I love Halloween night and handing out candy to the kids turned monster that ring our doorbell. I also love preparing special treats for friends and family who come to hang out for a while. There are usually snacks a-plenty and to wash it all down there’s got to be beverages.

Hot spiced cider is a long-standing tradition. Not only does the simmering brew take the chill off, it makes the whole house smell devilishly good.

In the spirit of the holiday, for adults only, there’s the Pumpkin Spice Martini. A sweet and spicy blend of cream liqueurs and vanilla vodka shaken with ice, it’s irresistibly delicious.

Great for a crowd of thirsty monsters, celebrate creepy with Swamp Punch. This putridly green concoction of orange juice concentrate, white grape juice, lemon-lime soda, food coloring and slimy worms (for effect) may seem gross but it tastes better than it looks.

Be safe and have a horribly happy Halloween.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

(The recipe can easily be halved)

1 gallon apple cider

6 cinnamon sticks

2 tsps. whole allspice

2 tsps. whole cloves

1/4 cup brown sugar or Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

Fresh orange peel, optional

Directions: In slow cooker, combine cider and cinnamon sticks. Wrap allspice and cloves in small piece of cheesecloth or paper coffee filter; add to cider. Stir in brown sugar. Add orange peel, if using. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low or simmer and keep warm. Serves 16.

Pumpkin Spice Martini

1.5 fluid ounces vanilla vodka

1.5 fluid ounces Irish Cream liqueur

1.5 fluid ounces pumpkin cream liqueur

1 cup ice cubes

Pinch ground cinnamon

Pinch ground nutmeg

Directions: Place ice in cocktail shaker. Pour in vodka, Irish Cream and pumpkin liqueur. Cover and shake till the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. Makes 1 martini.

Swamp Punch

1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed

1-quart white grape juice

1 1/2 cups water

5 drops green food coloring

1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda

Gummy worms or frogs, for garnish

Directions: Combine juices, water and food coloring in large pitcher. Chill. Arrange gummy worms or frogs in the bottom of a 5-cup ring mold. Fill mold with water and freeze till solid, 8 hours to overnight. At serving time, unmold ice ring and place in punch bowl. Pour chilled juice mixture into punch bowl. Slowly pour in soda.

Serve immediately.

Serves 15 to 20.