While the name might sound like more than you can swallow, a Witches Brew alcoholic drink is surprisingly delicious. Packed with melon flavours, this green monstrosity is a drink filled with enchantment. Add a touch of magic by using dry ice to create a bubbling cauldron. We promise you, your guests will think it is the cat’s whiskers!
Witches Brew
PREP TIME 10 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add ice to a cocktail shaker
02
2.
Pour in all the liquid
03
3.
Close it up and give it a good shake until icy cold
04
4.
Strain into a lowball glass filled with ice
05
5.
Garnish with a cherry or some gummy worms skewered onto a cocktail stick
What is a Witches Brew cocktail?
The Witches Brew drink is one of the most popular Halloween cocktails around. It’s packed with delicious tropical and melon flavors and is a brilliant little party trick to play on your guests. The name comes from its colour – a scary-looking neon green concoction that will remind you of a witches’ brew. You can choose to shake it up as a cocktail (or mini-cauldron, if you will) or turn it into a bewitching punch for guests to help themselves. There’s a little witch in all of us, so if the broom fits, jump on and make this cocktail!
What do you need in making the Witches Brew cocktail?
To become a cauldron-stirring witch, you’re going to need a big punch bowl, or cauldron if you happen to have one lying around. Then you’re going to need the first magic ingredient: melon liqueur. This is the potion that will turn your Witches Brew drink terribly green. (Insert cackle here). You will also need orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and dry ice. Now you’re nearly set.
How to make a Witches Brew cocktail?
If this is your first time experimenting with dry ice, here are some super important safety tips to keep in mind. Rule number one: do not touch the dry ice! Use gloves when handling it and tongs when dropping it into the drink. Rule number two: do not eat or swallow the dry ice. Not ever. The dry ice cube will dissolve in the drink within 5 minutes once it is done showing off. Rule number three: tell all your guests about rules number one and two before serving your Witches Brew drink! Read our guide to using dry ice safely for more tips and tricks.
Tips for using dry ice in a Witches Brew cocktail
- Put on safety gloves and goggles
- Put the dry ice into a plastic bag, let out the air, and tie it up
- Take a rolling pin (the kind you use in baking) and bang the bag with all your might to break the dry ice into big chunks
- Carefully remove one chunk and place it on a working surface
- Using a small ice pick, break the dry ice into smaller chunks
- Using a pair of tongs, drop the dry ice into the cocktail and watch the magic happen
Learn more: How to Make Dry Ice Drinks
How to make a Witches Brew for a party
To turn this drink into a crowd-pleasing punch, you will need bigger quantities of Witches Brew ingredients: 500 ml melon liqueur, 500 ml orange liqueur, 360 ml fresh lemon juice, and ice. Stir all the liquids together in a punch bowl, and add ice just before serving. Then, add a bigger chunk of dry ice to the punch to get it bubbling. Remember to give your guests all the safety info above. Something deliciously wicked comes this way!
Where did the Witches Brew cocktail come from?
The Witches Brew doesn’t have a single origin story, but it has become a Halloween staple thanks to its eerie green glow and bubbling dry ice effect. Inspired by the look of a witch’s cauldron, this drink likely evolved from tropical melon-based cocktails. Over time, bartenders added their own magical touches, using dry ice, different spirits, and even edible glitter to create a bewitching experience.
Can I swap ingredients in a Witches Brew?
Want to put your own spell on this potion? Here are some creative swaps:
- Use Blue Curaçao instead of orange liqueur for a deeper green colour.
- Add a splash of apple juice for a sweet, autumn-inspired twist.
- Try a smoky version by adding a rinse of mezcal for an eerie, campfire effect.
- Swap vodka for rum to make it even more tropical.
Read next: The 8 Best Blue Curaçao Substitutes (2024)
More spooky drinks to try
If you love the Witches Brew, you might also enjoy these Halloween-themed cocktails:
Beetlejuice Margarita. A hauntingly delicious green-hued Margarita with a tart citrus kick.
Love and Murder. A blood-red cocktail with rich berry flavours and a mysterious edge.
Pumpkin Martini. A smooth and spiced seasonal drink perfect for fall nights.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To add a bit of sparkle to your Witches Brew cocktail, add edible glitter. Simply shake it with all the cocktail drink ingredients before serving.
To make a Witches Brew cocktail you’ll need melon liqueur, Triple Sec, and Lemon Juice. To make it extra spooky, add dry ice before serving.
The vibrant neon green colour comes from melon liqueur, which is naturally bright and tropical. When mixed with other ingredients like lemon juice and orange liqueur, the shade can vary slightly but always stays spooky and eye-catching.
Absolutely! For a mocktail version, swap the melon liqueur for melon syrup and use fresh orange juice instead of orange liqueur. Add some club soda or lemon-lime soda for a bit of fizz.
Yes, as long as it’s handled properly. Always use tongs or gloves when adding dry ice to your cocktail, and never ingest it directly. The dry ice will dissolve within a few minutes, leaving behind its signature misty magic.
