Deep purple, nearly black and wonderfully smooth, this Old Fashioned is made for Halloween night. Blackberry liqueur and chocolate bitters give the bourbon a rich, velvety edge.
Halloween calls for a drink with a little drama, and this one delivers. The Witching Hour Old Fashioned is deep purple, nearly black and wonderfully smooth, with blackberry liqueur and chocolate bitters giving the bourbon a rich, velvety edge. It looks mysterious in the glass, tastes like dark fruit and cocoa, and takes about five minutes to make, which leaves plenty of time for costumes and candy.
What Is the Witching Hour Old Fashioned?
It follows the classic Old Fashioned build: bourbon, a touch of sweetness, bitters and a large ice cube. Here, demerara syrup brings a caramel note, blackberry liqueur adds jammy depth and a dash of chocolate bitters rounds everything out with a hint of cocoa.
The result is dark, glossy and gently sweet, with the oak and vanilla of the bourbon front and center. If you love our Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned, this is a seasonal companion to it.
Choosing Your Bourbon
A bourbon with a bit of rye in the mash gives the drink a peppery backbone that stands up to the blackberry, and our guide to the best high-rye bourbons will point you to some excellent bottles. If you like a softer, rounder sip, a wheated bourbon lets the chocolate and berry notes shine even more.
Choosing Your Blackberry Liqueur
Look for a liqueur made with real blackberries, usually labeled crème de mûre, for the deepest color and the most natural flavor. A little goes a long way, so start with ½ oz and add a touch more if you prefer a fruitier drink.
Tips for the Best Halloween Garnish
Spear two blackberries on a cocktail pick and rest it across the glass, or drop a single berry in for a dark, jewel-like finish. A large, clear ice cube keeps the drink looking sharp as it chills, and an expressed orange peel adds a bright, aromatic first impression. For a playful touch, tuck a small spider or bat pick into the garnish for photos.
Serving the Witching Hour for a Crowd
This cocktail is easy to prepare ahead of a party. For six drinks, combine 12 oz bourbon, 3 oz blackberry liqueur, 1½ oz demerara syrup, 12 dashes chocolate bitters and 6 dashes Angostura bitters in a bottle, then add 4½ oz water to replace the dilution from stirring. Chill it in the fridge and pour over ice, adding the garnish to each glass. It pairs well with dark chocolate, roasted nuts and a cheese board.
Why Lush Life Loves tIt
The blackberry adds a dark, jammy fruitiness and the chocolate bitters make every sip feel like an indulgence. It looks dramatic in the glass and is easy to pour for a crowd, which makes it a standout on any Halloween cocktail menu.
More Autumn Old Fashioneds to Try
If you’d like to keep sipping through the season, try our Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned, the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned or the Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned.
Here is the recipe
Witching Hour Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce blackberry liqueur
- ¼ ounce demerara syrup (equal parts demerara sugar and hot water, cooled)
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Orange peel and 2 blackberries on a pick, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, blackberry liqueur, demerara syrup and both bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir for about 30 seconds, until well chilled.
- Strain over one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Express an orange peel over the top, then garnish with the blackberries.