HALLOWEEN PUNCH RECIPES: Dragon's Blood Punch

Dragon's Blood Punch

I encountered the unsettling phrase 'holiday season' in a commercial today. I intend to ignore it, as I genuinely enjoy the holidays; however, can we please focus on one at a time?
The next holiday, of course, is Halloween! I am introducing a new initiative at Bear & Bug for this occasion—I will be hosting a virtual

Halloween party! Chilled Dragon's Blood, an adult-friendly punch for your upcoming Halloween gathering! BearandBugEats.com. A true confession: I have never been particularly enthusiastic about Halloween. I understand that many people appreciate the theatrical elements, the spookiness, or the opportunity to don something whimsical and indulge in excessive candy (or, during a certain phase of life, wear something amusing and consume too much, um, adult beverage). I struggle significantly with being silly merely for the sake of silliness.

Even as a young child, I preferred to dress up elegantly rather than in a silly manner—such as a princess or a bride (I believe I was eight that year; people kept inquiring about the whereabouts of the groom). I think America celebrates Halloween as a moment when everyone can embrace their inner child, and I would like to rediscover a bit of that.

Here’s another admission: I am not an effective party host. I engage in some planning, neglect to tidy the house, and then I reflect on all the tasks I should have completed DURING the party, ultimately resulting in me scurrying around like an overly energetic chipmunk instead of relishing the company of my friends.
I plan to address both of these challenges simultaneously with this virtual gathering. In the coming weeks, I will share some recipes that are straightforward yet capable of elevating your own Halloween celebration. They will complement the theme without necessitating Martha Stewart-level culinary expertise or countless hours of cleaning. Who is joining me?

Halloween Party Punch: Chilled Dragon’s Blood

We are commencing with a punch that is perfectly suited for an adult gathering, boasting a remarkable name. It is red, reminiscent of the blood of our (dragon) adversaries, and is particularly enjoyable when served cold, which is ideal for the warm Octobers we typically experience in Florida. Additionally, it has a notable sweetness; therefore, if that does not appeal to you, consider reducing the amount of fruit punch soda. Furthermore, you can easily transform it into a Halloween punch suitable for children (or non-drinkers) by simply omitting the alcohol.

This punch recipe has been adapted from Sandra Lee. Did you miss the rest of the party? Here are the links to Spidery 5-Layer Nacho Dip, Monster Meatloaf, and Chocolate Pretzel Mummies! If you are seeking further inspiration, consider these options!

16 Killer Halloween Punches from Southern Living
6 Best Halloween Punches from Food & Wine
27 To-Die-For Halloween Cocktails from HGTV

Next week, we will be discussing appetizers! In the meantime, I would like to know: what is YOUR favorite aspect of a Halloween party? The costume contest? The overwhelming amount of sweets? Please share your thoughts.

Notes

I utilized New Amsterdam Red Berry vodka and Cointreau; however, you may opt for different flavors to add a unique twist.