The Drunk Witch is a playful, colorful cocktail that’s as fun to sip as it is to serve. With its bold layers of citrus, sweetness, and a little fizz, it’s perfect for Halloween parties, summer nights, or anytime you’re craving something a little magical. I’ve made this drink countless times—especially around Halloween—and it never fails to get compliments.
Drunk Witch
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 drink
Prep time: 5 minutes
Glassware: Highball glass or Mason jar
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice (fresh is best!)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Splash of soda water
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: orange slice, cherry, or mint sprig
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prep the ingredients. A cold glass keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Fill your glass with ice. About 3/4 full is perfect.
- Pour in the vodka. That’s your base—smooth and clean.
- Add the blue curaçao. This gives the drink that deep, magical blue color and a hint of orange flavor.
- Next, pour in the orange juice. Fresh-squeezed really lifts the flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. You’ll see the color start to shift a bit—totally normal!
- Slowly drizzle in the grenadine. It’ll sink to the bottom and create a gorgeous layered effect, like a sunset in a glass.
- Top it off with a splash of soda water. Just enough to give it a little sparkle and lighten things up.
- Garnish and serve. Add an orange slice, a cherry, or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh orange juice whenever possible—it really brightens the drink.
– Don’t overdo the grenadine. A little goes a long way, and too much can make the drink overly sweet.
– Pour slowly when layering to keep those colors distinct. The grenadine should gently sink, not mix right in.
– Make it ahead? You can mix everything but the soda water and grenadine. Add those just before serving to keep the fizz and the color effect.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you must prep in advance, store the mixed base (vodka, blue curaçao, and orange juice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice, grenadine, and soda water just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
The Drunk Witch pairs beautifully with:
– Spicy appetizers: Think jalapeño poppers or spicy wings—the sweet citrus cools the heat.
– Grilled seafood: Shrimp skewers or grilled scallops work especially well with the citrusy notes.
– Chocolate desserts: Rich brownies or dark chocolate tarts play nicely with the fruity-sweet flavor.
Variations
Sometimes I like to switch things up depending on the season or my mood. Here are a few fun takes:
Enchanted Forest Witch
– Swap blue curaçao for Midori (melon liqueur) for a bright green color and fruity twist.
Dark Moon Witch
– Use black vodka instead of regular vodka. Layer it on top for a night-sky look.
Harvest Witch
– Replace soda water with apple cider. It adds warmth and a fall-inspired flavor.
Virgin Drunk Witch (non-alcoholic)
– Use lemon-lime soda or sparkling water instead of vodka.
– Try a blue sports drink or blue raspberry syrup instead of blue curaçao.
– Keep the grenadine and orange juice the same.
Ingredient Swaps
– Vodka: Try gin for a botanical edge or white rum for tropical vibes.
– Blue curaçao: Orange liqueur plus a drop of blue food coloring works in a pinch.
– Orange juice: Pineapple juice brings in a tropical twist.
– Soda water: Tonic water or lemon-lime soda adds more personality.
FAQs
Can I make a pitcher of Drunk Witch?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix everything but the soda water and grenadine in advance. Add those just before pouring.
How do I keep the layers from mixing?
Pour the grenadine very slowly over the back of a spoon so it gently settles at the bottom.
Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Use less grenadine and swap soda water for tonic to balance things out.
What’s the best time to serve this drink?
It’s a hit at Halloween parties, but honestly, it’s great anytime you want a drink that looks as fun as it tastes.
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
You can, but fresh orange juice really makes the drink pop. If you’re using bottled, go for one that’s not from concentrate.
Final Notes
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—it’s easy, eye-catching, and always gets people talking. Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or just want something a little different, the Drunk Witch is a fun, refreshing choice. Try a variation, make it your own, and don’t forget to enjoy the process as much as the drink itself!
