Few of us can deny that one of the best things about Halloween is the months that follow: it seems as though wherever you go, long into winter, people are unloading stockpiles of candy. Well, that’s all fine and tasty, but let’s face it: we’re not kids anymore, and the joy of all those bitty Baby Ruths and mini Milky Ways wore thin around the time we discovered crème brûlée and White Russians. Fortunately, there are plenty of grown-up ways to please your sweet tooth and celebrate the season at the same time. And what flavor is more seasonal than pumpkin? In these days of decking the halls, the gently spicy sweetness of that orange orb makes muffins and breads better, adds an autumnal accent to harvest-ravioli platters, and turns martinis into an irresistible treat.

You read right: martinis. At Mistral, even the swank, dignified cocktail likes to dress up for the season. A sip of the pearly liquid is like a mouthful of cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie drizzled with melted vanilla-bean ice cream (that’s thanks to the Godiva white-chocolate liqueur in the mix). The rim of the glass is kissed with cinnamon-sugar crystals, and the whole thing is topped off with a cinnamon stick, which makes a perfectly functional (emphasis on the "fun") swizzle stick or straw. Use it for slurping at your own risk.

Available for $9 at Mistral, 223 Columbus Avenue, in Boston. Call (617) 867-9300.