INTRODUCTION
Witches Brew is a delightful drink that brings a touch of magic to any gathering. It blends the flavors of blackberries and pomegranate with the smoky notes of mezcal, making it perfect for parties, celebrations, or a cozy night in. This festive drink is colorful and refreshing, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. The herbal hint from the rosemary adds an interesting twist that makes this drink stand out. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or just looking for a fun beverage, Witches Brew is a fantastic choice.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Witches Brew for many reasons. First, it is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps. The combination of fruity flavors and the bite of mezcal creates a taste that is both refreshing and unique. The drink is visually stunning with its deep colors, garnished with fresh blackberries and an aromatic rosemary sprig. Additionally, Witches Brew can be adapted for different tastes or dietary preferences. This makes it a versatile option for gatherings or intimate dinners. Lastly, it captures the spirit of fun and festivity, making it a perfect drink to celebrate with!
HOW TO MAKE Witches Brew
Making Witches Brew is simple and straightforward. You will start by creating a blackberry simple syrup, which will be the base of the drink. This syrup infuses the drink with a deep berry flavor. After preparing the syrup, you’ll mix it with pomegranate juice and mezcal. Finally, adding seltzer water gives it a refreshing sparkle. Here’s a detailed look at the process.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Witches Brew, you will need a few essential kitchen tools:
- A saucepan for cooking the syrup
- A strainer for separating the solids from the syrup
- A large pitcher for mixing the drink
- A spoon for stirring
- Glasses to serve the drink
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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 (for garnish)
- Fresh blackberries (for garnish)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Make the syrup: Start by combining the blackberries, rosemary, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Boil and simmer: Let the mixture come to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes. This helps break down the blackberries a bit.
- Steep the mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat. Cover it and let it steep for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well.
- Strain and cool: Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids. Let the syrup cool completely.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine 1/4 cup of the cooled blackberry simple syrup, pomegranate juice, mezcal, and orange bitters. Mix well.
- Chill your drink: Put the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill until you are ready to serve it.
- Serve with ice: When you are ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the Witches Brew over the ice. Top each glass with seltzer water and stir gently to mix everything.
- Garnish: Lastly, garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh blackberries. Your magical drink is now ready to be enjoyed!
HOW TO SERVE Witches Brew
Witches Brew is best served cold. Make sure to add ice to the glasses just before pouring the drink. This keeps it refreshing and enhances the flavors. Serve it in clear glasses so everyone can see the beautiful colors of the drink and the garnishes. You can also create a punch bowl version if you are serving a large group; just multiply the ingredients and mix it all in a big bowl. This way, guests can help themselves to the drink.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Witches Brew
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. Keep the Witches Brew in a sealed container to maintain its flavor. However, it is best to drink it fresh, as the seltzer water can go flat over time. The blackberry simple syrup can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for future drinks. Just pop out a few cubes whenever you need them!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Witches Brew pairs wonderfully with light snacks and appetizers. Consider serving it with:
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
- Fresh fruit platters
- Soft pretzels or breadsticks
- Spicy nuts or popcorn
- Mini sliders or finger sandwiches
These snacks enhance the drinking experience, making your gathering memorable.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to switch up Witches Brew. Here are a few variations:
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace mezcal with ginger ale or a non-alcoholic mixer to make a refreshing mocktail.
- Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even citrus for unique flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Add herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.
- Sparkling Wine: Use sparkling wine instead of seltzer water for a bubbly upgrade.
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of jalapeño juice or some diced jalapeños for those who like heat.
Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to suit your taste!
FAQs
- Can I make Witches Brew in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the blackberry syrup ahead of time. The drink is best served fresh, but you can mix the other ingredients and chill them until serving. - Is Witches Brew suitable for kids?
You can make a non-alcoholic version of Witches Brew for kids by using ginger ale or cranberry juice instead of mezcal. - How do I store leftover Witches Brew?
Store any leftover drink in the refrigerator in a sealed container. However, seltzer water may lose its fizziness. - Can I use other spirits instead of mezcal?
Yes! Vodka or gin can be good alternatives if you prefer. They will change the flavor a bit, but they will still be delicious.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Witches Brew
To make Witches Brew even easier, follow these make-ahead tips:
- Prepare the blackberry simple syrup the day before.
- Chill the pomegranate juice and mezcal in advance for the best serving temperature.
- Set out your glasses and garnish ahead of time to make serving smooth.
- If serving for a party, mix the ingredients in a large bowl and let guests serve themselves. This way, you can enjoy the celebration too!
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable drink experience for everyone at your gathering. Enjoy the magic of Witches Brew!
Witches Brew
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the blackberries, rosemary, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Let the mixture come to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Cover it and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids. Let the syrup cool completely.
- In a large pitcher, combine 1/4 cup of cooled blackberry simple syrup, pomegranate juice, mezcal, and orange bitters. Mix well.
- Put the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the Witches Brew over the ice.
- Top each glass with seltzer water and stir gently to mix everything.
- Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh blackberries.