Draught of Living Death | Harry Potter Inspired Cocktails
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What’s Up, Hungry People
Grab your portkeys, hungry people. It’s Harry Potter week! Every year during the last week of July, I transfigure my kitchen into Hogwarts. This year especially, I think everyone deserves a stiff drink.
That’s right, Muggles. This year we’re exploring the world of Harry Potter by concocting our own magical cocktails.
For our first drink, we find ourselves locked into a Potions class in the dungeons, where we’ll be brewing the dangerous sleeping potion Draught of Living Death. If the Deathly Hallows were a cocktail, this is the form they would take. Three powerful liquors combine to make a sweet and tart potion that will assuredly knock you out after only a few sips.
In the sixth movie, The Half-Blood Prince, Harry uses notes he finds in his used potions textbook to brew a perfect Draught of Living Death—one which Professor Slughorn claimed that “one drop would kill us all.” Which is sort of silly considering it’s a sleeping potion, not a poison.
With a tangy sweetness brought out by tonic water and cranberry juice, the color of this drink is the best part. Mixing Blue Curaçao and cranberry juice produces a deep purple color that just looks like dark magic. I’ve never been a big drinker, so this foray into the dark arts of potion making was quite an adventure for me. And the dangerous part about this drink in particular is that it absolutely lives up to its name. After two or three of these, you’ll definitely be feeling some kind of living death the next morning.
Made with a combination of vodka, rum, and gin, it’s just the right amount of sweet and tangy without knocking you out cold with the taste of alcohol—which makes these drinks all the more dangerous. I’d like to think this is the cocktail that Dumbledore would have sipped on while researching where to find the next Horcrux. It’s just dark and fruity enough that I think he would have enjoyed it alongside a dangerous handful of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
I definitely feel confident after a couple of these I’d go hunting down Horcruxes before falling asleep in Mad-Eye Moody’s cabinet.
Here’s What You Need
- Cranberry juice: Adds a tangy sweetness and a deep red color.
- Blue Curaçao: Provides a vibrant blue hue and a hint of citrus.
- Vodka: Adds a smooth, clean base with a kick.
- Rum: Brings in a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
- Gin: Adds botanical notes and a bit of complexity.
- Tonic water or soda water: Adds a fizzy touch and balances the sweetness.
- Crushed ice: Keeps the drink chilled and dilutes it slightly for balance.
Let’s Make Some Magic
Start by grabbing your cocktail shaker and filling it with ice. This step is crucial because no one wants a warm potion, right? Into the shaker, pour the cranberry juice, blue Curaçao, vodka, rum, and gin. Give it a good shake! Channel your inner potions master and make sure everything is well mixed.
Pour and Chill
Next, divide the mixture evenly between two glasses. Make sure each glass has about 1/2 cup of finely crushed ice. This will keep your drink nice and cold and give it that refreshing edge.
The Final Touch
Now, top off each glass with chilled tonic water or soda water. This not only adds a delightful fizz but also helps to mellow out the strong flavors from the liquors.
Enjoy Responsibly
And there you have it! Your very own Draught of Living Death. Sip carefully, my friends. This potion packs quite the punch. Perfect for a night of reminiscing about Hogwarts adventures or planning your next magical journey.
Tips for the Perfect Potion
- Use Fresh Ice: Freshly crushed ice keeps your drink cold without watering it down too quickly. If you don’t have an ice crusher, a good old-fashioned ziplock bag and rolling pin will do the trick.
- Balance Your Spirits: If you find the drink too strong, add a bit more tonic water or soda water. This will lighten the potency without losing the magic.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Add a slice of lime or a few cranberries to each glass for an extra touch of flavor and color. It makes the drink look even more enchanting.
- Chill Your Glasses: Before you start mixing, pop your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. This will keep your drink colder for longer and give you a little extra chill.
- Safety First: Remember, this drink is meant to be enjoyed responsibly. Don’t drink and fly on your broomstick, and make sure to stay hydrated with water between magical cocktails.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and love a good cocktail, this draught of living death will transport you straight to the magical world of Hogwarts. It’s potent, delicious, and perfect for those magical-themed gatherings. Just remember, this drink packs a punch, so enjoy it responsibly. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite Harry Potter moments or planning your next wizarding adventure, this cocktail will be the perfect companion.
Draught of Living Death | Harry Potter Inspired Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz blue Curaçao
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz rum
- 1 oz gin
- 6 oz tonic water or soda water, chilled
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, mix together the cranberry juice, blue Curaçao, vodka, rum, and gin.
- Pour the mix between two glasses with 1/2 cup finely crushed ice in each glass, then top off with chilled tonic water. Enjoy responsibly while hunting horcruxes.
