Festive Halloween Cocktail Recipe and Spooky Punch Bowl

I'm hosting the party this year, so I decided I'd better come up with a festive Halloween cocktail to serve.  To keep things simple I wanted to do a punch bowl set-up on the console table.  This is a variation of a recipe that I found on Sunset which you can see here.  I tried their recipe, and then made some adjustments including the addition of pomegranate juice. It's very much like a sangria with wine and fruit juices, and some booze mixed in.  Cheap-o wine works great - no need to use the good stuff for this punch.  This recipe will fill a punch bowl, so scale down if you're just serving a few glasses.  Make it earlier in the day to give it time to chill before serving.  

Recipe:

• 1 Bottle dry white wine
• 1 Bottle dry red wine
• 2 Cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 1 Cup pomegranate juice
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 4 Oz brandy
• 4 Oz orange flavored vodka
• 2 Oz vermouth
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Dash ground cloves
• 2 Oranges, slices (reserve one orange for garnish)

Directions: Combine the juices, sugar, vermouth, spices, and oranges slices in a large pot on the stove  top.  Bring to a simmer, and then turn off the heat.  Cover, and let sit for an hour. Remove the orange slices and cinnamon sticks, and add in the remaining ingredients.  Place liquid in the refrigerator to chill.  Serve in a punch bowl with a generous amount of ice, and garnish the glasses with orange slices.

For the spooky punch bowl: Choose a white bowl of some type so the "blood" really stands out.  I'm using a vintage soup tureen.  Because it's a little smaller than a punch bowl I'll keep the extra drinky-drink in a pitcher in the fridge to replenish it during the party.

Mix a few drops of red food coloring with corn syrup, and add a little molasses until it becomes a deep, dark red.  

Use a spoon to draw a line along the edge of the bowl, and then add a little more so it dribbles down the side.  Place a plate under the bowl to catch the drips.  

  Add ice and your punch, and you're ready to go!        

As always, if you love it, share it!