Ingredients
- 1 oz Licorice Liqueur
- 1 Pint(s) Cider Beer
- Blackcurrant Soda
Instructions
Pour Licorice Liqueur:
- Pour 1 oz licorice liqueur (such as Pernod) into a pint glass.
Add Cider:
- Fill the glass almost to the top with cider beer.
Top with Blackcurrant Soda:
- Add a splash of blackcurrant soda to finish.
Mix and Serve:
- Stir gently if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy the bold, unique flavors.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who mixed up the first Red Witch, or when. This isn't a drink you'll find in any dusty cocktail manuals from the turn of the century. It feels like a modern invention, something that probably started as a 'what if' behind a busy bar.
Think of it as a distant, darker cousin to your standard shandy or radler. While those lean light and refreshing, the Red Witch goes for bold flavor. It's a beer cocktail, sure, but it plays by its own rules, pulling in strong, distinctive notes that set it apart.
You're not ordering this at a fancy hotel bar. This is a pub pour, a festival special, or something you whip up when you're tired of the usual. It’s for when you want a drink that makes a statement without needing a long story.
What it tastes like
The first thing that hits you is that unmistakable anise and licorice punch from the liqueur. It’s strong, unapologetic, and then the cider beer steps in to mellow it out with its crisp apple notes. Finally, the blackcurrant soda adds a dark, fruity sweetness that brings it all together, cutting through the other flavors with a tart edge. It's a bold, sweet, and surprisingly complex mix.
With a full ounce of licorice liqueur mixed into your pint of cider, this drink clocks in a little higher than your average beer. If your liqueur is around 40% ABV and your cider is 5%, you're looking at something closer to 7% or 8% ABV. Treat it like a slightly stronger cider, not something you’ll be slamming back all night unless you have a high tolerance for good times.
The technique
Building a Red Witch is as straightforward as it gets. Grab a pint glass, pour in the licorice liqueur first. Then, slowly top it off with your cider beer, leaving a little room at the top. Finish with a solid splash of blackcurrant soda. No fancy shakers or strainers needed, just a steady hand.
The key here is the stir, or lack thereof. A gentle swirl or two is all you need to marry the flavors without flattening the cider. You want those bubbles to stick around, keeping the drink lively. Don't go crazy with a bar spoon like you're whipping up a Ramos Gin Fizz.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Licorice Liqueur
- Use
- Pernod, Ricard, or even a good quality Sambuca if you're feeling extra bold. Something with a real anise punch.
- Skip
- Super-sweet, syrupy versions that don't have enough alcohol to stand up. Also avoid anything too aggressively medicinal.
- Why
- This is the star of the show, the flavor that gives the Red Witch its name. It needs to be potent enough to shine through the cider and soda.
Cider Beer
- Use
- A dry, crisp apple cider works best. Think something like Strongbow or Magners, not too sweet or overly flavored.
- Skip
- Super sweet dessert ciders, or anything with strong berry or tropical fruit notes already. It will clash with the blackcurrant.
- Why
- The cider forms the bulk of the drink, providing the carbonation and a tart, refreshing base that cuts through the strong licorice.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Dark Witch
- Goes to the dark side
- Swap the cider beer for a dry stout or porter. The roasted notes add a whole new layer of depth to the licorice and blackcurrant, making it even more mysterious.
Ruby Witch
- A different kind of fruit
- Try a cherry soda or a raspberry soda instead of blackcurrant. It keeps the fruity sweetness but offers a slightly different tart profile.
Absinthe Witch
- Amp up the anise
- For those who truly love licorice, a tiny dash (a few drops) of absinthe can replace some or all of the licorice liqueur, giving it an even more potent, herbal kick.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Ouzo, raki, or even a strong anisette can step in. Just be mindful of the sweetness levels and adjust accordingly.
A light, crisp lager with a splash of apple juice will get you close, or a dry hard seltzer if you want to keep the apple notes.
Cherry soda or raspberry soda will give you a similar dark fruit sweetness. A dash of blackcurrant syrup with club soda works too.
Any large highball glass or a sturdy beer mug will do the trick. Just make sure it holds at least 16 ounces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Red Witch?
A Red Witch contains licorice liqueur, cider beer, and a splash of blackcurrant soda. It's built directly in a pint glass and served without ice.
Is the Red Witch sweet?
Yes, it definitely leans sweet, thanks to the licorice liqueur and blackcurrant soda. The cider beer helps to balance it, but it's not a dry drink.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
You could try a non-alcoholic anise syrup with a non-alcoholic cider and blackcurrant soda, but the flavor profile won't be quite the same without the boozy kick.
What kind of licorice liqueur should I use?
Pernod or Ricard are good choices. Look for something that has a strong anise flavor without being overly syrupy or artificial tasting.
Should I use ice?
Typically, no. It's served like a beer, chilled from the fridge. Adding ice will dilute the flavors too quickly and flatten the carbonation.
Is this a strong drink?
It's definitely stronger than a regular cider or beer, but not as potent as a spirit-forward cocktail. Expect an ABV similar to a strong craft beer.
Why is it called Red Witch?
The name likely comes from the dark, reddish hue of the drink combined with its bold, somewhat mysterious flavor profile, especially the licorice.
Can I pre-batch a Red Witch?
No, absolutely not. This is a build-in-glass drink due to the carbonation from the cider beer and soda. Make each one fresh.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
