Witching Hour Smash

The Witching Hour Smash is a spooky cocktail that blends smoky, fruity, and spicy flavors into one bold drink. Mezcal gives the cocktail its signature smokiness, while fresh blackberries add a rich berry sweetness and vibrant color. A splash of chile liqueur introduces gentle heat, balanced by the tartness of pomegranate juice and the smooth sweetness of agave. This mix creates a harmony of flavors that feels both refreshing and complex. To finish, a smoky rosemary garnish adds aroma and drama, making the Witching Hour Smash a perfect choice for Halloween parties or mysterious late-night gatherings.

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Tasting Notes

The Witching Hour Smash is a smoky, fruity cocktail that balances sweet, tart, and spicy notes in perfect harmony. Mezcal gives it a smooth, smoky backbone, while the chile liqueur adds a gentle heat that lingers on the palate. Fresh blackberries and pomegranate juice bring deep berry richness and color, complemented by the bright tang of lime juice. Agave syrup ties everything together with subtle sweetness. The result is a dark, mysterious drink that’s bold yet refreshing, perfect for Halloween nights. Each sip delivers layers of fruit, spice, and smoke that keep you coming back for more.

Equipment and Glassware

To make the Witching Hour Smash, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending and chilling the ingredients. A muddler is essential for crushing the blackberries and releasing their flavor and juice. A jigger helps ensure accurate measurement of each component, keeping the drink balanced. Use a strainer for a clean pour, removing fruit pulp for a smooth texture. Serve in a rocks glass or short tumbler, which highlights the cocktail’s rich color and allows space for fresh ice and garnish. Keep your glass chilled before serving for an extra refreshing finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz mezcal
• 0.5 oz chile liqueur
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz agave syrup
• 8 blackberries
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• Rosemary sprig blackberry, and lime for garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, add the blackberries, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
• Muddle the mixture thoroughly to release the juices from the blackberries.
• Add the pomegranate juice, chile liqueur, and mezcal to the shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice, and shake until the drink is well chilled.
• Strain the cocktail into a glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a fresh blackberry, and a lime wedge for an enchanting presentation.

Pro Tips

• Use ripe blackberries for vibrant flavor and color.
• Muddle gently to avoid bitterness from seeds.
• Shake hard to blend smoky and fruity elements evenly.
• Adjust agave syrup for desired sweetness.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for crisp acidity.
• Garnish with rosemary for an aromatic touch.
• Lightly torch rosemary before serving for added smoke.
• Serve immediately for optimal texture and temperature.

When to Serve

The Witching Hour Smash is perfect for Halloween parties, evening gatherings, or fall events where rich flavors and dramatic presentation shine. Its deep purple-red hue and smoky aroma make it ideal for moody settings or candlelit celebrations. The balance of mezcal, spice, and fruit makes it versatile enough to serve as a pre-dinner drink or centerpiece cocktail. It pairs well with grilled dishes, spicy appetizers, or chocolate-based desserts. This cocktail brings both atmosphere and flavor, making it a memorable addition to any festive fall menu.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Mezcal: Del Maguey Vida, Montelobos, or Dos Hombres for smoky smoothness.
• Chile Liqueur: Ancho Reyes for balanced heat and depth.
• Pomegranate Juice: POM Wonderful or fresh-pressed for vibrant color.
• Agave Syrup: Tres Agaves or Wholesome Organic for clean sweetness.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for natural brightness.

Similar Cocktails

• Berry Dangerous
• Smoky Tamarind Margarita
• Blue Mezcalita
• Tamarind Mezcal Smash
• Pineapple Mezcal Sour