Swamp water never tasted as good as this Halloween sangria

Up the gore factor of this Halloween sangria -- designed to resemble swamp water but to taste like a sweet autumnal nectar -- by adding a drizzle of green swamp slime to the rim of the serving glasses.

Making edible slime is a snap. In a wide, shallow bowl, mix together a few drops of green gel food coloring and about 1/2 cup of glucose syrup (light corn syrup also can be used), which is available online and at baking and craft stores.

One at a time, overturn each glass and dunk the rim, twisting, into the syrup. Turn the glasses right side up and fill with swamp sangria. The green slime will slowly drip down the sides of the glass.

Halloween Swamp Sangria

1 small bunch fresh basil

2 tablespoons sugar

750-milliliter bottle mead (honey wine), chilled

1 cup calvados (apple brandy), chilled

6 cups apple cider, chilled

Juice of 1 lemon

In a large pitcher, combine the basil and sugar. Use a wooden spoon to mash the basil into the sugar. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Serve well chilled.