The Scythe Octopus, a creature I was going to write lore for and then my computer crashed. In short, it’s an octopus with scythes at the ends of its tentacles. Not because a drunk wizard made it or anything, just because it sounded metal at midnight last night.
Yep! It’s time for another magical cocktail and to make some potions and imbibe some witch’s brew with family and friends.
This cocktail can be made non alcoholic as well and will still be very tasty. Simply don’t add the whiskey!
Now, I big batched this cocktail, but for you guy, I’ll give it as an individual recipe that you can make either for one or two people, or to make a nice party punch.
2oz whiskey
1/2oz spiced syrup*
3 oz Apple cider
2 oz ginger beer** (ginger ale if not available!)
Squeeze of lemon juice, and garnish with either slice of apple, or lemon twist
Shake whiskey, spiced syrup, lemon and apple cider over ice. Pour ginger beer in a cup with ice and strain cocktail into it. Stir clockwise and serve.
This cocktail is one of gathering and invigoration. Giving a spiritual boost to make it through the upcoming seasons, and a reminder that seasons change and we get to witness it. The cider should have cinnamon in it, if it doesn’t, add a stick to the syrup.
The Magic Explained: The peppercorns represent the seasons and energizing you to make it through then. Black for fall, white for winter, green for spring, and pink for summer. Apples are a seasonal connection to the harvest and gathering as friends. Lemon is a citrus and follows the tradition of citrus during the cold months and being a symbol of the sun and it’s return. Following the tradition of giving citrus for fall and winter holidays. Whiskey for its connection to warmth and celebration also has its history being given to warm up a stranger at your door on a cold night (and adorable st. Bernard’s with barrels on their neck of it is something that always brought a smile to my face.) Ginger has a long tradition of protection, energizing and healing in folk medicine, drawing out toxins and allowing people to heal.
*Spiced syrup: makes approximately 1.5 cups syrup.
Mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in saucepan and heat on low.
Add in cracked cardamom pods (about 4) or ½ tsp cardamom seeds.
Add in 1 tbsp cracked mixed peppercorns (white, Black, green and pink)
Simmer until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture starts to thicken a small amount. Let cool completely and then strain out cardamom and peppercorns
**Ginger Beer is a slightly more flavorful ginger ale. It’s non alcoholic and has more ginger in it than the more widespread ginger ale.
So, have a good holiday season, and share a toast with those you hold dear!
