This bold, fruity cocktail packs a punch with a splash of mystery. The Werewolf is one of those drinks that instantly stands out—vibrant in color, full of citrusy freshness, and just the right amount of herbal intrigue. It’s become a favorite at Halloween parties, but honestly, it’s just as refreshing on a hot summer night. I’ve made this drink countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tips along the way to help you make yours just right.
Werewolf
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or Collins
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao
– 1 dash absinthe (about 3–4 drops)
– Ice cubes (enough to fill your shaker and glass)
– Optional garnish: lime wedge, cherry, or mint sprig
Method
- Start by filling a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Give it a good shake—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This chills the drink and blends the flavors nicely.
- Fill your highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
- Slowly pour the blue curaçao over the top. It’ll float and give the drink that cool layered look.
- Add a dash of absinthe. Just a little goes a long way—it adds a slightly herbal note that balances the sweetness.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or cherry if you like.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh-squeezed juice when possible—it really brightens the flavor.
– Shake vigorously to get that chill just right.
– Pour the blue curaçao slowly over the back of a spoon if you want a more dramatic color separation.
– Don’t overdo the absinthe—it’s strong and can overpower the drink if you use too much.
Make-Ahead & Storage
– You can mix the vodka and fruit juices ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just don’t add the blue curaçao or absinthe until you’re ready to serve.
– Leftover cocktail? Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge, and give it a quick shake before serving again. Best within 24 hours.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Need to switch things up? Here are a few easy substitutions:
– No vodka? Try gin for a more botanical twist.
– No blue curaçao? Triple sec works too—it won’t have the same color, but the orange flavor still fits.
– Skip the absinthe if you’re not a fan of licorice-like flavors.
Fun Variations to Try
Blood Moon Werewolf
– Vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, grenadine, and absinthe.
– Richer color and a tangier bite. Great for Halloween nights.
Blue Werewolf
– Gin, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and topped with tonic water.
– A fizzy, zesty twist that’s super refreshing.
Werewolf Martini
– Vodka, dry vermouth, lime juice, and a dash of absinthe.
– A sharper, more spirit-forward version for martini lovers.
Virgin Werewolf
– Sparkling water, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and a splash of apple juice.
– Still tasty, still colorful, and perfect for all ages.
What It Tastes Like
You get a bright burst of citrus up front from the pineapple, orange, and lime. Then the vodka adds warmth, and the absinthe sneaks in with a subtle herbal edge. It’s sweet, but not overly so. And that blue curaçao? It adds a pop of color and a light orange flavor that ties everything together.
Serving Suggestions
This drink shines on its own, but it’s even better with a few good bites. Here are some of my go-to pairings:
Spicy Tacos
The citrus in the Werewolf cools down spicy heat, making it a killer combo.
Grilled Shrimp
The smoky, sweet shrimp pairs beautifully with the cocktail’s fruitiness.
Dark Chocolate
Rich, slightly bitter chocolate plays off the sweet and herbal notes in the drink—unexpected and delicious.
Extra Tips from My Home Bar
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. I’ve found that using crushed ice instead of cubes makes it even more refreshing. And if you’re making a batch for a party, mix everything except the blue curaçao and absinthe ahead of time, then let guests pour those over their drinks for a fun, layered effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Just swap the vodka and absinthe for sparkling water and a splash of apple juice.
Is it sweet?
It’s fruity and lightly sweet, but not syrupy. You can adjust by using less juice or adding a splash of soda water.
What kind of glass should I use?
A highball glass works best—it lets the colors show off and holds plenty of ice.
Is absinthe necessary?
Not at all. It adds a unique flavor, but feel free to skip it if you’re not into that herbal note.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the base ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add blue curaçao and absinthe to each glass when serving.
The Werewolf is one of those drinks that’s as fun to make as it is to sip. Whether you’re mixing one up for a party or unwinding after a long week, it’s a cocktail that always leaves an impression.
