The smoky, rosemary-infused Wolfsbane potion cocktail is perfect for relieving the effects of werewolfery.
Pack your trunks and head over to King’s Cross station platform 9 3/4’s to catch the Hogwarts Express as we embark on our next exciting culinary adventure. Join us as we explore the wizarding world of Harry Potter and experience our very own Hogwarts Feast!
In the wizarding world of Harry Potter there is no known cure for werewolfery. However, wolfsbane potion was created in order to relieve the symptoms of werewolfery and allow the werewolf to sleep through its monthly transformation. The potion works by allowing the werewolf to retain his or her human consciousness when in wolf-form.
Wolfsbane potion is unfortunately rather complex and expensive for the average wizard making it difficult to brew and often unattainable. So we’ve created a cost effective and delicious cocktail that won’t break the bank and is easier to brew than the famed wolfsbane potion. In folklore, rosemary is thought to boost memory making it the ideal ingredient to help werewolves retain the memory of their human lives. This cocktail is smoky and woodsy and garnished with burnt rosemary to capture the blue smoke emitted from wolfsbane potion.
Ingredients
Smoked rosemary gin: I developed this cocktail using Black Moon, a local BC gin from Legend Distilling that is flavoured with smoked wild rosemary. You can still make this recipe if you are unable to source a smoked rosemary gin. Instead, use neutral or juniper-forward gin.
Fresh rosemary: To impart that woodsy rosemary aroma, use fresh rosemary in the simple syrup. Burning rosemary will infuse a smoked flavour in both the cocktail glass and the drink itself. The rosemary will burn better if it is slightly dried out and not too wet. Allow the rosemary to dry well before igniting.
Dry vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine infused with various botanicals and comes in dry or sweet varieties. For this cocktail choose a dry vermouth. Martini & Rossi or Cinzano are two popular brands that should be easy to source.
Green chartreuse: A French herbal liqueur with a secret recipe, Chartreuse has been made by Carthusian monks since the 18th century. The recipe is a closely guarded secret and there are two versions, green and yellow chartreuse. Green chartreuse is by far the easier to source as well as being significantly cheaper than its yellow counterpart. Chartreuse has a pretty strong herbal profile so a little goes a long way.
Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a balancing acidity.
How to Make Wolfsbane Cocktail
Make the rosemary simple syrup
In a saucepan combine the water and sugar. Place over high heat and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally to completely dissolve the sugar. Add 4 rosemary stems and let simmer for another minute. Then, remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 20-30 minutes.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and discard the rosemary. Let the syrup cool before using. The syrup will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.
Prepare the glass
Cut the rosemary sprigs and make into a small bundle, about 2 inches in length that will fit under a coupe glass. Have a coupe glass and fireproof plate ready to go. Ignite the rosemary holding it in the flame until it is heavily smoking. Place the bundle on the plate and immediately cover it with an upside down coupe glass. It’s ok if there are flames from the rosemary, the glass will snuff them out quickly.
Allow the glass to sit for a couple of minutes before lifting it up. Set aside.
Make the wolfsbane cocktail
In a cocktail shaker add the smoked rosemary gin, dry vermouth, green chartreuse, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice. Add ice, then cover and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into the prepared coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Light the rosemary using a lighter or match and let the flame burn out. Serve immediately and enjoy!
