To usher in the holiday, you'll need a proper roiling, steaming brew -- like those conjured in the best witches' kitchens. Since most recipes for potions and witchy elixirs are either lost to antiquity or call for ingredients like bat fur or newt's eye (which even Martha couldn't track down), you can substitute Concord-grape juice simmered with cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Re-create the creepy mist of a witch's cauldron in a separate, larger vessel by placing a few small chunks of dry ice into water, then place the smaller container filled with the grape juice into the larger vessel. Never put dry ice into drinks, and be sure to wear protective gloves when handling it, because the extreme cold can burn the skin.

Makes 1 gallon

1 gallon Concord-grape juice

8 whole cardamom pods

3 cinnamon sticks

1/2 whole nutmeg, grated (1 to 2 teaspoons)

Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, and cook for 20 minutes. Serve immediately.