If you’re looking to shake things up for your next Halloween bash, you’ve gotta try the Hocus Pocus Paloma. This Halloween cocktail brings together bright colors and tangy flavors, so it’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.
It’s easy to make, and honestly, you don’t need anything fancy.
I love how this Hocus Pocus cocktail just pops on the table with its spooky vibes. My friends always want the recipe, and it never fails to impress.
Scroll down if you want to mix up your own Hocus Pocus Paloma!
Hocus Pocus Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Making a Hocus Pocus Paloma is honestly a blast, especially for parties or movie nights. The colors and citrusy punch make every sip feel a little special.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I always use this to get everything mixed up just right.
- Jigger or shot glass: Makes measuring a breeze.
- Strainer: Keeps out any big ice chunks or pulp.
- Tall glass (highball or Collins): I like seeing the layers, honestly.
- Bar spoon: Handy for a quick stir or layering.
- Citrus juicer: Fresh juice is worth the tiny bit of effort.
- Fine mesh sieve (optional): If you want it super smooth.
- Ice cubes: Gotta keep things cold.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Vodka (for the cool color)
- 2 oz Pineapple juice (sweet and tropical)
- 2 oz Orange juice (brings the zing)
- 1 oz Lemon juice (extra brightness)
- 1 oz Apple brandy (smooth apple notes)
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao (sweet orange liqueur, plus that blue pop)
- 1 oz Gold rum (warm and a little spicy)
- Splash of simple syrup (sweeten to taste)
- Splash of club soda (for fizz)
- Optional: Salt or sugar for the rim, and orange or pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Rub a lemon or orange wedge around the glass edge, then dip it in salt or sugar to rim it.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add 1 oz butterfly pea flower vodka, 2 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz orange juice, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz apple brandy, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 1 oz gold rum.
- Add a splash of simple syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Shake well for about 20 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain into your rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda for some fizz.
- Give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with an orange or pineapple wedge, and serve right away.
Notes
Butterfly pea flower vodka is just magic—its blue color goes purple when you add citrus. It’s a neat trick and totally fits the Hocus Pocus theme.
Fresh pineapple and orange juice really do make a difference. If you can, go for the real stuff.
Want it lighter? Just add a little more club soda. If you like things strong, use less or skip it altogether.
Sometimes I swap in grapefruit juice for the orange if I’m craving something extra tart.
For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, just skip the vodka, brandy, rum, and curaçao. Use tonic water for fizz, and maybe a splash of grenadine for sweetness. That way, everyone gets in on the fun.
Equipment
- Jigger or shot glass
- Tall glass (highball or Collins)
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Vodka
- 2 oz Pineapple juice
- 2 oz Orange juice
- 1 oz Lemon juice
- 1 oz Apple brandy
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 1 oz Gold rum
- Splash of simple syrup optional, to taste
- Splash of club soda
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: orange or pineapple wedge
- Optional rim: salt or sugar
Instructions
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lemon or orange wedge and dip in salt or sugar, if desired.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add butterfly pea vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, apple brandy, blue curaçao, and gold rum.
- Add a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Shake for 20 seconds until chilled.
- Fill your serving glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange or pineapple wedge and serve.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Hocus Pocus Paloma, the bright grapefruit flavor hits first. It’s fresh and lively, honestly wakes up your taste buds.
There’s a gentle sweetness that balances out the tartness, but it never gets too sugary.
I really like the fizzy texture from the soda. Those bubbles just make it more fun.
The tequila (if you use it) doesn’t overpower anything. It blends in with the other flavors.
Here’s what stands out to me:
- Citrus: Grapefruit and lime
- Sweet: A hint of agave or simple syrup
- Herbal: Light notes from the tequila
- Fizzy: Sparkling soda
The finish is always clean, with a soft tang that makes me want another sip.
If you use a salt rim, you’ll get a little savory kick at the start, but it doesn’t take over.
This drink is refreshing and never feels heavy, so it’s perfect for warm days or just hanging out with friends.
Substitute
You know, sometimes I just don’t have everything on hand for the Hocus Pocus Paloma. Or maybe I’m just in the mood to switch things up a bit.
Here are a few swaps I reach for:
Equipment
- Pretty much any glass will do if I can’t find the right cocktail glass.
- Honestly, I’ll just use a spoon to mix if my cocktail shaker’s gone missing.
Ingredients
- Tequila: If I’m out, I’ll grab gin or vodka instead.
- Grapefruit soda: Club soda plus a splash of fresh grapefruit juice is my quick fix.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice steps in when limes are nowhere to be found.
- Simple syrup: I’ll use honey or agave if that’s what I’ve got.
- Colored sugar rim: Sometimes I mix a drop of food coloring into white sugar and call it good.
Instructions
- I usually swap out one thing at a time to see what actually works.
- If I’m subbing a different liquor, I just keep the same amount as in the original.
- For the rim, I’ll dip the glass in whatever sugar I’ve made, or just skip it if I’m feeling lazy.
Honestly, I kind of like the way these little changes can surprise me. Sometimes the cocktail ends up with a whole new vibe.
