The Witch’s Brew cocktail is a colorful, sweet-tart drink with a bit of sparkle and just the right amount of spooky charm. It’s perfect for Halloween parties, themed gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something fun and festive. I’ve made this drink countless times for friends—it always gets a big reaction, especially when served with a little dry ice fog for effect.
Witch's Brew
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail (easily scaled for a crowd)
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) Green Apple Schnapps
– 1 oz (30 ml) Raspberry Liqueur
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Blue Curacao
– Lemon-lime soda, to top (about 3–4 oz / 90–120 ml)
– Ice
– Gummy worms or dry ice, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
– Shaker or mixing glass (optional, can build in glass)
– Cauldron mug, goblet, or highball glass
– Bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring
Method
- Fill your glass with ice—about halfway works well. If you’re using a cauldron mug, even better. It adds to the whole enchanted vibe.
- Pour in the green apple schnapps and raspberry liqueur.
- Add the blue curacao. This gives the drink that beautiful, deep jewel-toned color.
- Top with lemon-lime soda. Pour slowly to keep the fizz intact. You’ll hear a gentle fizzing sound—that’s your potion coming to life!
- Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Don’t overmix—you want to keep that color swirl going.
- Garnish with gummy worms for a fun, spooky touch. If you’re feeling dramatic, carefully add a small piece of food-safe dry ice for a foggy effect. Just make sure it fully dissolves before sipping.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the schnapps, liqueurs, and curacao ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just add ice and soda right before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best enjoyed right after it’s made, but if you’re prepping for a party, store the alcohol mix in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t add soda or ice until serving.
Helpful Tips
– Chill your glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before making the drink. It keeps everything colder longer.
– Want a healthier version? Use diet lemon-lime soda or soda water with a splash of citrus juice.
– Avoid overpouring the soda—it can wash out the flavor. Start with less and add more to taste.
– If using dry ice, never touch it with bare hands and never consume it. Wait until it fully dissolves before drinking.
Substitutions
– No green apple schnapps? Try pear liqueur or even apple juice for a lighter version.
– Swap raspberry liqueur for blackberry liqueur for a deeper, slightly earthier flavor.
– Use ginger beer instead of lemon-lime soda for a spicier, more grown-up take.
What It Tastes Like
This drink is sweet, slightly tart, and has a candy-like fruitiness that reminds me of sour gummies. The fizziness from the soda keeps it light and playful. It’s basically Halloween in a glass.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Witch’s Brew as a welcome drink at Halloween parties, or pair it with a snack board filled with salty and sweet bites. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-party traditions—sipping this cocktail with friends while passing around bowls of popcorn and caramel apples. It’s a perfect match.
Food Pairings
- Sweet: Candy corn, caramel apples, chocolate truffles
- Savory: Cheese puffs, roasted nuts, popcorn with sea salt
- Spicy: Jalapeño poppers, buffalo wings, spicy hummus
Variations
Autumn’s Enchantment (Warm Version)
– 1 oz (30 ml) Cinnamon schnapps
– 3 oz (90 ml) Apple cider
– Heat gently and serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick
Midnight Elixir
– 1 oz (30 ml) Black vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) Cranberry juice
– Splash of club soda
– Serve over ice with a twist of orange peel
Spectral Glow
– 1 oz (30 ml) Peach schnapps
– 3 oz (90 ml) Tonic water
– Serve with a UV light nearby—the tonic water glows!
Virgin Witch’s Brew (Non-Alcoholic)
– 2 oz (60 ml) Raspberry juice or cranberry juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) Apple juice
– Splash of grenadine
– Top with lemon-lime soda
– Stir gently and serve over ice
FAQs
What makes Witch’s Brew stand out?
It’s the combination of eye-catching colors, playful garnishes, and fizzy fruit flavors. Plus, it’s fun to serve and even more fun to drink.
Can I make it in a big batch?
Absolutely! Mix the schnapps, liqueurs, and curacao in a pitcher. Add soda and ice just before serving to keep it bubbly.
How can I make it glow?
Tonic water contains quinine, which glows under blacklight. Add a splash to your mix or use it as a base for a variation.
Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Use sugar-free soda or sparkling water, and cut back on the liqueurs if you want something lighter.
What are some fun garnishes?
Try gummy worms, a sugar rim, mint sprigs, or even a bit of edible glitter. For Halloween, a floating eyeball candy always gets laughs.
This has been my go-to cocktail for fall gatherings—it’s crowd-pleasing, easy to customize, and always gets people talking. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a batch for a party, Witch’s Brew brings a little magic to any night.
