Witch’s Heart Cocktail

Step into the shadows with the Witch’s Heart Cocktail Recipe, a spellbinding concoction that weaves dark magic into every sip. This shimmery purple elixir, crafted with the deep, tart sweetness of blackberry liqueur and the blood-red allure of grenadine, dances in your glass like a potion from a gothic fairy tale. It’s haunting beauty is amplified by an optional dry ice effect, creating a misty, otherworldly vibe that’s as delicious as it is enchanting—ideal for those who revel in the mysterious and macabre.

Ingredients (makes 2 cocktails):

3 fl oz (90 mL) Homemade Blackberry Shimmery Liqueur (see below for preparation)

1.5 fl oz (44 mL) apple juice (or apple liqueur for a stronger kick), chilled

¾ fl oz (22 mL) simple syrup (adjust to taste; more for sweeter, less for tart)

1 fl oz (30 mL) vodka, chilled

½ fl oz (15 mL) lemon juice, fresh-squeezed

2–4 drops grenadine (for the sinking “heart” effect)

¼ tsp purple luster dust (food-grade, for shimmer; e.g., Brew Dust or Luxe Edible Glitter)

Optional: Small piece of dry ice (food-grade, for smoky effect; handle with care)

Garnish: Fresh blackberries or a stir stick

Homemade Blackberry Shimmery Liqueur (makes enough for 4 drinks):

1 cup (240 mL) vodka

1 cup (150 g) fresh blackberries

¼ tsp purple luster dust (food-grade, for shimmer)

Equipment:

Cocktail shaker

Martini or coupe glasses (narrow-bottomed for best effect)

Cheesecloth or fine sieve (for straining liqueur)

Sous vide (optional, for faster infusion) or glass jar with tight lid

Instructions:

Prepare Blackberry Shimmery Liqueur (make ahead):

Fridge Infusion: Place vodka and blackberries in a glass jar with a tight lid. Seal and let infuse in the fridge for 3–7 days (7 days for best flavor). Shake daily to mix.

Sous Vide Infusion (faster): Set sous vide to 130°F (54°C). Place vodka and blackberries in a sealed freezer bag using the water displacement method. Submerge in sous vide for 2 hours, then cool.

Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a clean jar, discarding solids. Add ¼ tsp purple luster dust and stir until the liqueur shimmers. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Chill Glasses: Place martini or coupe glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill.

Mix Cocktail:

In a cocktail shaker, combine 3 fl oz shimmery blackberry liqueur, 1.5 fl oz apple juice, ¾ fl oz simple syrup, 1 fl oz vodka, and ½ fl oz lemon juice.

Add a generous amount of ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to chill and combine.

Serve: Strain the cocktail into chilled martini or coupe glasses.

Add 1–2 drops of grenadine per glass; it will sink to the bottom, creating a “bleeding heart” effect.

Optional Dry Ice: If using dry ice, add a tiny, food-grade pellet (pea-sized) to each glass just before serving for a smoky, bubbling effect. Ensure it fully dissolves before drinking, and warn guests not to touch or swallow it.

Garnish with fresh blackberries or a stir stick.

Presentation: Encourage guests to stir the cocktail to reveal the shimmery swirls, enhancing the gothic, magical aesthetic. The purple luster dust creates a pearlescent, otherworldly glow, perfect for your Gothic Dust Diaries theme.

Serving Tips: Serve at a dimly lit gathering to enhance the cocktail’s mystical glow.

Pair with gothic-themed decor, like black candles or velvet tablecloths, to match your page’s vibe.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with sparkling water and skip the liqueur, using blackberry juice mixed with luster dust.

 By: Dini Kodippili - The Flavor Bender