By Sara Rowland | Adapted for Buzz About Town, October 2026  

Deep purple, slightly tart and just sparkling enough, Blackberry Witch’s Brew brings a sophisticated touch to Halloween celebrations. Serve the original cocktail (published in the Fall 2026 issue of The Buzz Book), mix an equally festive zero-proof version -- or prepare a pitcher before guests arrive.

The Original Blackberry Witch’s Brew

Makes one cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce blackberry liqueur
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1½ ounces club soda, plus more if desired
• Black sanding sugar for the rim, optional
• Fresh blackberries and a rosemary sprig for garnish

Directions

1. Pour a little lemon juice onto a small plate and black sanding sugar onto another. Dip all or part of the glass rim into the juice, followed by the sugar.
2. Add the vodka, blackberry liqueur and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 to 12 seconds.
3. Strain over fresh ice and top with club soda. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a rosemary sprig.

Make It Zero-Proof

Strong black tea gives this version body and depth, while blackberry syrup replaces the fruit flavor and sweetness of the liqueur.

Makes one drink

Ingredients

• 2 ounces strong black tea, chilled
• 1 ounce blackberry syrup
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1½ ounces club soda, plus more if desired
• Black sanding sugar for the rim, optional
• Fresh blackberries and a rosemary sprig for garnish

Directions

Prepare the rim as directed above. Shake the chilled tea, blackberry syrup and lemon juice with ice. Strain over fresh ice, top with club soda and add the garnishes.

For the tea, steep one black tea bag in 4 ounces of hot water for about five minutes, then chill completely. A cocktail-quality blackberry syrup is the easiest option. If your syrup is especially sweet, begin with ¾ ounce and adjust after tasting.

Brew a Batch for Eight

Preparing the base ahead of time lets you enjoy the gathering instead of spending the evening behind the bar.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vodka
• 1 cup blackberry liqueur
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup cold water
• 1½ cups chilled club soda, plus more if desired
• Blackberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
• Black sanding sugar for the glasses, optional

Directions

1. Combine the vodka, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice and cold water in a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
2. Just before serving, gently stir in the club soda.
3. Pour over fresh ice in prepared glasses and garnish.

For the best flavor, prepare the base no more than several hours ahead. Add the club soda immediately before serving so it retains its sparkle, and avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher.

Make the Entire Batch Zero-Proof

For eight zero-proof servings, combine:

• 2 cups strong black tea, chilled
• 1 cup blackberry syrup
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup cold water
• 1½ cups chilled club soda

Combine the tea, syrup, lemon juice and water ahead of time. Refrigerate, then add the club soda just before serving.

Find Your Perfect Balance

Blackberry liqueurs and syrups vary in sweetness, so give the drink a quick taste before serving. If it’s too tart, add a little blackberry syrup or simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add another squeeze of lemon. For a lighter drink, simply finish it with more club soda.

Whichever version you choose, this deep-purple sip is ready to cast a spell over Halloween night.

Please enjoy responsibly.