local grocer’s freezer department, and you’re ready to watch some slappers.

Pigs in a Blanket with 3 Party-Perfect Dips

We’re elevating the Pigs in a Blanket game with 3 Party-Perfect Dips. Dive into a hat trick of exceptional flavors with Harissa and Chili Mayo, Horseradish Cream Cheese, and Jalapeño Mustard dips. Just be sure to double, triple, or quadruple the recipes according to your party size.

Best Sloppy Joe Hand Pies

This version of the traditional Sloppy Joe is much less of a mess. Store-bought sheets of pie crust dough are used to create a fun, well-contained, juicy, meaty treat. Our Best Sloppy Joe Hand Pies are a filling meal, but also a perfect party food since you can grab one and walk around while you snack.

Zamboni, Snow Cone Cocktail

Every game day meal needs a cocktail and we call ours the Zamboni! It’s an homage to the snow cone and to the big vehicle that’s captured the hearts of kiddos for decades. While creating this cocktail we chose to modify the classic Blue Lagoon cocktail, invented by Andy MacElhone at the famous Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. The Zamboni brings you the fruity flavors of blue Curaçao with a perfect kick of lemon juice.

Olive Penguins

As an added bonus, try these little penguins made from olives, mozzarella cheese, and carrot rounds. Their cute shapes honor our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. Check out the recipe by Persnickety Plates.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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The Ruby Red, A Craft Grapefruit Cocktail

By

Justin Matase

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September 5, 2024

You may have tried a Ruby cocktail in the past but our Ruby Red expands this craft grapefruit cocktail to deeper levels. It’s bright and refreshing but also complex and sophisticated. With its balanced blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors plus an egg white foam on top, you’ll feel like a professional bartender in no time. The best part is that all you need is a cocktail shaker to make this elegant beverage come to life

What is a Ruby Cocktail?

Our Ruby Red cocktail is based on the Ruby, an essential vodka cocktail. The Ruby cocktail uses vodka, red aperitif, elderflower liqueur, ruby red grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and egg white. But, we change things up by switching out the red aperitif for Campari to add layers of depth and tartness. We also want to note, if you’re looking for the best tasting Ruby Red, you should use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lemon juice. This allows for the highest quality possible without additives from bottled or canned juices getting in the way.

The Ruby Red, A Craft Grapefruit Cocktail

Ruby Red Ingredients

1 1/2 oz vodka
3/4 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1/2 oz Campari
3/4 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3/4 oz ruby red grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1 tbsp egg white
Expressed grapefruit twist for garnish

Cocktail Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, St-Germain, Campari, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and egg white.
Shake the shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a grapefruit twist and serve immediately.

Recipe by Justin Matase / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Italian Greyhound Spritz, A Twist on a Classic

By

Justin Matase

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September 5, 2024

Spritzes are on the rise and we just had to create the Italian Greyhound spritz cocktail, a spritz version of one of our favorite classic drinks. By adding a splash of Prosecco, this bubbly variation offers a lighter and more effervescent experience than the original. It’s great for sipping on a hot day or while enjoying brunch with a few friends. It’s also a terrific drink to serve with hors d’oeuvres because its citrus notes make a lovely counterpoint to cheeses, charcuterie, and other cocktail-time foods.

What is an Italian Greyhound Cocktail?

The classic Italian Greyhound cocktail combines the bold flavors of vodka and Campari with the refreshing sweetness of grapefruit juice. The cocktail has a fairly recent history with origins sometime in the 20th century. Originally, it was made up of just vodka and Campari but the addition of grapefruit juice came about from the popularity of grapefruit-flavored sodas and juices. We pay an ode to this classic with the Italian Greyhound Spritz, an elevated cocktail with a splash of prosecco to make a spritzy day-to-evening drink. Try some other boozy spritz recipes.

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Italian Greyhound Spritz, A Twist on a Classic

Author: Justin Matase

Description

A vodka cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz vodka
2 oz french ruby red grapefruit juice
1/4 oz Campari
Splash of prosecco

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Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, grapefruit juice, and Campari. Shake the shaker vigorously with ice.
Strain the mixture into a glass and top the cocktail with a splash of prosecco.
Garnish with a grapefruit slice, if desired.

Recipe by Justin Matase
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Easy Cucumber Spritz

By

Justin Matase

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September 5, 2024

Our Easy Cucumber Spritz is bubbling, refreshing, and light as a breeze! This simple yet delicious drink highlights the crisp, herbaceous flavor of cucumber and the fizzy joyfulness of prosecco. With just a few ingredients you probably already have in the pantry and a quick shake, you can enjoy this cocktail in no time.

How to Use Cucumber in a Cocktail

Cucumber can add a refreshing garden flavor to many different cocktail recipes, including this cucumber spritz. It can be muddled with other ingredients to release its juices and create a flavorful base. Or, used simply as a garnish, it adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the drink. There’s also the subtle option of cucumber-infused simple syrup which you can make at home with just cucumbers, water, and sugar. But if you’re looking for a fuller cucumber taste, cucumber-flavored vodka or gin works well as a base spirit.

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Easy Cucumber Spritz

Author: Justin Matase

Description

A refreshing drink for the warmer months.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz vodka
1 cucumber
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz soda water

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Instructions

Muddle cucumber in vodka and let sit for 30 min.
Strain vodka to remove remaining cucumber.
Combine infused vodka, simple syrup and soda water in a Collins glass and stir.
Garnish with sliced cucumber.

More Spritz Ideas

Absinthe Spritz

Espresso Spritz

Fizzy Summer Spritz

Recipe by Justin Matase
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Easy Blueberry French 75

By

Emma Riva

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September 5, 2024

Two glasses of a red French 75 on a white background

With its effervescent charm and refreshing flavor, this Easy Blueberry French 75 cocktail is perfect for special celebrations or a chic evening at home. We’ve added blueberry simple syrup to a French 75 for an eye-catching color (though, interestingly, not blue). There’s an extra burst of fruit in the flavor profile. Perfect for an Emily in Paris rewatch or to toast to the end of Euro summer with a French cocktail recipe.

What is The “75” in French 75?

This timeless cocktail’s unique name is rumored to come from the 75-millimeter guns used in World War I. At the time of the French 75’s inception, soldiers in France would drink together and toast to the French 75mm cannon for their safety. It became popular at speakeasies of the 1920s in the Prohibition Era for its glamor and European charm. Some say the cocktail originated at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. And, you can still visit there today to order one! In America, you can also go to Arnaud’s French 75 Bar in New Orleans, which specializes in the drink.

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Easy Blueberry French 75

Author: Sarah Cascone