“Oh look, another glorious morning. Makes me sick!” I’m with the Sanderson sisters on this one, so let’s celebrate the night with a Hocus Pocus cocktail that’s perfect for adult Halloween parties or witch themed events, especially when watching the iconic movies!
What is a Hocus Pocus Cocktail?
Nothing is amuck here! This Hocus Pocus cocktail is a gin-based cocktail designed to look like a witch’s brew, which is inspired by the Sanderson sisters from the 90’s cult classic movie Hocus Pocus.
Katie’s Tip
If you love movie inspired drinks, then take a trip to Ancient Rome with my Gladiator Cocktail!
This mixed drink features a magic color-changing gradient, ending with a purple color that’s perfectly witchy for the spooky season, and even matches the youngest of the trio Sarah Sanderson’s outfit!
Add a little bit of shimmer and a refreshing club soda finish to make your brew bubbly, and you’ve got a perfect cocktail for guests for Halloween, a Hocus Pocus movie marathon, or any other witch-themed events!
For some non-alcoholic options for the kids, check out my Galaxy Color Changing Lemonade for a similar effect, or a spooky copycat Sonic Witches Brew Slush Float!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Hocus Pocus Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 ounces Empress gin
- ½ ounce blue curacao
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1-2 ounces club soda (depending on glass size and desired strength)
- ⅛ tsp food grade purple luster dust (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Using Empress gin is important because of the color (and color changing) properties it has. It’s naturally Indigo, and takes on a more purple color when it reacts with the acid in lemonade. If you wanted to use a different base spirit, you can use vodka, Blanco tequila, or a clear rum, but you’ll need to add butterfly pea tea powder for coloring and the magical effects
- For a sweeter drink, use lemonade instead of lemon juice (but the reaction is not as strong for the color) or add a touch of simple syrup. You could also just use a sweeter option in place of the club soda, like Sprite or ginger ale (though that can affect the color)
How to Make a Hocus Pocus Cocktail
- Fill a highball glass with crushed ice
- Measure and pour in the blue curacao, and then the lemon juice. Pour slowly so that they don’t completely mix; you can do this over the back of a spoon to help if you’re heavy handed
- Mix the gin with the edible luster dust (I do it right in the measuring cup) and then pour that into the glass gently
- Finish with the club soda, again making sure to slowly add it so it doesn’t mix too much (you want to have a nice gradient when you’re done)
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary, or a slice of lemon if desired (optional) and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
What Ingredients Are Commonly Used In A Hocus Pocus Cocktail?
The Hocus Pocus cocktail usually features indigo gin, along with blue curacao, lemon, and bubbles from club soda or a lemon-lime soda like Sprite. The result is a purple-colored cocktail that fits with the witchy theme.
You could also use plain spirits and a green liqueur (like apple pucker or Midori) instead of the curacao for a green variation, or use a pumpkin syrup and apple cider to make an orange variation. Serve all 3 options if you’d like to create an entire Sanderson sisters collection!
Can You Make A Non-Alcoholic Version Of The Hocus Pocus Cocktail?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the Hocus Pocus cocktail by replacing the gin with sparkling water, soda, or a light-colored juice mixed with butterfly pea tea powder.
Omit the blue curacao (or use a non-alcoholic syrup form of it), and add the lemonade and soda as usual.
How Can You Add A Magical Touch To A Hocus Pocus Cocktail?
Using food grade edible glitter is the best way to add a magical, potion-like feel to your Hocus Pocus cocktail.
Other options could include the use of glow-in-the-dark ice cubes, or serve the drink in creatively shaped glasses with witch-themed garnishes.
What Are Some Variations Of The Hocus Pocus Cocktail?
Variations of the Hocus Pocus cocktail include using different ingredients to create different colors and flavor profiles. For example, apple cider instead of lemonade and pumpkin syrup along with bourbon makes a great orange Hocus Pocus.
For a green variation (to complete the Sanderson sisters) you can use apple pucker or Midori instead of blue curacao, and green shimmer, apple vodka, and apple juice.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Hocus Pocus Cocktail
- This drink is on the tart side as written, since the blue curacao is the only sweeter element. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use Sprite or a similar lemon-lime soda instead of club soda, or add a bit of honey or a similar sweetener to the lemon juice
- The edible glitter will settle over time so this drink is best consumed immediately after preparing. Chill ingredients in advance to ensure a nice cold sip!
Storage and Presentation Tips
- Due to the carbonated and layered elements of the Hocus Pocus cocktail, it is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you want to squeeze lemons or make a homemade lemonade in advance, you can do that to save time!
- Garnishes are optional, but you could use a purple or orange sugar rim on your glass, a sprig of herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for an herbal note and witchy feel, or a slice of lemon or lemon wedge to compliment the citrus notes of the drink
Final Thoughts
A Hocus Pocus cocktail is such a fun and magical-looking mixed drink that’s perfect for Halloween night or your movie watching marathon! The Sanderson sisters would be proud of your magical potion!
It’s a cool and refreshing sip with a citrus flavor profile, and with just 4 ingredients (plus ice and glitter) it’s simple to make as well. I think it’s the perfect Halloween cocktail because it’s beautifully bewitching and always a crowd pleaser!
This witches brew isn’t overly sweet either, and while you can certainly tweak it to your tastes, it’s perfect for those who don’t like super sugary cocktails!
Looking for more inspiration for Halloween or your witch-themed event? Check out all of my amazing Witch Cocktail Recipes for all the potions, brews, and magical concoctions you can try!
Hocus Pocus Cocktail Recipe With Gin
Equipment
- Highball glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Empress gin
- ½ ounce blue curacao
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1-2 ounces club soda (depending on glass size and desired strength)
- ⅛ tsp food grade purple luster dust (optional)
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with crushed iceCrushed ice
- Measure and pour in the blue curacao, and then the lemon juice. Pour slowly so that they don’t completely mix; you can do this over the back of a spoon to help if you’re heavy handed½ ounce blue curacao, 1 ounce lemon juice
- Mix the gin with the edible luster dust (I do it right in the measuring cup) and then pour that into the glass gently2 ounces Empress gin, ⅛ tsp food grade purple luster dust
- Finish with the club soda, again making sure to slowly add it so it doesn’t mix too much (you want to have a nice gradient when you’re done)1-2 ounces club soda
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary, or a slice of lemon if desired (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- Using Empress gin is important because of the color (and color changing) properties it has. It’s naturally Indigo, and takes on a more purple color when it reacts with the acid in lemonade. If you wanted to use a different base spirit, you can use vodka, tequila, or a clear rum, but you’ll need to add butterfly pea tea powder for coloring and the magical effects
- For a sweeter drink, use lemonade instead of lemon juice (but the reaction is not as strong for the color). You could also just use a sweeter option in place of the club soda, like Sprite
- This drink is on the tart side as written, since the blue curacao is the only sweeter element. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use Sprite or a similar lemon-lime soda instead of club soda
- The edible glitter will settle over time so this drink is best consumed immediately after preparing
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
