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A dark and mysterious cocktail that’s equal parts enchanting and smoky. Our Witches Brew brings together blackberry rosemary syrup, pomegranate juice, and mezcal for a moody sipper that’s made for Halloween night (or any evening that calls for a little mischief).
about this RECIPE TITLE
There’s something delightfully dramatic about a cocktail that looks like it might be served at a full moon gathering. This Witches Brew is rich, dark, and hauntingly good. The deep hue comes from a quick homemade blackberry-rosemary syrup (don’t worry, it’s ridiculously easy to make!), which is balanced by tart pomegranate juice and the smokiness of mezcal. What you end up with is a cocktail that tastes like a hint of smoke and rich berries. It’s sweet, a little herbal, and very easy to sip.
If a forest witch hosted a magic happy hour, this would be her signature drink. Which is exactly why we made it easy as a big-batch cocktail. I mean, who has time to shake drinks all night? It comes together in a pitcher, which means you don’t have to worry about shaking individual cocktails. Just stir, chill, and top with seltzer when it’s go time.
Pour it in a big glass pitcher or a cauldron-style punch bowl! You could even pop in a little dry ice for that dramatic fog if you want to make it a spectacle (just make sure to be safe when handling dry ice and don’t get any in the cocktail glasses!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of cocktail that makes you feel like you should be stirring it in a cauldron under candlelight.
- It’s batchable: One pitcher serves a crowd!
- The flavor balance is just right: Smoky, fruity, and just the right amount of herbal.
- It looks gorgeous: Deep ruby color, fresh rosemary garnish, and a touch of fresh berries on top.
- Make-ahead friendly: The syrup and base can be prepped ahead of time so it’s easy to whip up for parties (or for on-the-go sipping while trick-or-treating..)
ingredients
Blackberries: Fresh or frozen both work in this recipe. If you are using frozen berries, you can toss them in still frozen when making the simple syrup.
Rosemary: This herb helps balance out the blackberries so that the drink isn’t too sweet. Use fresh rosemary only!
Pomegranate juice: Make sure that you are using 100% tart pomegranate juice so the flavor comes out right. We like to use POM pomegranate juice.
Mezcal: The subtle smokiness is what gives this cocktail an edge. We like to use a mid-range option like Montelobos Espadin on the lower end and Mezcal Vago Elote on the higher end. Tequila can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as complex.
Orange bitters: Adds brightness and ties the fruity and smoky elements together. You can also use smoked orange bitters, if preferred.
Seltzer water: AKA club soda or sparkling water. You can buy it or make it at home if you have a soda water maker (like a SodaStream).
Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs and blackberries are a must.
this recipe’s must-haves
To make the blackberry-rosemary simple syrup, you will need a saucepan (small or medium work just fine). You will also need a fine mesh strainer to finish off the simple syrup.
For the cocktail, use a pitcher. You could also use a punch bowl or a cauldron if you are feeling spooky. Stir it all together with a long wooden spoon, .
Finally, serve this in your favorite wine glasses or cocktail glasses.
here’s how to make witches brew
make blackberry simple syrup
Combine blackberries, rosemary, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes before straining. Cool completely before using in the recipe (pop it in the freezer to speed up the cool down process!).
make the cocktail base
In a large pitcher, stir together blackberry syrup, pomegranate juice, mezcal, and bitters. Chill until ready to serve.
finish and serve
When you are ready to serve it, add ice to the pitcher, pour in the seltzer water, and give it a quick stir. Serve in glasses filled with ice. Garnish with rosemary and fresh blackberries.
Tips for Success
Batch the syrup: It keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge so you can make a bigger batch to use in other cocktails like old fashioneds, manhattans, and more.
Go smoky, not ashy: Use a smooth mezcal like Del Maguey Vida or Madre Mezcal for balanced flavor.
Add a spooky twist: Serve with dry ice for a foggy, bubbling presentation (just make sure no one drinks the dry ice directly!).
variations
- Mocktail version: Skip the mezcal and bitters, add more pomegranate juice, and finish with a splash of ginger beer (or ginger ale) for a smoky-free sparkle.
- Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice or a few orange slices to the pitcher. You could even add a das of orange liqueur.
- Berry swap: Try blueberries or black raspberries in place of blackberries for a different fruity note.
More blackberry cocktails to sip on: Blackberry Sidecar | Blackberry Mojito | Blackberry Gin Fizz | Blackberry Basil Bourbon Smash
faqs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the syrup and mix the base (blackberry syrup, pomegranate juice, mezcal, and bitters) up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and add the seltzer and ice cubes just before serving.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Definitely. Skip the mezcal and bitters, use more pomegranate juice, and top with ginger beer. You’ll still get that deep, moody flavor minus the booze.
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! They work just as well as fresh. No need to thaw, because they’ll break down quickly when heated.
How long does the blackberry syrup last?
Up to two weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. You can even freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
How do I make it look extra spooky?
Serve it in a dark glass or goblet, add a sprig of smoking rosemary (light it briefly with a kitchen torch and blow it out before garnishing), or toss in a little dry ice for that foggy effect.
Need more inspiration for a Halloween party? Check out my Halloween recipes!
what to serve with this witches brew drink
If you are making this cocktail, stick with the spooky theme! Here’s some of our favorite recipes to enjoy:
For an appetizer, try these spicy and creamy chorizo jalapeño mummy poppers.
Make dinner spookier with these mummified sirloin wellingtons as a fun twist on the classic beef wellington recipe.
To finish it off, whip up pumpkin brownies or halloween cheesecake brownies! Don’t feel like baking? Make a halloween dessert charcuterie board!
how to store
The blackberry syrup will last for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you make the cocktail base ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add in the seltzer right before serving to keep it fizzy.
more of our favorite Halloween cocktails
The unexpected blend of flavors in the Skeleton Key is simple and it has a cool bloody effect!
Another one of our favorite big batch cocktails is this bloody sangria halloween punch with only four ingredients.
Whip up some butterbeer! You can enjoy this recipe cold or hot, depending on your mood.
Finally, if you make this witches brew cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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witches brew
ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup blackberry simple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
- 12 ounces Mezcal about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 Tbsp orange bitters
- 3 cups seltzer water
- Rosemary sprig
- Blackberries
instructions
- To make the syrup, combine blackberries, rosemary, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, until the berries break down a bit. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and cool completely.
- In a large pitcher, combined cooled 1/4 cup blackberry simple syrup, pomegranate juice, mezcal, and bitters. Chill until ready to serve.
- When you are ready to serve, filled the pitcher with ice and top off with seltzer water.
- Stir to combine. Serve in glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and fresh blackberries.
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about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
