The Witching Hour Smash is a bewitching cocktail that blends the flavors of bourbon, blackberries, and aromatic herbs for a delightful and spirited drink. Perfect for autumn evenings or Halloween gatherings, this cocktail combines complexity with a touch of seasonal charm.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Ice cubes
- Soda water (optional)
- Fresh blackberries and thyme sprig (for garnish)
Directions
- Muddle the Blackberries and Thyme: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh blackberries and thyme sprigs together to release their flavors.
- Add Bourbon and Other Ingredients: Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill.
- Strain and Serve: Double-strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Optional Soda Water: If desired, top off with a splash of soda water for a bit of effervescence.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme for an elegant presentation.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of Angostura bitters for a bit of spice.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute bourbon with apple cider for a refreshing mocktail twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, frozen blackberries can be used. Let them thaw slightly before muddling for better flavor extraction.
What bourbon do you recommend for this cocktail? A bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes works well, but feel free to use your favorite bourbon for a personalized touch.
Can I make a pitcher of Witching Hour Smash for a party? Certainly! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed and adjust the muddling and shaking accordingly. Add ice to individual glasses before pouring.
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Witching Hour Smash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Description
The “Witching Hour Smash” is a captivating cocktail that combines smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal choice for Halloween or any themed gathering. Here’s how you can craft this enchanting drink at home:
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- 2 fresh blackberries
- 0.25 oz chile liqueur (optional, for added heat)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle the fresh blackberries in a cocktail shaker to release their juices.
- Add mezcal, lime juice, pomegranate juice, agave syrup, and chile liqueur (if using) into the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until fully chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and serve.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chile liqueur based on your preferred level of heat.
- If you don’t have mezcal, you can substitute with tequila, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg