5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE

Here’s Why We Offer Spirits for the Spirits

“Pour out a little liquor” and other thoughts on libation as a cultural practice.

A hand offers up a small glass of whiskey. From coffee to alcohol, offering a drink to the dead is a cultural practice many of us embrace. Image: Getty

By October 31st you’ll see any number of online posts about spooky cocktails, skull-shaped ice cubes, festive punchbowl presentations involving dry ice — the usual Halloween cocktail fare. This…