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Sharing a “spooky” Halloween cocktail that’s one of my fall favorites, The Golden Snitch Cocktail. Inspired by the Harry Potter series, this bubbly golden drink is a mix of sweet apple cider, whiskey, St. Germain (elderflower liquor), lemon, maple, and spices. This incredibly simple cocktail is nothing short of delicious. It’s the perfect moody drink to serve up this Halloween…or anytime you’re in need of a good Harry Potter cocktail.
It’s only just October, but I’m already getting into the “spooky” cocktails. Clearly I am way too excited that October has finally arrived. In my defense, it is a pretty exciting month. First with the release of HBH Super Simple on the 29th and then Halloween on the 31st. Can’t wait!
But I’m also just really excited for the next few weeks leading up to everything. We have so much work ahead of us, so it’s a little overwhelming. But I’m happy that my “work” requires me to be creative and mix up recipes like this fun Harry Potter themed drink. It’s my favorite thing to do.
The inspiration
If you’ve read the Harry Potter series or seen the movies, you know that the “Golden Snitch” is a tiny little gold ball with wings. It’s the ball used in the game of Quidditch, and it’s Harry’s job as the seeker to catch the snitch. The golden color of the snitch is what inspired this cocktail. And that’s the back story.
Honestly, I’ve wanted to create a cocktail called the Golden Snitch for years. Finally, this was the year!
I knew I wanted to create a drink that was deep gold in color, bubbly, and delicious. I also knew it needed to be perfectly seasonal, warming, and a touch bubbly too.
Here is how you make the golden snitch
The best part about this drink is how easy it is. Just shake up some fresh apple cider, whiskey or bourbon, a touch of St. Germain (elderflower liquor), lemon, maple for sweetness, cinnamon, and ginger. Strain into a fancy coupe glass rimmed in cinnamon sugar. Add ice, add bubbles, and finish with a cinnamon stick.
Takes 5 minutes to put together, is incredibly pretty, but yet moody at the same time. And most importantly…it’s delicious! A touch sweet, but not overpowering in any way…because I really dislike overly sweet cocktails. It has a kick from the whiskey, spice from the ginger, and warmth from the cider and cinnamon.
SO GOOD.
And do you see the Golden Snitch floating around each cocktail? That’s simply a cocktail cherry, wrapped in edible gold leaf. I stuck in small feathers for wings and placed them around the drinks. Simple, but it works.
Since I know many of you host Halloween parties, I’ve provided you with both a single cocktail recipe, as well as a punch variation that’s perfect for entertaining!
And guys? That’s it. As is customary with Cocktail Saturday posts, I’m keeping things short and sweet. Hope you all enjoy this fun Harry Potter inspired cocktail…and all the upcoming cocktails we’ll be sharing from now until Christmas!
If you make the golden snitch cocktail be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
The Golden Snitch Cocktail.
Servings: 1
Calories Per Serving: 134 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- cinnamon sugar to rim glass
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liquor (St. Germain)
- juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 1-2 teaspoons, (more or less to taste) pure maple syrup
- dash ground cinnamon
- dash ground ginger
- sparkling water, for topping
Instructions
- 1. If desired, rim glasses in cinnamon sugar.2. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker except the sparkling water. Add ice and shake to combine. Strain into glass. 2. Add 1 ice cube and top with sparkling water. Serve with a cinnamon stick. Drink.Â
The Golden Snitch Punch
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 266 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- cinnamon sugar to rim glasses
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 9 ounces whiskey or bourbon (roughly 1 1/4 cups)
- 3 ounces elderflower liquor (St. Germain)(just over 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6-8 teaspoons (more or less to taste) pure maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2-4 cans sparkling water, for topping
Instructions
- 1. In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients except the sparkling water. Chill until ready to serve.2. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water. If desired, rim glasses in cinnamon sugar, fill with ice. Pour punch into glasses.
This was unbelievably delicious! Just a touch of sweetness and perfectly balanced.
So glad you are enjoying this recipe! Thanks so much! xT
Perfect fall drink! I used some cranberry flavored sparkling water. Added a nice touch.
Thank you Katie! I appreciate it! xT
Thank you for explaining the origin of the name as I *gasp* have not read Harry Potter. This cocktail is a winner!!! As you said, it’s not too sweet. It is PERFECT for fall!!!
Thank you so so much Emme! xT
Could I substitute Prosecco for the sparkling water?
Hi there,
Sure, I don’t see why not! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it’s delish! xx
super tasty!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Cheers! xT
Wow! I made this for a Halloween party and it was a HUGE hit! I used Four Roses Bourbon, for anyone wondering what alcohol to choose, and thought it blended perfectly. I have to double my batch for next year so I don’t run out again!
Hey Dani! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad you enjoyed this recipe! xTieghan
Had this cocktail on repeat for the entire Halloween weekend. Delish! Instead of the the sparkling water I used ginger beer or a Mike’s Lemonade. So darn good and Im not even a fan of whiskey.
Hi there! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! ? xTieghan
Where did you get those cute cocktail glasses?!
Hey Marcie! I’m so sorry, I don’t have a link for them! xTieghan
s there a different liquor I can substitute the whiskey/bourbon?
Solid recipe, just a little sweet for my taste. I’m a huge fan of St. Germain and Harry Potter, and I happened to have Apple Cider on hand from the holidays. I added and extra dash of cinnamon on the top after the sparkling water, I found that helped kick it up a little. I’d also try having a little more bourbon in it next time, but maybe that’s just me ?
Hey Lora,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
It much be the whisky I’m using, but I couldn’t taste any of the yummy Elderflower or even apple cider! It was like taking a straight shot of whisky when I had my first sip! Could you please add a few recommended types of whisky to your blog post? I used Balcones, which was a 100 proof single malt whisky (not cheap, just has a really strong flavor profile). You need a nice, tame whisky that doesn’t have a massive flavor. I have a vanilla whisky that I think will work well, but only after I dump out the batch I’ve just made.
Hey Jessica,
So sorry you did not enjoy the recipe. I really like Off Hours or Four Roses. I hope this helps! xTieghan
Delicious! Glad to have another way to use elderflower.
Yes! So glad you enjoyed this one, Sarah! xTieghan
Made this for Halloween tonight and lovvvved it.
Even my partner who doesn’t like whiskey cocktails loved it. Absolute perfection, wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you so much Veronica! xTieghan
I love this drink! I used apple whiskey! I had to use apple juice which is a little sweeter than Apple cider. It was so easy to drink fast. I do like my cocktails a little less sweet so I’d probably omit the maple syrup and reduce the apple cider.
Hi Laurie! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help! xTieghan