Why this recipe Matters
Head into the Mystic this Halloween by crafting this charming cocktail or mocktail! This drink combines apple cider, blackberries, and spices, creating a magical experience perfect for any festive fall evening.
Halloween is arguably my favorite holiday! At least, until Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter roll around. Truth is, I like all of the holidays. Each one has its own unique something that they gift to my home, especially in the kitchen.
But, Halloween.
Halloween, is at the top of my list.
Black and white decorations everywhere, skeletons, pumpkins and a mystic cocktail, oh my!
I must admit that I don’t exactly do scary…I’m more into the gentle spookiness of Halloween. Think Addams Family, Casper and Hocus Pocus vibes. Ever since I was a kid, Hocus Pocus has been my favorite. The whimsy and magic of the charmed witchy trio, always gets me in the Halloween spirit! Channeling my inner Winifred Sanderson, I focus on food and drink around the movie theme. Then, I cozy up with whoever will watch it with me every fall.
This Mystic Blackberry Charmer is one of my kitchen musings this October. While creating it, I had thoughts in my head of moonlight and magic. And, of course, the Sanderson Sisters, each flying on their chosen apparatus into a mystic night sky.
Prepare your Taste Buds
I created the homemade syrup for the Mystic Blackberry Charmer by combining apple cider, blackberries, cinnamon, and sugar. The berry and cider mixture turns into syrup by simmering it on the stove. It remains uncovered to allow the water to evaporate. The result, is a glorious syrup, that is a mysterious deep shade of purplish plum. Good enough to eat from a spoon, but even better in a mystic cocktail or mocktail!
To a shaker, you’ll simply add the homemade syrup, your spirit of choice, ice and shake vigorously. Pour the cocktail into your favorite glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Into the mystical world of Hocus Pocus you’ll go!
Try this Mystic Blackberry Charmer Cocktail recipe. Undoubtedly, notes of berry, spice, and aromatic warm apple flavors will pour a little magic into your night! Plus you can easily make it into a Mocktail by substituting apple cider for the alcohol. Making either version, perfect for a Hocus Pocus movie night with the family or any fall evening under the stars.
I promise, a sip, will leave you craving just one more taste of stars and magic.
Happiest Halloween to you and yours.
Oh! And, Cheers Sistahs!!!
Handy Hints for Mystic Blackberry Cider Cocktail
•The homemade syrup can be made ahead. Store it in a tightly sealed mason jar and refrigerate for up to one week.
•Substitute white rum for vodka for a warmer flavor, if that’s your jam!
•Star Bamboo Cocktail Picks are available to purchase online. Simply add a fresh blackberry and blueberry for a festive garnish on your cocktail or mocktail!
•Stemless Mini Plastic Wine Glasses are available to purchase online. They are adorable for serving a mini cocktail or mocktail during a happy hour. They also work well with hors d’oeuvres for a dinner party. My kids love to have them in the mini glass on a movie night!
•DO NOT be tempted to mix the cocktail into a large batch and refrigerate hours ahead of serving. The interaction between the pectin in the syrup and the vodka, will cause the mixture to gel. Instead combine just before serving, if adding alcohol.
PrintMystic Blackberry Cider Cocktail
This Halloween, enjoy a charming Mystic Cocktail or Mocktail made with apple cider, blackberries, and spices. It’s perfect for festive gatherings, with a homemade syrup that adds layers of flavor. Ideal for cozy fall nights and family movie celebrations!
Ingredients
Blackberry Cider Syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, washed and dried
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- pinch of kosher salt
Sugar & Spice Rim
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons honey
To Make One Mystic Cocktail:
- 1 oz blackberry cider syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- 1–2 oz pure sparkling water
To Make One Mystic Mocktail:
- 1 oz blackberry cider syrup
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1–2 oz pure sparkling water
Instructions
Blackberry Cider Syrup
- To a small saucepan, add all of the syrup ingredients. Mash the blackberries a bit with a potato masher, stir and bring the berry mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, simmer on a low boil for ten minutes. Stir frequently, so the syrup does not burn on the bottom of the pan.
- Set a fine mesh sieve over a large glass measuring cup and carefully pour the hot syrup into the sieve to strain. Once the mixture is strained, discard the contents of the sieve and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Once the syrup is cooled, proceed to make the Mystic Cocktail/Mocktail or transfer to a mason jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate until ready.
Sugar & Spice Rim
- Combine the sugar and spices together and pour onto a shallow bowl or plate.
- Using a kitchen pastry brush, brush a 2 inch square of honey on the upper side of each glass. Dip the honey prepared part of the glass into the sugar mixture to coat.
To Make One Mystic Cocktail
- To a cocktail shaker, add syrup, vodka and a few cubes of ice. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Add ice to the prepared glasses. Pour the mixed cocktail evenly into two glasses.
- Top with 1-2 oz sparkling water, until the glass is full.
To Make One Mystic Mocktail
- To a cocktail shaker, add syrup, apple cider and a few cubes of ice. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Add ice to the prepared glasses. Pour the mixed cocktail evenly into two glasses.
- Top with 1-2 oz sparkling water, until the glass is full.
Notes
*One batch of the syrup makes 8 oz of syrup, enough to make 8 cocktails or 16 mini cocktails in the stemless mini wine glasses.
*Optional Garnish: Add a fresh blackberry and blueberry to a starred bamboo cocktail pick.
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