Stronger Spirits ~ Ornament

Stronger Spirits ~ Spooky Season Has a Menu

Her October gatherings have a signature drink before they have decorations, and the pun gets dusted off every year to groans of approval. Smoky, dark, dressed with a blackberry and something smoldering. The costume is optional. The coupe is not.

• Who Hosts It: The friend whose Halloween party is really a tasting menu.
• The Night: Candlelight, a fog of dry ice, a tray of drinks named after ghosts.
• Gift Angle: For the one who makes spooky season delicious.

For the home bartender who has opinions about ice. Pick ceramic (3 inches) or aluminum (3.6 inches), hang it with the included string, and give it a damp-cloth wipe after the holiday party.