How to Spice Up Halloween Festivities

Heat Up the Holidays with El Yucateco

By Chelsea Vincent

Ah, it’s that wonderful time of the year (especially near the southern border, where temperatures are finally sliding toward fall). Things may have gotten cooler outside, but with Halloween right around the corner, thoughts are on costumes, mischief, and food to make the night one to remember.

If you’re bored with basic candy corn, there are plenty of ways to elevate the fun of Halloween with some modern, spicy flair. 

Incorporate El Yucateco with Savory Tapas

First of all, don’t assume that everyone suddenly wants only candy and caramel apples, just because it’s fall. While sweet treats certainly have their place, guests will love you for serving more-filling, savory options.

To that end, try offering a selection of Tapas at your party this year. Tapas, originally introduced and popularized in Spain, are simply small snacks or portions. You don’t have to focus on appetizers to bring this late-night tradition stateside. Instead, make smaller versions of some of your entree or side favorites. 

To bring some Mexican flair (and flavor) to those tapas, incorporate one of El Yucateco’s famous flavor profiles to take things to a whole new level. Your guests will know your party is the place to be, when they see a Tapas menu featuring Spicy Pasta Cups, mini Hail Mary Hamburgers with a hint of lime, and Sweet Habanero Roasted Nuts (my personal fave).  

Let Guests Go “Bobbing for Bottles”

At one point in the past, most of us enjoyed trying out the fall and Halloween tradition of “bobbing for apples,” where a large bucket is filled with apples and folks try to pull them out using only their teeth. It may require a few towels on hand, but it’s a fun way to get people off of their phones and back to old-school party games.

This Halloween, instead of using apples, try filling a tub with bottles. Guests can try grabbing bottles with their teeth instead, which they can then keep. Or, for those who don’t want to mess up spooky makeup, have a nearby bowl of Mini Bottle Keychains as a fun take-home item they can use whenever. 

Go for a Mexican-inspired Theme this Year

One of my best friends here in Texas is half Mexican and half Spanish, and she’s channeling her Latino roots for a Halloween party that is Día de los Muertos themed. The popular “Day of the Dead” celebration begins on October 31st, the same day as Halloween. And just like El Yucateco, it stems from Mexico.

For a festive Day of the Dead party, incorporate traditional cultural activities. Invite others to decorate sugar skulls, and encourage guests to bring photos of loved ones for the ofrenda, an altar honoring the memory of those who have passed away. Tamales, mole, spicy hot chocolate, and candied pumpkin are all excellent food choices for this celebratory day as well, and they’ll bring some thoughtful – and yummy – cultural touches to your holiday celebration. 

How do you spice up your holiday season? Head to El Yucateco’s page on Instagram or Facebook and share your ideas!