Spooky Season Mocktail

Once darkness falls and vampires begin emerging from their satin-lined coffins and werewolves serenade with their haunting howls, many of us are gearing up for our own traditions to celebrate this season of spooky. For me, the month of October tends to unleash a beast with a taste for leaving the real horror to the mess of my craft cabinet and kitchen countertops. After wrapping up the finishing touches on my annually elaborate DIY costume, it was time to dust off the trusty cauldron to craft for my ghoulish guests to sip on during our Halloween festivities. Since no spirits should be contained to cheaply-made plastic goblets filled with sickly sweet, boozy syrup, I concocted a bewitching mocktail recipe that will trick and treat anyone who dares take a sip into having a spooktacular evening—alcohol-free!  

Bait n’ Witch

Makes 1 beverage.

Cast an enchanting spell on your taste buds with just one sip of this bubbling and shimmering indigo potion alchemized with the color-changing magic of butterfly pea flowers and a blueberry sage-infused syrup that is sure to knock any witch’s broom off!

Step One: Homemade Blueberry Sage Syrup  

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (I used frozen)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 Tbsp. organic sage leaf
• 1/4 cup organic butterfly pea flowers, packed
• 2 Tbs. fresh squeezed lemon juice + peel (about 1 large lemon) *See Pro-Tip above

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Bring to a low simmer over med-low heat, stirring frequently.
3. Allow to simmer for 10 – 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Once cooled, use a fine mesh strainer to strain solid bits from syrup.

Step Two: Mocktail Assembly

Ingredients

• 2 ounces prepared blueberry sage syrup (see above)
• 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 4 ounces ginger ale or ginger beer (I prefer ginger ale)
• Ice
• Purple edible luster duster (optional) *See Pro-Tips

Directions

1. To a cocktail shaker, combine syrup, lemon juice, and ice. Give everything a good shake for 15 - 20 seconds.
2. Pour into witchy goblet of choice and top off with ginger ale. Notice how the color of the drinks changes when the butterfly pea flower in the syrup reacts with the lemon juice!
3. Add optional luster dust and stir till combined. Top with sage leaf for garnish, if desired. Cheers!

Pro Tips

• I found edible luster dust at a local craft supply store. Craft stores and bakery supplies stores are your best bet at finding this fun and oh-so sparkly ingredient!
  
  
  
  

LOOKING FOR A BOO-TANICAL BITE TO SERVE WITH YOUR MOCKTAILS?

 Try These Gourmet Vegan Caramel Apple Bites Recipe!

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