A bone-chilling celebration calls for cocktails of an equally eerie sort, like this deep-purple punch.

1 gallon Concord grape juice

8 cardamom pods

4 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

1 1/3 cups Simple Syrup

7 cups vodka (optional)

Ice cubes

Concord grapes, for garnish

Combine grape juice and spices in a large pot. Bring just to a simmer, then remove from heat and let stand, covered, 20 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve (discard solids), and chill. To serve, combine with simple syrup and vodka, if using. Serve over ice in a tall glass, and garnish with grapes.