All I wanted my daughter to be for Halloween this year was something unusual. Maybe it’s because I always found the holiday rather ridiculous for so many reasons that I just didn’t want her to play by the rules. I wanted her to be an astronaut or a scientist. Maybe a vegetable farmer. I’d have settled for a Ghostbuster. But at four years old, there’s one character, and one character only, who she wishes to be. Can you guess? Of course it’s Moana.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Moana. Where do I even begin with all the ways that I love this girl? She’s smart and funny. She’s strong yet understanding. She’s brave. So brave. She loves her family. She takes the traditional hero’s journey and faces her fears like I can only hope my daughter will one day.

I love so many other things about this film, too: I love that the story presents the real issue of how limited our resources can become. That even in paradise, trouble can arise at any moment. I love the way it embraces an elder, even if they give her the nickname of “village crazy lady.” I love that farm animals are friends not food. I love that no one wears shoes and that my daughter noticed this. I love that coconuts may still have yet another use we’d never thought of. I love that Moana doesn’t need a man to solve her problems – and in fact, it turns out, he needed her to fix his. I love that the plot twist (spoiler) is that the fiery monster Te Kā was Te Fiti all along, just disconnected from her own heart. If that’s not a worthy lesson for kids (and their, ahem, many changing moods), I don’t know what is. In fact, that may be the most critical lesson here in a lot of ways. (And yes, for the record, I deeply love that Bowie-inspired no-one-could-have-done-it-better “Shiny” performance by Jemaine Clement.)

But, according to Redbook, if my daughter embodies this character of color so filled with, well, character and color, this Halloween, then both she and I are racists. End of story.

“To pretend to be a racial, ethnic or religious minority when you’re not makes light of their history,” the Redbook “Editors” wrote, “and reinforces a deeply problematic power dynamic, wherein white people use, then discard, pieces of cultures they’ve subjugated for centuries just because they can.”

I read this over and over because I want to do the right thing. Because I can’t believe we’re at this point. Because I’m terrified someone might spit on my child for wearing a costume that makes her poised and proud, just because her parents are white.

My daughter doesn’t know she’s white-white. She sees her skin, of course, and it’s not white. It’s pinkish in parts, beige-ish in most others. One of her bestie’s skin is as dark as night. Her neighbor, just a year younger, has hair as yellow as a daisy. Her daddy’s eyes are as blue as the sky. (And her mom’s hair color, well, that comes out of a box.) She sees this rainbow around her and she only understands the nuances of colors, the depth and beauty, not the lines we draw around them. And she certainly doesn’t love Moana because of or despite her skin color. She loves her because of her true colors.

At four years old, my daughter’s not culturally appropriating anything. She’s aiming. She’s setting her sights on someone who resonates, who motivates, and a story so genuine that it feels right to her. Because it is right. Because a girl who stands up to fear and danger and all for the benefit of other people is the world we desperately need right now, so much so that a preschooler can’t even seem to talk about much anything else.

In fact, if I told my daughter she couldn’t dress up like her favorite Disney character because she’s not Polynesian, or rather, because she’s white, I fear it may be more likely she could one day come to resent people of color because she wasn’t allowed to celebrate them. Isn’t that our whole problem in the first place? These god-awful displays of racism stem from a belief that people aren’t worthy, that they’re suspect, that they either took something from us or owe us something else. That what they look like, or what they wear is a bad thing because it’s different. And telling my daughter she can’t be this girl because of the terrible mistakes other people have made throughout history doesn’t solve a problem. It creates one.

I want my daughter to know no sharp edges between herself and her friends or her community. In fact, we’ve immersed her in an international school  that focuses on world cultures for this very reason. At age 4 she’s been exposed to more languages on a daily basis than I had been by age 20.

It’s only a “power dynamic,” Redbook, if she thinks these cultures owe her anything. And there’s no reason in the world for her to think that – and not just because she’s only 4 years old. She’s not “using and discarding” anything. Yes, she may grow out of her Moana phase eventually, but the lessons, the value, the poetry of that story – that’s something that will hopefully stick with her forever. And really, isn’t that the point? Isn’t that why Disney made the film in the first place? To empower the people represented in the story, to acknowledge the wisdom and the traditions? To give us new heroes? Don’t you think Lin Manuel Miranda takes his projects seriously and with respect? Don’t you think Dwayne Johnson wanted this story to be told not just for his own connection but also for his half-Spanish and half-white daughters? And what about Auliʻi Cravalho – the talented young actress who played Moana? Would she have agreed to do the film if everyone but white people could see it? How does that change anything? I know I’m all 20 questions here, but don’t children deserve the opportunity to be fully immersed in what makes them feel beautiful and strong and brave? Whether that’s a LeBron James jersey or a Moana costume – isn’t denying that just projecting our own convoluted grown-up bullshit?

Sure, I could stuff her in a Ghostbusters costume and placate her with corn syrup, but all she’d do is long to be Moana. Not letting her wear it doesn’t remove that desire. It’s just like Moana’s dad not letting her go past the reef. And we all know how that turned out.

If not being Polynesian prevents my daughter from being allowed to celebrate this story, then what should she be watching or wearing? By this logic, if we don’t embrace and immerse ourselves in other cultures, all she’ll know is Cinderella or Rapunzel and find herself locked away in her own castle of ignorance, waiting for someone to set her free. Or, like so many white girls I’ve known, she’ll wind up following the white rabbit down the hole into worlds not as forgiving as Wonderland. That’s not the world I want her to grow up in. It’s the world I’ve been trying to change. Women face enough challenges as it is. How can we protect each other if we we’re not allowed to love each other?

Toward the end of the film Moana encourages Maui to come back to the island with her, telling him her people could use a good wayfinder. “They already have one,” he says, looking straight at her, proudly. She understands. So does my daughter. It’s a powerful moment, the truth that Moana had been seeking all along has finally come to the surface. It was always inside her, of course, but now she’s got the strength and the courage to lead her people into a prosperous future. When will that happen for the rest of us?

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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There are plenty of larger-than-life women—real and fictional—you can base your Halloween costume on. And while it’s super fun to craft your own costume, going DIY is affordable, too.

1. Lorelai Gilmore

Let’s start with the best, young, fictional, cool mom we all wish we had.

Lorelai Gilmore is one of the iconic lead characters on “Gilmore Girls,” a show that aired in the late-1990s through the mid-2000s. The show is making a big comeback this year on Netflix—fans will get to see four new episodes!

Celebrate this event by recreating any iconic outfit Ms. Gilmore donned. My favorite? The get-up Lorelai wore when she dropped off Rory on her first day of school at Chilton. And remember: before you leave your house for the party, don’t forget the coffee.

For this costume, you’ll need:

• Cut-off jean shorts
• Pea coat
• Cowboy boots
• A to-go coffee cup
• Leggings or tights to go under shorts (if it’s cold)

2. Little Edie

Edith Bouvier Beale, also known as Little Edie, is one half of the mother/daughter subject in “Grey Gardens.”

“Grey Gardens” is known as the first—and probably one of the most intimate—documentaries ever made. Anyone who has seen “Grey Gardens” is well aware of Little Edie’s impeccable, albeit strange, personal fashion. Dress like Little Edie on Halloween to embrace your inner fierce female who is entirely self-reliant. Be S.T.A.U.N.C.H.

For this costume, you’ll need:

• Black body suit
• Black tights
• Booties (preferably red)
• A faux fur coat
• A large scarf (preferably floral)

3. Pussy Grabs Back

We’ve all heard the super degrading things Donald Trump has said about women. To show your support of women of all colors, backgrounds, ethnicities, we suggest dressing up as Pussy Grabs Back.

Yes, you can create a feeling of rage with a simple, totally feminist Halloween costume…

For this costume, you’ll need

• The official Pussy Grabs Back shirt
• Black leggings
• Ass-kicking boots
• Faux leather jacket
• Black cat ears
• A voting ballot (DIY will do)

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This year is not the year to go out and buy a boring prepackage costume for Halloween. It’s also not the year to get lazy about dressing up and coming up with Halloween costume ideas at the last minute. No, 2016 has been far too eventful in terms of world news and pop culture to let the opportunity for an iconic 2016-apropos Halloween costume slip between your fingers.

Halloween Costume Ideas for 2016

1. Presidential Candidates

This is a given. The world is submerged in the general election, so it’s no wonder dressing up as Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump would make the cut. Grab a wig and a suit and harness yourself with the candidates’ respective mannerisms.

2. Bill Clinton and the Balloons    

Keeping up with politician-themed costumes, dress up as Bill Clinton! If you remember Bill’s cute, someone strange affinity to the falling red, white, and blue balloons at the DNC, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Dress in a suit and stick red, white, and balloons to your body. Toss them around wherever you go to really get into character.

3. Harambe

Some of you may think this idea is tasteless, some of you may see the humor in it. Either way, it’s relevant. Dress up as a gorilla and carry around a doll.

4. Brad & Angelina

This year was the year that Brangelina realized its fate. If you are going to a Halloween party as a couple, have your significant other dress up as Brad and you as Angelina. Look disgusted at one another all night long.

5. Evil Clowns

Creepy clowns are sweeping the nation by showing up in random cities for no apparent reason. It’s confusing, weird, funny, and eerie all at once – perfect for Halloween! Dress up as a clown, but make yourself look a bit threatening.

6. Harley Quinn

The “Suicide Squad” movie raked in $300 million at the box office. The Harley Quinn character played by Margot Robbie snagged the most attention for her quirky style, which includes blue and pink makeup, pigtails, red and blue shorts, a tattered white t-shirt, fishnet stockings, boots, and a choker.

7. Beyoncé

When Beyoncé’s Lemonade came out, the whole world seemed to immerse itself into the beautifully poetic masterpiece that inspired as much as it entertained. The video sequence for “Hold Up” put us all in envy. Put on a long yellow dress and a blonde wig and equip yourself with a bat. It’s a fuss-free costume everyone will recognize.

8. Pokemon Go

I know next to nothing about Pokemon Go, except that it’s apparently very popular. If you’re a fan, I assume you know exactly what to wear, so I’ll leave the idea here and the creative activity up to you!

9. Ghostbusters             

If you are hitting the town as a group, dress up as the Ghostbusters. Put on a khaki jumpsuit, a backpack, gloves, boots, toy guns, and a Ghostbusters symbol cutout. #squadgoals

10. Simone Biles

In her first Olympics run, Simone Biles took home five gold medals in 2016. Forget fictional superheroes; instead, dress up as a real-life inspirational role model, Simone Biles. Slip into a red or blue leotard and then adorn yourself with patriotic symbols (think: paint, hair ribbons, etc.). And of course, make five faux gold medallions to wear around your neck.

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Choosing a wedding on a budget doesn’t have to mean moseying down to the county courthouse, or a quick trip to Vegas. It can be creative, romantic, and as big a day as any.

Paul, my fiancé, asked me to marry him on a very cold January night. He kept the proposal simple: he waited until all our animals — all four of them — were in the room, gave me a $20 ring from the local thrift store, and did the damn thing. While we were putting on our coats to go buy celebratory sparkling wine, Rapture, one of our cats, took a joy-filled dump. It was basically the most perfect moment ever.

You may be able to tell by how my fiancé executed our engagement that he and I are low maintenance people who do things our way. And it just so happens that our way is pretty chill, a little strange, and, luckily, cheap.

So, when Paul and I started to plan our wedding, we decided to craft an unconventional event rather than a traditional, chiffon-laden extravaganza.

Obviously, our vision isn’t for everyone, but in essence, our wedding planning strategy is economical at its heart. I hope our preliminary plans can be used to help brides and grooms think about their big day in a different — aka cheap and totally awesome — way.

How to Throw a Wedding on a Budget

Going Way Off-Peak

October, the month our wedding is going to take place, is still considered a peak wedding month. But getting married on a Monday or a Tuesday? That’s waaay off-peak. And that’s why we’re going to get married at the beginning of the week. The main perk of picking a weekday as a wedding day? Most reception halls are half the price of what they go for on a Saturday. We saved about $700.

Skip the Caterers

Caterers are awesome, but they are incredibly expensive. You know what’s not expensive? Pizza. Now, pizza may not be the most romantic food, but it sure is tasty. Paul and I live in a very liberal, health-conscious town, so we have oodles of great pizza places to choose from that offer meat-free, cheese-free, and gluten-free pizza. Perfect for all of our guests — and a bride — with specific eating habits.

Skipping the caterers also allowed us to “hire” a good friend to bartend the reception. And we’re keeping our drink options simple — water, soda, box wine, local beer, and one signature drink — we’re thinking a spooky cider spiked with whiskey.

Theme Me

If you’ve ever read anything I’ve wrote, you know I adore Halloween. Luckily, my fiancé is a huge fan of the holiday, too, so, we’ve decided to make the entire event spooky. We’re going all out: black and orange table cloths, plates, and cups — all recyclable, of course — and decorations that fit the retro Halloween vibe we love.

To keep the flower costs down, we’re carving pumpkins and placing candles in them to make fun centerpieces. And to keep the event fun and in the spirit of Halloween, we’re asking all our guests dress in costume. And, yeah, we are thinking about wearing Halloween costumes to keep our ceremony outfit costs down, too.

Stay Small

Because we’re keeping food and drink costs down, we’re inviting everyone we think would like to come to the haunted event. But even that “everyone” is turning out to be a pretty small number. This conservative count is allowing us to have the ceremony at a free venue — a local park — so we can enjoy all the awesome Midwestern fall leaves. And while I love the idea of having bridesmaids, I hate the idea of paying for bridesmaid dresses. So, I’m nixing that tradition, too. Instead, I’m asking a close guy and female friend to stand by me while the vows are read.

Now, obviously not everyone is going to want to have a retro, Halloween wedding, but as you can see, these ideas can be applied to any type of wedding — even a traditional one.

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Purrfectly cute DIY Halloween ideas for cat people to celebrate the spooky season.

One of the best things about Halloween for people who love cats are the black cat decorations. From Halloween ideas for dressing up to decorating the house, here are some super cute Halloween ideas for us crazy cat people.

Cute Halloween Ideas for Cat Lovers

1. Black Cat Softie Toy – You can use this tutorial to make black cat plush to either decorate your space or fill with catnip for the cats.
2. Grumpy Cat Pumpkin – Want to create a cat-themed no-carve pumpkin? Consider making a Grumpy Cat pumpkin. Use a white pumpkin as a time-saving measure.
3. Cat Window Silhouettes – One of the super easiest cat-themed Halloween ideas is to make black cat window silhouettes. Simply draw (freehand or use a template) a cat shape onto black cardstock paper and affix to the windows.
4. Black Cat Pumpkins – Show your kitty love by making black cat pumpkins. Spray paint pumpkins black, cut out a cat face with triangular eyes, and use the eye shapes as the ears.
5. Black Cat Face Garland – Decorate with black cats with a festive black cat garland. Cut out cat face shapes from black paper and string them on bakers’ twine.
6. Cat Paper Bag Luminaries – Light the way for trick-or-treaters by making paper bag luminaries. Here is a tutorial you can use as a guide, just substitute cat shapes instead of jack-o’-lanterns.
7. Black Cat Outdoor Decorations – If you are lucky enough to have and be handy with a jigsaw, consider making these outdoor decorations for the lawn.
8. Black Bat “Fishing Pole” Toy – Cut out bat shapes from black felt, string them onto fishing line or string, and affix that to a wooden dowel for a fun cat toy.
9. Black Cat T-shirt – Decorate a plain black t-shirt with a cat outline. Simply find (or draw your own) black cat shape, cut it out, place it in the center of a black tee and spray paint around the edges of the template.
   
10. Super Cute “Stuffed” Kitty Pumpkin – Fill a larger decorated pumpkin with “kitty” pumpkins for a super cute carved pumpkin alternative.
11. Beaded Wire Cat Ear Headband – Plan to dress up like a cat for Halloween? Consider making your own cat ear headband instead of buying those ubiquitous cat ears from the costume shop.
12. Black Cat Toilet Paper Tube Decorations – Turn empty toilet paper tubes into adorable black cat decorations by pinching one end of the tubes to make ears, painting them black and drawing on cat faces with paint markers.
13. Black Cat Origami – If you are brave, hand out these origami black cats instead of sugary treats to trick-or-treaters. But be prepared for your house to get toilet papered!

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It’s Halloween season and everyone — even little owls — are getting into the spirit.

In the video below, a darling owl gets funky while listening, to perhaps, the best Halloween song of all time: “Monster Mash.”

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Halloween decorating ideas can make your space spooky, yet elegant, this Halloween.

As anyone who has participated in a Halloween pub crawl knows, Halloween isn’t just for kids. Adults like to celebrate Halloween too by having cocktails parties, decorating their homes, throwing bonfire get-togethers, and maybe even with a costumed pub crawl–or two.

One thing we have noticed though is that it is easy to find gory Halloween decorating ideas and ideas for kids, but it’s more difficult to find tasteful Halloween decorating ideas suitable for adults. You know those ideas that are just a little more sophisticated or design-orientated than your average cutesy or gory decorations? That’s why we have put together this list of Halloween decorating ideas for adults who like to celebrate the season, but whose taste runs towards the sophisticatedly macabre end of the spectrum.

Grownup Halloween Decorating Ideas For Space

1. Black and White Mantle

If you have a mantlepiece, decorate it with a mixture of black and white Halloween tchotchkes. Some ideas include: white mini-pumpkins, painted black vase with white roses, white candles decorated with black lace or paper doilies, black paper garland and more. Your creativity is your only limit.

2. Old Portraits

Source estate and thrift sales for 19th-century portraits and daguerreotypes and use them to add a spooky atmosphere to your home. Hang them from doorways, a chandelier, hang them in the window, and place them in black frames all over your home.

3. Inspired by Poe

It doesn’t get more macabre than referencing the master himself–Edgar Allen Poe. Create silhouettes of Poe, “The Raven,” and “Annabel Lee” (the title of another famous poem by Poe). Other ideas include: writing the text of “The Raven” on a chalkboard, using pages from old books to make a front door wreath, and placing a fake raven in a birdcage.

4. Spooky Wine Bottle Candles

Repurpose wine bottles by painting them with matte white paint and place red taper candles in them. Light them at your next Halloween party and the red wax running down the bottles with add some spooky ambiance.

5. Faux Natural History Cloche Jars

One way to decorate for Halloween is with fake spiders and other creepy crawlies, but you can make the look a little more sophisticated by displaying them in glass cloche jars (apothecary bell jars).

6. Macabre Dried Flower and Leaf Garland

Paint dried flowers and dried leaves with black spray paint. Once dry, make a macabre decoration by stringing them into a garland with needle and thread. Wrap the garland with red floral ribbon for a little spooky color.

7. Gauzy Shredded Curtains

Source thrift stores for sheer white curtains. Using scissors and a box cutter (be careful though) to shred them to look like they are decaying. Place white electric candles on the windowsill, or hang white string lights from the curtain rod.

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Outdoor fall party ideas and inspiration help to celebrate the season in style.

Everyone thinks about summer when it comes to outdoor entertaining, but fall is our favorite season for outdoor entertaining and we have some fall party ideas for your inspiration.

Just think about it: in autumn, it’s not stinking hot, there are fewer bugs, the cooler evenings are perfect for outdoor fires, and you don’t have to worry about working around too many vacation schedules. There are also plenty of great autumnal opportunities for entertaining. From tailgates and soccer games to Halloween and Oktoberfest, we’ve some great fall party ideas to make your shindig a super easy success.

Fall Party Ideas and Inspiration

1. Lighting

Since it turns darker earlier, figuring out a lighting solution ahead of time is a necessity for those shindigs that will run later than the afternoon. String lights and mason jar luminaries can work to shed some light, as well as some atmosphere, on your get together.

2. Firepit

There’s nothing more perfect during the autumn season than sitting around a firepit. It’s one of our favorite fall party ideas because it serves multiple purposes–it provides warmth, light, and atmosphere. You can buy an already made firepit, or make a DIY firepit.

3. Signature Drink

Whether you plan on serving adult beverages, every party can benefit from a signature drink. Autumn Sangria is a thing right now; Hot Toddy’s are great on a cooler day, or how about a lovely spiked (or non-spiked) Hot Apple Cider? We also are loving Rob Roy’s now (a variation on the Manhattan) and the scotch is just perfect for the fall season.

4. Picnic Basket

If you are entertaining a small group of friends away from home (like at a tailgate) consider investing in a picnic basket with all the trappings. Not only can you pack favorites like figs, cheese, nuts, olives, crusty bread, dijon mustard, and wine, but you can have real cutlery too! Everyone hates that plastic stuff.

5. Outdoor Games

If you are entertaining outdoors with children, you must include kid-friendly activities for the day. Lawn croquet is fun and appropriate for all ages. A backyard scavenger hunt, cornhole game, and no-carve pumpkin decorating are activities that can entertain kids (and grownups) of all ages.

6. Baked S’mores

Among our fall party ideas, our latest obsession is for baked s’mores. This tasty treat has all the sweetness of over the fire s’mores with the mess. Simply pour one bag of milk chocolate morsels in a cast iron pan. Top with marshmallows and bake on 350 for 10 minutes. Guests can scoop up the goodness with graham crackers.

7. Highlight the Bounty

As far as food, keep it simple, rustic, and emphasize the bounty of the season. A cheese board with figs, nuts, and local honey always satisfies; individual baked apples are easy to make and easy to serve, and pumpkin hummus is a tasty twist on the classic party food.

8. Pumpkins!

Pumpkins are completely necessary at any fall party. They have many uses too. Hollow one out for use as an ice bucket. You can also make pumpkin soup and serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin. Roasted pumpkin seeds would make a great salty treat (add them to the cheese board). And finally, a pumpkin carving contest would make for the ultimate autumn fun.

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If the Halloween cheer hasn’t spooked you yet, her are 15 Halloween quotes that will get you in the mood for a good scare (or laugh).

‘Tis the season for pumpkins, scarecrows, goblins and monsters! The weather has cooled down, but that only means the holiday season is just around the corner. First up is Halloween, one of the few moments each year that you have the opportunity to be someone or something else. Now, for some spooky inspiration.

1. ‘Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. – William Shakespeare

2. Hold on, man. We don’t go anywhere with ‘scary’, ‘spooky’, ‘haunted’, or ‘forbidden’ in the title. – From Scooby-Doo

3. This Halloween, the most popular mask is the Arnold Schwarzenegger mask. And the best part? With a mouth full of candy you will sound just like him. – Conan O’Brien

4. When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween. – Author Unknown

5. I hate Halloween. I hate dressing up. I hate – I wear wigs, makeup, costumes every day. Halloween is like, my least favorite holiday. – Amy Poehler

6. Where there is no imagination there is no horror. – Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.

7. From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us! – Scottish Saying

8. Charlie Brown is the one person I identify with. C.B. is such a loser. He wasn’t even the star of his own Halloween special. – Chris Rock

9. Being in a band you can wear whatever you want — it’s like an excuse for Halloween everyday. – Gwen Stefani

10. Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. — Mason Cooley

11. If human beings had genuine courage, they’d wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. – Douglas Coupland

12. The farther we’ve gotten from the magic and mystery of our past, the more we’ve come to need Halloween. – Paul Curan

13. There is nothing funny about Halloween. This sarcastic festival reflects, rather, an infernal demand for revenge by children on the adult world. – Jean Baudrillard

14. If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him landlord to a ghost. – Lloyd Douglas

15. True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about but few have seen. – Anonymous

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Skip the spooky green punch and go for something refreshing and elegant like this Halloween cocktail recipe with grapefruit juice and fresh blackberries. 

Since it IS practically Halloween, get into the spirit by adding fresh blackberry compote or “guts” into the flesh-colored mixture of grapefruit, gin and club soda. While your guests are consuming handfuls of Halloween candy this drink will offer a cooling respite.

The gin fizz is a classic cocktail usually made with carbonated water and lemon juice. An egg white is often added to make a silver fizz which I would highly recommend ordering the next time you find yourself in a classic cocktail bar. After years of feeling disgust at the thought of an egg in my drink I had a Pisco Sour that changed my life. Egg whites add a frothy layer to acidic cocktails so don’t be afraid of them…plus an egg white has protein to offset the alcohol.

The addition of muddled blackberries to a gin fizz makes for an interesting turn. I make this cocktail with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice to ensure that it isn’t too sweet. You can substitute the fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice for store-bought juice if necessary. The blackberry pulp has a beautiful dark purple color which looks creepy in the flesh-colored liquid of the grapefruit juice and liquor. Tell your guests they are drinking “guts” and they may roll their eyes but will be pleasantly surprised by this fizzy and not-too-sweet treat.

Grapefruit Gin Fizz with Blackberry “Guts”

Makes 6 cocktails (recipe is easily doubled)

Ingredients

6 ounces gin, such as Tanqueray or Beefeater
1 cup blackberries
1 teaspoon honey
3 ounces club soda
1 large grapefruit
12 large ice cubes

Directions

1. Slice the grapefruit in half and use a juicer to extract the juice.

2. In a small bowl use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to smash the blackberries into a pulp. Add the honey and mix thoroughly.

3. In each individual glass place two ice cubes and pour in 1 ounce each of grapefruit juice and gin and just a ½ oz or splash of club soda. Stir for a few seconds with a long spoon and then delicately add about a teaspoon of the blackberry mixture and serve.

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Photo credit: Ally Jane Grossan

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