At Rockville’s Quench, head bartender Matt Allred was inspired by the dark essence of All Hallows Eve to create a cocktail that takes trick-or-treat literally. Using a white whiskey named Death’s Door —appropriately morbid — plus lemon, honey, sloe gin, and absinthe, each "Into the Ether" cocktail is ablaze with both fire and flavor. First, the rim of the glass is dipped in homemade candy-corn crumble, so each sip is a sweet treat. As for the trick, when the ignited absinthe meets the remaining chilled ingredients, smoke creeps up the sides of the glass. Creepy, huh?

Where: 9712 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville; 301-424-8650.


Photographed by Giselle Childs