|  | We are just one week out from one of the best holidays of the year, the one where anything goes and we can let (almost) all inhibitions loose. Halloween is here and this week's edition is all about planning your party, particularly the drinks. It's one of my favorites because there are so many fun tricks that we can take into any drink we like. Have a fun and spooktacular Halloween, Cheers! Cocktail Contest: The deadline for the Vodka Cocktail Contest is Sunday, so now is your last chance to send me your original recipes. Here are all of the details... Don't forget to follow my new Facebook Page: Colleen's Drink Studio. If you prefer one of the other networks, I'm also on Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest (check out my Halloween board for more great party ideas). | | Cocktail of the Week: Jack O'Lantern There are many 'Jack O'Lantern' cocktails, though it is the simplicity of this one that continues to intrigue me. The drink begins with an absinthe rinse of the glass, then it takes a sort of Old-fashioned twist with bitter-soaked sugar cubes before it gets topped off with ice and Jack Daniels. It also includes the fun idea of bringing your pumpkin carving skills to a smaller scale by playing with orange peels. Get the recipe... Photo Credit: Shannon Graham
| 60+ Haunting Halloween Cocktails My collection of Halloween-worthy cocktails is always growing and there are now over 60 great recipes for you to explore. Many include fun tricks, creepy treats, and scary concoctions, though most are pretty tasty as well. Explore the collection... One of the FAQ of the year has been: "Where do I find Blavod?" The answer for U.S. readers is that you probably cannot find the black vodka right now because of a distribution issue (though that is being fixed, just not in time for Halloween this year). If you're insistent on using a black vodka, then it's time to whip out the food coloring and use it to turn any vodka into a black one: here's how. Cocktail Pictured: Candy Corn Cordial Photo Credit: Shannon Graham
| 10 Bewitching Halloween Martinis Are you looking for party drinks of the creepy, yet sophisticated variety? Check out this list of my 10 favorite 'martinis' for the occasion. From simple mixes like the Mad Eye Martini (pictured) to the classic absinthe-laced Obituary Cocktail and pumpkin pie vodka-induced Halloween Brew, it's a diverse list so there should be one or two there that will fit your party perfectly. Explore the collection... If this garnish is intriguing, it is just one of many great Halloween garnishes that you can find here: Creepy Cocktail Garnishes. Photo Credit: Shannon Graham
| 9 Spook-Worthy Party Punches Punch is the easy way to serve a room full of costumed figures and there are many great punch recipes that are perfect for Halloween. This new collection includes 9 different punches that are filled with flavor, easy to mix up, and just waiting to be surrounded by spider webs, eyeballs, and all the creepy little things that come with Halloween. Explore the collection... Punch Pictured: Sherbert Punch (non-alcoholic) Photo Credit: Rita Maas / StockFood Creative / Getty Images
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