And while we are certainly huge proponents of merrymaking, the downside of all this ebullience is that our traditional days of observance can, to some degree, get lost in the static. All due respect to National Hermit Day, but it seems a shame to devalue the cultural significance of Día de Muertos by putting it on par with National Increase Your Psychic Powers Day.
Fortunately, the global candy consortium has no intention of allowing us to forget about Halloween, and given the accompanied custom, at least in the United States, of masquerade, its the near perfect opportunity to enjoy the spirit of the holiday and step outside yourself.
One great way to do this is by hosting a costume party, and then helping your guests get into character by serving up a Halloween cocktail punch based around your favorite craft spirits.
Rye is the rage, and many craft producers are now bottling barrel proof offerings that make a great punch foundation. Stillwagon is an Oregon micro-distiller whose flagship Devil's Own Rum comes in at a whopping 155 proof, which will turn a rum punch into an inhibition crushing party propellant that will have even that guy from your office who claims to "hate dressing up" doing the Monster Mash.
So do yourself a favor and forget that October 31st is the Day of the Seven Billion, and have a Happy Halloween instead!
