liquid luck halloween cocktail;

Originally posted September 4, 2020. Updated July 14, 2024 for content and clarity.

Who loves Harry Potter recipes and who’s ready for Halloween?! I usually love Halloween. Handing out candy, the feel in local neighborhoods. Everyone’s in good spirits, and hopped up on sugar. But this year will probably be different with COVID-19. Guess we might need some liquid luck this year, am I right?

Make your own Felix Felicis liquid luck potion right at home to make this crazy year’s Halloween super fun. I’m even sharing 4 other potion recipes throughout the next few weeks and break down the recipes for cocktails and mocktails. This first Halloween cocktail is inspired by my love of Harry Potter. I’m a big Harry Potter nerd, although I’m not a fan of JK Rowling’s now publicized transphobic comments. But the Harry Potter series really holds a place in my childhood and heart.

My family read the books when they first came out, and we always anticipated the next book. We would only have one hard-backed copy of a book, which meant we were all desperate to read it. So our compromise was to read them out loud together, which was really fun. It’s actually a favorite childhood memory of mine. We’ve even been to Harry Potter World in universal studios in Florida–twice! I highly recommend visiting if you can, it’s so immersive and fun. But if you can’t or are waiting for COVID to allow you to travel again, this Halloween cocktail is sure to brighten your day, and just maybe your luck!

If you’re looking for other Harry Potter recipes, I got you covered! From butterbeer cookies, to chocolate frogs that will sort you into your Hogwarts House.

I had the most fun photographing this potion, trying to get the swirls and sparkles of the cocktail. If you think it looks cool in photographs, just wait until you see it in person. The sparkles do sink to the bottom if you let it sit for a while, but I think it actually makes it more fun.

Every time you take a swig or move it around, the sparkles whirl and catch the light, making it a delight to drink. Because who doesn’t need a little luck from their Halloween cocktail? Who knows, maybe it’ll help you get a sweet treat instead of mean tricks!

You’ll make the golden syrup in a large batch, so you’ll have enough for a whole tray of mini potion bottles.

secret to success

If I had to pick one potion from my Halloween cocktail series to serve at a party, this would be it. It’s just so darn cool looking. You’ll be making the golden syrup in a batch, so you’ll have enough for a whole tray of mini potion bottles. It’s super easy to provide the mocktail alternative as well, and it looks just as cool as the alcoholic version. Plus apple cider is just so autumnal. Perfect for Halloween.

The variations of this recipe make it perfect to serve liquid luck at any party and add a wow factor. Up for a little more work but want a super delicious apple-pie flavor? Got you covered with apple pie moonshine. Want an easier version of a cocktail? Apple cider + alcohol. Mocktail to make this kid or non-alcoholic friendly? Straight apple cider is your friend.

If you’re into the alcohol thing, for this liquid luck cocktail you need to make this apple pie moonshine. It’s so, so delicious (and alcoholic) in this liquid luck recipe. A one time investment for a big batch of delicious moonshine; there’s no downside. Actually maybe there’s one—it’s so delicious you’ll need to pay attention to how much you drink! It does contain a lot of alcohol. (We actually bottled this as our wedding favors! We gave kids non-alcoholic cider of course.)

If you’re into the alcohol thing, you need to make this apple pie moonshine, because it’s so, so delicious in this liquid luck recipe.

Secret to success

But if that’s too much work and you still want a cocktail version of this Halloween potion liquid luck, then apple cider and liquor is pretty easy and still tasty. If you planning to add alcohol to the cider, use 4 oz apple cider and 1oz bourbon, rum, or mead. It just won’t have as much depth of flavor and toasty cinnamon and warm spices as the moonshine. And of course, if you’re looking for kid-friendly options or just not into the alcohol thing, straight cider is the way to go.

The golden sparkles in felix felicis come from simple syrup made with gold sprinkles. It’s an easy and accessible way to get the gold into your drink. And the golden syrup is non alcoholic. Make-ahead, simple, AND glamorous? What more could you want? The recipe makes around 8oz of golden simple syrup using Wilton’s gold sprinkles.

The golden sparkles in Felix felicis come from simple syrup made with gold sprinkles.

Secret to success

I suggest storing your simple syrup in a glass bottle. Sugar syrup can get S-T-I-C-K-Y and glass will be the easiest to wipe down with a hot, wet paper towel. I use mason jars myself, which in addition to being glass, helps with storage. Since it’s sugar and water, the syrup should keep for a long time at room temperature as long as stored properly. Airtight seal, at room temperature, in a cool, dark place.

I’ll admit I went pretty heavy handed here with the gold syrup. I wanted the gold color to shine through for photographs. But it does add a lot of sweetness so start with 1oz and adjust based on preferred sweetness and color.

If you choose to use apple cider (as opposed to moonshine) keep in mind that sweet apples + sugar = lots of sweetness. I recommend using an apple cider with a hint of tartness, if you can find one. It really helps balance out the sweetness of the golden syrup.

I recommend using an apple cider with a hint of tartness to help balance against the sweetness.

Secret to success

Have you ever had a spicy mead? This is a super fun twist on your liquid luck cocktail because it adds a little heat of surprise. We love a local Maryland meadery, Orchid Cellars and they carry spicy meads! They’re fascinating, because they’re super sweet honey wine, except for the finish. After you swallow, you get a little tickle of heat in the back or your throat. It’s such a unique drink and pairs flawlessly with apple cider.

I recommend Orchid Cellar’s Fish Hunter mead to start. It has the perfect heat level without being overpowering or under helming. They do have spicier meads available, and even do some crazy limited batch releases. Every year they choose a crazy hot pepper for a Father’s Day release, but I admit I’m far too much of a wimp when it comes to spice to try them. Plus they sell out crazy fast, being limited editions and all.

To serve your liquid luck and be extra festive or Harry Potter themed, I suggest serving in potion bottles. I used these round potion bottles from Michael’s. The round bottles are my favorite shape from this series. They hold around 7 oz or 225 ml of liquid each. You can also look for smaller jars or favor bottles depending on your needs.

secrets to success;

Want all the best tips and tricks to make this recipe a success? Check out the blog post above to find out more!

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more recipes;

Looking for other festive recipes for Halloween or inspired by Harry Potter? Check out all these great recipes!

• Check out the other options in the 2020 Halloween cocktail series: Dragon’s Milk a chocolatey cocktail; Elixir of the Night, a spooky dark cocktail; Phoenix Breath, a gorgeous ombré cocktail; and Witches’ Brew, an electric green potion!
• Looking for other festive Harry Potter recipes? Look no further than chocolate frogs that will sort you into your Hogwarts house or butterbeer cookies, to name a few!
• Check out the whole spread of Halloween Cocktail recipes I’ve shared throughout the years on my roundup page of Halloween Cocktails to make your party scream!
• Make yourself the cutest pumpkin patch truffles on a fully edible patch of dirt!