Hello! Alyson Brown here. Some may remember me from my blogging days at Unruly Things or perhaps my botanical wedding that was featured here many moons ago. These days I?m deeply immersed in flower folklore with a new line of botanical skincare I?ve launched called Wild Folk Flower Apothecary. I love flower folklore and add at least one flower to everything I create. When Kristina and I chatted about contributing seasonal cocktails for 100 Layer Cake, I simply couldn?t resist!

It?s hard to pass through October without thinking of the dark and mysterious evening looming at the end of the month. With Halloween in mind, the thought of creating a deep red drink kept sticking out. When I sampled Wild Roots Spirits Dark Sweet Cherry-Infused vodka, I knew I had found the star for my October cocktail. Combined with the floral sweetness of orange blossoms, a hint of chocolate and the bite of chili pepper, this kiss is to die for.
The flower I chose for this cocktail is Orange Blossom, affectionately known as Neroli. Fun fact of folklore: Orange blossoms were woven into bride?s bouquets for 100s of years to ensure the couple good luck, happiness and fertility.

Halloween Cocktail Recipe: Dracula?s Kiss

3 oz of cherry-infused vodka

3 oz of cherry cream soda

chocolate bitters, 5-10 dashes

2 tsp orange blossom water

1/2 tsp cocoa powder

red chili pepper, 3 small slices

chocolate covered cherries
Directions

Swirl bitters, orange blossom water, cocoa powder and red chili...