Magic-Inspired Cocktails ▶️

 People think that mixology is a magical spell that is being cast. Certainly, at the end, hopefully you have something magical, but it doesn’t take a superhuman powers to do!

Learn how to make magical-inspired cocktails that will put your friends under your spell! Follow along as I (NOT Harry Potter) demonstrate three cocktails from my book Cocktail Chameleon that are inspired by wizardry, witchcraft and magic from pop culture, movies and music!

POISON APPLE

This magical libation is inspired by the classic fairy tale of Snow White, who falls into a deep sleep after biting into a poisoned apple. One sip of this apple-infused cocktail instantly induces a state of euphoria and youthful wonder. Serve these and cast your spell!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. apple brandy   
• 2 oz. apple juice
• 2 oz. Apple Pie Syrup

Garnish:

• Light corn syrup
• Red cake decorating sugar

Directions:

Prepare glass by dipping ½ the rim of the glass in light Karo and dredge with red decorating sugar.  Set aside. Fill the shaker with ice and add the brandy, apple juice and syrup, shaking until well chilled. Strain into the chilled glass and right before serving, add 3 drops of grenadine from an eye dropper

Strong, dark and rich. It’s the perfect recipe for a mate, as well as for this sultry variation on an Old Fashioned made with spiced rum. This is my homemade spiced rum recipe that we made on a recent Bar Basics video It has a sweet-smoky flavor that contains notes of molasses, vanilla and other dried spices reinforced by the drink’s other ingredients. 

 Ingredients:

• 1 whole vanilla bean split
• 1 tsp. dark brown sugar
• 3 dashes chocolate bitters*
• 1 tsp. water
• 2 oz. spiced black rum

Garnish:

• Vanilla Bean
• Spiced Cherry

 Directions:

Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds from one half. Reserve the remaining half to use as the garnish. Combine the vanilla seeds, brown sugar and water in the mixing glass and muddle until the sugar dissolves. Add the rum and ice cubes, stirring until well chilled. Place the ice sphere in the glass and strain in the drink, garnishing with the reserved vanilla bean half and a cherry. 

WITCHES BREW

This cocktail was created as a tribute to the Broadway musical The Addams Family, and takes inspiration from Grandmama. Despite practicing potions and spells, her craft has become a bit rusty. In contrast, this recipe is pure magic.

This recipe serves 4 and is made in a French Press but can also be made on the stove in a saucepan. For an alcohol-free version, simply omit the spirits.

Ingredients:

• 3 c. boiling water
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. ground coffee
• 4 juniper berries
• 3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon sticks
• 1 allspice berries
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 4 oz. cognac
• 4 oz. orange liqueur

Garnish:

• Whipped Cream
• Cinnamon sticks
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans, crushed

Directions:

Combine coffee and dried spices in a French press.  Add boiling water, cover and allow to steep for 5 mins. Pour one ounce of cognac and one ounce of orange liqueur in four brandy snifters or glass mugs.  Top each off with 5 oz. of spiced coffee and garnish with a dolloped of whipped cream, cinnamon stick and crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans.