I mean this in the best possible way… my neighbors are a bunch of freaks. Or at least they were last Saturday.

Each year, Jeff & Suzee host a themed Halloween party, and this year’s theme was the Night Circus “Under the Big Top.” At 8pm, all manner of creepy clown, mime, ring leaders, bearded ladies, gypsies, animals, strong man, trapeze, and circus performer descended upon Santa Ana. Normally, getting to enter one of our historic homes is the highlight of the show, but tonight the stars would be the neighbors themselves. That’s saying a lot because this home comes complete with a vineyard with the ghost of last Halloween’s Jack-o-lantern howling as you enter, and a giant old tree glowing with menacing pumpkin heads hanging off its limbs. Jeff & Suzee, appropriately dressed as magician and his rabbit, had “magically” transformed their home into an adult funhouse complete with fortune teller, casino games, dance floor, and those crazy mirrors (I prefer the one that makes you look skinny 😂). It was great, but the people watching was even better.

How to be Neighborly: Freak out

So grab some popcorn , and a cocktail, and enjoy the show… you might even try my Wicked Good Cocktail, if you dare.

Something Wicked

Wicked Good Cocktail

This cocktail was inspired by this night circus… sweet, with a touch of spice, and slightly dangerous.

• 1.5 oz vodka
• ¾ oz crème de cacao
• 1.5 oz cold coffee
• ¾ oz dark rum
• ¾ oz half & half
• Pinch of cayenne
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Light Corn Syrup
• Red food coloring, gel preferred
• Chocolate for garnish

On a small plate, drop about 1 tsp of corn syrup on the plate, and dot on the red food coloring.  If not using gel coloring, you will need to stir to combine a bit. Dip the edge of a martini glass in red food coloring and corn syrup and turn the glass, to circle the glass. When you lift up the glass, the “blood” drips will begin to fall. In a shaker, place ½ c of ice. Add the vodka, crème de cacao, coffee, rum, half & half, cayenne and cinnamon. Shake vigorously to combine.  Pour into martini glass.  Sprinkle with shaved chocolate, and garnish with rose petals.