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Well, November is here. Halloween has past and winter hibernation is starting to look more and more appealing so it’s time to stay at home and keep  warm. The upside: It’s time to start planning those holiday parties and drinking at home or friend's house.

As the weather gets cooler (if you live in that part of the world), it’s necessary to adjust your cocktail menu accordingly. That doesn’t mean going straight for steaming hot drinks just yet—though I'm certainly not opposed to a good Hot Toddy, Buttered Rum, or Irish Coffee. Now is the time for richer, fuller-bodied spirits.

No matter how many you consume, you'll never forget your first Harvey Wallbanger. November 8th is "National Harvey Wallbanger" and I am here to illustrate it's strange and intriguing history. This classic drink has made a splash in the annals of cocktail history thanks to it's unique and memorable name. According to drink mythology, it was named after a surfer in the 1950's. After losing in a surfing competition in Cali, the downtrodden surfer dude, Tom Harvey, went to his regular bar and ordered his favorite concoction - orange juice and vodka with a float of Galliano.

Part 2 of Halloween cocktails -

Spider’s Kiss

• 1 part melon liqueur
• 1 part Vodka
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• Chocolate syrup
• Grenadine
• Chocolate dipped orange slice for garnish

Witch Hunt

• 1 oz Scotch
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1/4 oz Strega herbal liqueur
• 1 oz lemonade

Corpse Reviver #1

• 1 1/2 ounce brandy
• 3/4 ounce Calvados or other apple brandy
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

Corpse Reviver #2

Whether you plan a Halloween Party this year or just want some eerie, spooky, scary concoctions to sip this Halloween season at home or a friend's house, these cocktails will satisfy your palate and impress your guests. They look really cool! Don't expect to have your neighborhood bartender mix one of these up because most of the drinks are novelty drinks and are intended for Halloween. I will be mixing up some of these at my Halloween Party this Saturday. Stay tuned for part 2 on Thursday because there are just too many to list in this one post.

In celebrating "National Liqueur Day" on October 16th, let's get to know a little more about that classification of alcohol - Liqueurs, also known as 'Cordials', which is the more widely used term in Europe. 'Liqueur' is used in the USA. The basic definition of a liqueur or cordial is "a sweet and syrupy product made from a base spirit, i.e. vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy. It is made by infusing fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other naturally occurring products in the environment into a base spirit, therefore, lowering the alcohol content during distillation.

"National Vodka Day" is officially celebrated on October 4th. Even though it is considered to be just 'alcoholic water', there is much to learn about it.

As Bourbon Heritage Month comes to a close, this will be my final post on the subject. I'm sure many of you are ready to move on to other exciting things. Today, I am giving you my top 5 favorite bourbon cocktails (in no particular order) with tasting notes along with my favorite brands with pricing and category classification (call (very good) vs. premium (high-end/expensive) vs. ultra/super-premium (top of the line/very expensive)). Pricing as of September 26, 2014. Some of these you may not be able to get your hands in PA.

A post to end the week as a part of the continuing series of the obscure and mysterious cocktails that involve misunderstood, American spirit - Bourbon. Look for more posts like this in the coming weeks and the celebration of Vodka and Liqueurs/Cordials in October. Don't forget to follow me on facebook, twitter, and google plus for all posts and the happenings at 'Raise Your Spirits'.

Kentucky Maid

Flavor Profile: Minty, Sweet

Enjoy these great contemporary bourbon cocktails in celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month. Try one at home or let 'Raise Your Spirits' mix one up for you at your next scheduled event or party this season. Who said that bourbon can't be appealing in a cocktail? For those of you who don't like bourbon, these concoctions will change your mind and are perfect for the cool, Fall weather. Tender Knob pictured above.

Tender Knob