By MELISSA T. CASTRO

Despite the fact that every ofrenda you’ll see this week is sure to feature a bottle of tequila – this lively libation is not the only way to toast the souls of yesteryear.

With this in mind, we’ve gathered a collection of some of the drinks on-tap this week, be they concoctions stirred up at home, a coffee-shop, or those that stir the soul.

Drink to Those Who Were, Drink to Those Who Are

A cold beer in hand pairs well with memories of a father or uncle who never missed a game of his favourite football team, or to reminisce about a sun-kissed day on the beach with a loved one – not knowing they would be taken to osoon just a few months later.

That’s the message behind the recently launched Remember Me Living (Recuérdame Viviendo) campaign by Mexican beer giant Victoria.

Directed by Mexican director Fernando Cattori, the film follows the footsteps of the female protagonist as she recalls times passed alongside her mother, and simultaneously shows how she goes on to live new memories.

Unlike the typical commercials and ads that are often associated with Cerveza Victoria, this video stays true to Day of the Dead messaging, showcasing the traditions and spirits that and ingrained in Mexico’s heritage.

The memories we have of our deceased are the best way to honor them; by remembering them in life we live our lives more fully.

Although branding is present throughout the film, it is not explicit and instead is expressed through the anecdotes and story of a daughter’s mourning.

Filmed in Oaxaca, the three-minute production, builds a human connection with the viewer, finishing with a moving tribute to families of the general Mexican populace who contributed in the lead-up to the video’s launch, sharing over 5,000 memories of their departed.

Gabriel Díaz, Director of Cerveza Victoria, noted that “this year, Victoria wants to go beyond the altars and offerings, allowing every sip to be a toast to those who will live in our hearts.”

He went on to add that the current video spot is a “tribute to the importance of remembering, celebrating life and sharing moments with those that are still here.”

The video premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival, Mexico’s most significant cinematography soirée.

You can watch the video below or at Cerveza Victoria’s website: https://recuerdame.cervezavictoria.com.mx

https://youtu.be/WanbQ1B_fMc

 

Spook Up Your Coffee Break

If a beer is not up your alley, and you find yourself reaching for a mid-afternoon caffeine pick-me-up, Starbuck’s new Spooky Frappuccino is a fun alternative to tantalise your taste buds.

Released as a limited-edition beverage, the Halloween themed concoction combines coffee, hazelnut, chocolate, and strawberry syrup to create a bewitching blend that is sure to captivate you, or at least generate enough of a sugar-rush for you to finish that report for Bob in accounting. Did we forget to mention it comes topped with chocolate flavoured whipped cream?

So although we can’t speak to the calorie count, why not take a break from pumpkin spiced everything, and sample this spooky treat which is available exclusively at Starbuck’s coffee shops from Monday, Oct. 28, through Sunday, Nov. 3.

Gruesome Guzzles for the Littlest Ghosts

Given the Halloween loot induced sugar-highs many parents are expecting this week, a whipped cream topped syrup-infused coffee is probably not topping the list of what to give their children.

With this in mind, Mama Lucha, Bodega Aurrera’s iconic mascot, has created a recipe guide of make-at-home potables that are teetotaller approved, capture the sinister mood of the season, don’t break the bank, and are not likely to invoke a diabetic coma after just one sip.

The ingredients for these spook-tacular drinks are easily sourced at the Walmart owned grocery chain Bodega Aurrera, or retail grocery store of your choice, and can easily be crafted into not only these but many other beverages which are sure to please.

Spiderweb Dew

This spooky take on horchata water is simple enough to stir up with a minor touch of artistry required upon serving.

Prep Time: 5 min

Ingredients:

• 1 sachet of Great Value horchata water
• Ice
• Cinnamon powder

Directions:

Pour two liters of water into a jug, add the horchata flavor powder and ice. Stir well until completely mixed. 

Draw a couple of spiders on transparent glasses and pour horchata. Place a pinch of cinnamon on top of beverage and using a toothpick shape cinnamon into cobwebs. Another method is to craft a small paper stencil in the shape of a cobweb and sprinkle cinnamon respectively.

Once the cinnamon cobweb is in place serve and enjoy. 

Vampire Blood

If your tastes run on the spicier side of things, this fang-tastic concoction is sure to raise the dead.

Prep Time: 5 min

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of chamoy sauce
• Cranberry juice
• Ice
• Gummy worms
• 1 bottle of Aurrera grapefruit soda

Preparation: 

Pour some chamoy into a shallow plate and dip glass upside down in sauce to create a bloody rim.

Add ice, and top with equal parts cranberry juice and grapefruit soda. Fill glass to brim.

Top beverage with gummy worms and serve.