Welcome to the Cocktail Portfolio. Whether you are looking for a cocktail designed around a particular book, character, or scene, or around you favorite movies and shows, look below for examples of past literary cocktail designed by The Calm Scribe. 

Books take us away to fantastic lands and on incredible adventures. We can close our eyes and picture what is being describe as inspiration takes us away. With Literary Cocktails, you have a drink to deepen your emotional connection to your favorite books with the senses of taste and smell. Look below for recipes inspired by some of our favorite books and make them as you curl up with one of the classics.
Have a book in mind that is not listed? Contact us here to discuss adding it to our collection.

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The Pennywise (Certified by the National Bartenders Association)

Created in 2022, this literary cocktail is inspired by Pennywise from IT (1986) by Stephen King. Crafted with a Soju base, the drink features flavours of lychee, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple, and spice. Much like its namesake, Pennywise starts light and fruity and then becomes more sinister as the heat slowly builds.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Soju
0.5 oz Gin
2 oz Pineapple Juice
2 droppers of Ginger Honey Syrup (Click here for tips)
3 dashes Sweet Reaper Bitters
1 Egg White
2 Thai Chilli Peppers

Preparation:

1. Combine soju, gin, pineapple juice, ginger honey syrup, sweet reaper bitters, and egg white in cocktail shaker with a spring.
2. Vigorously shake ingredients until frothy.
3. Add ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain into a coupe glass.
5. Garnish with two Thai chilli peppers (after running them around the rim) to create the iconic smile.

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Tropical Fire

Created in 2022, Tropical Fire is a more accessible and lighter variation of the Pennywise. Inspired by Lord of the Flies (1954) by William Golding, this cocktail is light and fruity, with just a hint of heat. Letting you know that the island paradise you are on is not all that it seems.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Soju
4 oz Pineapple Juice
2 droppers of Ginger Honey Syrup (Click here for tips)
3 dashes Sweet Reaper Bitters

Preparation:

1. Combine soju, pineapple juice, ginger honey syrup, and sweet reaper bitters in a Collins glass.
2. Stir for 30 seconds.
3. Garnish with pineapple, chili, and maraschino cherry.

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Dragon's Mist (Mist of the Dragon)

Created in 2022, this literary cocktail is inspired by Eyes of the Dragon (1987) by Stephen King. Crafted with a vodka base, the flavor profile of this drink is minty with an earthy and subtle nutty note. Served in a cocktail glass, this drink will take you on a fantastic voyage.
NOTE: Green Dragon Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Crème de Menthe
2.5 ml (or half a barspoon) of Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture
Spritz of Absinthe

Preparation:

1. Add ice to the cocktail glass to chill.
2. Add ice to shaker.
3. Add vodka, crème de menthe, and green dragon to the shaker and shake vigorously.
4. Remove ice from cocktail glass, spritz glass with absinthe, and strain drink into glass.
5. Garnish with mint leaves (or cannabis leaf) and an extra spritz of absinthe across the top. (Optional)

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Sparkling Dragon's Mist

An easy sipping version of Dragon's Mist for those who prefer a lighter cocktail than a martini. Let the bubbles take you away to fantastic lands while you sit back and relax.
NOTE: Green Dragon Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Crème de Menthe
2.5 ml (or half a barspoon) of Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture
1 splash of Absinthe
4 oz Club Soda

Preparation:

1. Fill a Collin's glass with ice to chill.
2. Add ice, vodka, crème de menthe, green dragon, and absinthe to a shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into chilled glass and top off with club soda.

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The Neglected Coffee

Inspired by Rip Van Winkle (1819) by Washington Irving, this cocktail with a subtle sweetness to it will remind you of an iced coffee. Or perhaps a coffee waiting by your bedside while you sleep the hours away.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Kraken Black Roast Rum
1 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
0.5 oz Frangelico
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate Drizzle

Preparation:

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice to chill.
2. Add rum, vodka, Irish cream, and Frangelico to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
3. Remove ice from glass and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
4. Strain cocktail into glass and garnish with flamed marshmallows.

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Cinnamon Spike

This cocktail is not inspired by literature, instead it was inspired by a call from a friend looking for a featured cocktail for their Thanksgiving dinner. After discussing the meal and the flavor profile they wanted, I created this cocktail. Perfect at any time, but also a great featured drink for the holidays, not just Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Apple Liquor
0.75 oz Goldschläger
0.25 oz Galliano
3 dashes Apple Bitters
1 Apple slice
1 Cinnamon stick, broken with a sharp end

Preparation:

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice to chill and add ice to the mixing glass.
2. Add vodka, goldschläger, apple liquor, Galliano, and apple bitters to the mixing glass.
3. Stir to combine and chill, then strain into a coup glass.
4. Garnish with an apple slice pierced with a cinnamon stick.

The Wheel of Time is an Amazon Prime series based on the hit Fantasy Series by Robert Jordan. The Calm Scribe is joined by his co-host and special guests as they discuss each episode on After the Weave, live on Twitch. Along with the discussion is a custom designed cocktail which matches the theme or an element of the episode.
​Click here for past episodes of After the Weave.

Left Over Lessons
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 1: A Taste of Solitude

This cocktail was inspired by the scene featuring Egwene gathering table scraps and left over wine and drink from the Sister's quarters. She then takes the liquid down to the kitchens where Alanna Sedai teaches the novices how to clarify the sludge using weaves. The goal in planning this cocktail was to create a drink that looked disgusting but had a wonderful taste. I chose a mix of flavours that did not seem to go together, but actually form a strong flavor profile. I worked to match the brown muddy look of the liquid in the scene and included sparkling water to represent the clear water they novices created. The glasses in the scene were only half full, so a Collin's glass is used to match the effect.
Note: When photographing the drink, lights were used to give the impression of a dirty glass. (Please use a clean glass when serving to guests.)

Ingredients:

1 oz Créme de Cacao
1 oz Kahlua
0.75 oz Maraschino Liqueur
0.25 oz Créme de Menthe
2 oz Sparkling Water
1 Amarena Cherry

Preparation:

1. Add créme de cacao, Kahlua, maraschino liqueur, and créme de menthe to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill.
2. Strain cocktail into a Collin's glass.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Add cherry to bottom of glass and serve.

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Something a Little Stronger
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 2: Strangers and Friends

The entire episode inspired elements of this cocktail. The red wine to represent blood and the meeting of Mat and Min, the smoke representing fire and fireside chats, scotch to represent Elayne's homebrew, the bitters representing the bitter truths learned this episode, and finally the cherry on the skull pick to represent the attack at the end. This episode really sees the action starting to ramp up, meaning a nice warming cocktail that embraces you is just the right thing to get through it.
A note on the scotch: Teachers has a nice balance of smoke to it and is reasonably priced. Lagavulin Quarter Cask is very heavy with smoke and peaty notes, with a higher price tag. Choose what your pallet and wallet enjoys.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Smoky Scotch (Teachers or Lagavulin Quarter Cask)
4 oz Red Wine (18 Crimes, Snoop Cali Red recommended)
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
1 Amarena Cherry
1 part Cherry Wood Smoke

Preparation:

1. Use the cherry wood to smoke a red wine glass.
2. Add scotch and bitters to the glass, then add the red wine.
3. Garnish with cherry and serve.
4. Drop cherry to bottom of glass before enjoying.

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Golden Fire
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 3: What Might Be

​Once again, the entire episode inspired elements of this cocktail. This episode was bitter from start to finish with a lot of emotion tied into it, so I decided to go with a Campari base. The Campari also represents the blood and loss featured in this episode. Blood Monkey Gin (with ten botanicals) was used to as a representation of Nynaeve, the Two Rivers Wisdom who features heavily in this episode and used herbs in her healing work. The red and gold of the drink symbolize Rand's coat, and the habanero represents the fire. Rubbing the pepper around the rim before garnishing creates a spicy lip feel with each sip you take, allowing you to feel a subtler version of the pain you felt while watching this episode. You may need more than one to get through this one.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Gin (Blood Monkey Gin recommended)
1 oz Campari
0.5 oz Triple Sec
5 drops Spicy Bitters (Scorpion Bitters recommended)
Gold Flakes
​1 Habanero Pepper

Preparation:

1. Add gin, Campari, triple sec, and bitters to mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir to combine and dilute, then strain into a rocks glass.
3. Stir in gold flakes.
4. Run the habanero pepper around the rim before using as a garnish on the rim and serve.

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An Elegant Pause
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 4: Daughter of the Night (Certified by the National Bartenders Association)

This episode featured fantastic writing and moved the story lines of the show and several characters forward in overt and subtle ways. This cocktail is representative of subtlety and features a base inspired by Moiraine's dealings in Cairhien. Elegantly dressed and with no time for tea with her sister, she moves about her tasks quickly. Vodka symbolizes the drawing of water with Lan and the ginger liqueur represents Elayne's homemade alcohol. Take your time enjoying this cold and refreshing drink as you ponder the many hidden details in this episode.

​Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Ginger Liqueur
2 oz Strong Lemon Ginger Tea (Cold)
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
​1 Lemon Twist

Preparation:

1. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
2. Add tea, vodka, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Strain into a coupe glass and serve with a lemon twist.

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Crimson Dark
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 5: Damane

This episode was fast paced with a lot of heart pounding action. It also featured a heavy red and black theme. With much inspiration to draw from I created Crimson Dark, a somber cocktail with a light flavour to suggest hope. Red cherry liqueur symbolizes the Red Ajah, blood, fire, and betrayal. Vodka represents the water given to Perrin, with the cassis representing dark tidings and black. The gold of the rim represents the Aes Sedai ring, the black wheel, and the wheel itself. Activated charcoal adds a dark infiltrator to the drink, turning the red cocktail black, while adding earthy notes. Finally the strawberry garnish is for those lost in this episode and the thundering of our hearts while watching it. A well balanced cocktail with a slight sweetness that will keep you cool while your heart and blood races.

Note: Activated Charcoal may have an impact on the efficacy of some oral birth controls and some medications.

​​Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Cherry Liqueur
0.5 oz Crème de Cassis
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
​3 dashes Twist
Small amount of Activated Charcoal (Optional)
1 Fragola Fabbri Strawberry for garnish

Preparation:

1. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
2. Add vodka, cherry liqueur, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and bitters to shaker.
3. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass.
4. Top with activated charcoal.
5. ​Garnish with strawberry.

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Still Water
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 6: Eyes Without Pity

A tough episode to watch and to design a cocktail for. This episode advanced the storylines of several characters and began laying the groundwork for the end the season. I decided to focus this cocktail on the scenes with Egwene Al'Vere and the jug of water so prominently featured. The ingredients for this cocktail are designed to be frightening when considered together – without mixer – but once you try it, you realize they create a smoky orange cocktail with a wonderful balance. It does pack a punch, so treat this one with respect.

​​Ingredients:

1.5 oz Mezcal
1 oz Moonshine
0.5 oz Cointreau
1 Orange Wheel for Garnish (Dehydrated if possible.)

Preparation:

1. Add ice to cocktail glass to chill.
2. In a mixing glass add ice, mezcal, moonshine, and Cointreau.
3. Stir to chill and strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
4. ​Garnish with orange wheel and serve.

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Reflective Moment
​Inspired by Season 2, Episode 7: Daes Dae'Mar

​This was an intense episode with a lot of moving parts, subtlety, and strong moments, which I will not spoil here. I decided to base this cocktail off the scene with Mat and the tea. It is designed to create focus and introspection, with cannabis, while paying homage to the green fairy with absinthe. This drink kicks like a trolloc, so don't plan on having more than one. Enjoy this anise-citrus flavored cocktail at the start of the show and settle in while the effects take hold. This is a VERY STRONG cocktail!
Note: This is not your normal cocktail, with the green dragon included, the effects will last for hours. Consume only where legal.

​​Ingredients:

1 oz Absinthe
1 oz Cold Water
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Green Dragon* (Sub 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse)
3 dashes Aromatic Bitters
1 Sugar Cube
1 Lemon Rind (Remove pith)
1 Lemon Twist

Preparation:

1. Put sugar cube in mixing glass and soak with bitters.
2. Add lemon rind and absinthe, then muddle.
3. Add water, plenty of ice, lemon juice, and green dragon.
4. Stir to chill and double strain into rocks or other small glass.
5. Serve with lemon twist after expressing oils.

NOTE: Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law. Effects will last several hours.
*Use 1 barspoon if not experienced, as a little goes a very long way.

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Proclamation
​Inspired by Season 2, Episode 8: What Was Meant To Be

The final episode of this season was challenging to create a cocktail around. Quick cuts, overlapping scenes, and intense story lines all lead to a stunning conclusion which ultimately inspired this cocktail. The orange once more represents the dragon reborn, while the spiced vodka and smoky mezcal bring to mind the fireballs and destruction of the episode. A long orange twist, winding its way up the interior of the glass brings symbolizes one of the last scenes, with the cherry bringing to mind all those lost in the action. Smoky with a spicy kick, this cocktail will warm you, then leave you reeling — like the end of this episode and season. Be sure to try all of the Wheel of Time cocktails as you rewatch this season and watch for more cocktails to come based on the next season and possibly the first season as well.

​​Ingredients:

1.5 oz Mezcal
1 oz Habanero Infused Vodka
0.5 oz Cointreau
3 oz Orange Juice
1 Long Orange Twist
1 Amarena Cherry

Preparation:

1. Add orange twist to Collin's glass, twisting it up the inside of the glass and one king cube of ice.
2. Add ice, mezcal, pepper vodka, Cointreau, and orange juice to Boston Shaker and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into Collin's glass, keeping orange peel wrapped around the interior of the glass.
4. Top with spike amerena cherry and drizzle with a small amount of the cherry syrup.

The Legend of Vox Machina is an Amazon Prime series based on the hit Critical Role TTRPG of the same name. The Calm Scribe is joined by his co-host and special guests as they discuss each episode on After the Roll, live on Twitch. Along with the discussion is a custom designed cocktail which matches the theme or an element of the episode.
​Click here for past episodes of After the Roll.

Dragon's Scale
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 1: Rise of the Chroma Conclave

Inspired by the vicious attack by the Chroma Conclave, the Dragon's Scale features Green Dragon Tincture, gold lustre to represent the dragon's horde, and sparkling wine to keep everything stirring. This cocktail is a spin on the Dragon's Mist listed below. Please enjoy responsibly. If you are not experienced with cannabis tincture, please use less or omit it altogether.
​Note: This is not your normal cocktail, with the green dragon included, the effects will last for hours. Consume only where legal.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz Crème de Menthe
2.5 ml (or 1/2 barspoon) Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture (Optional)
Champagne or Sparkling Wine
1/8 tsp Gold Lustre (Optional)
Spritz of Absinthe
Caution: This cocktail is extremely potent.

Preparation:

1. Add ice to the cocktail glass to chill.
2. Add ice to shaker.
3. Add vodka, crème de menthe, and green dragon to the shaker and shake vigorously.
4. Remove ice from cocktail glass, spritz glass with absinthe, and strain drink into glass. Add gold lustre.
5. Top off with champagne.
6. Garnish with mint leaves (or cannabis leaf) and an extra spritz of absinthe across the top. (Optional)

NOTE: Green Dragon Cannabis Tincture is extremely potent and should be used with caution. Use only where allowed by law. Effects will last several hours.

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The Smoking Vassel
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 2: The Trials of Vasselheim

This cocktail was inspired by the majesty of Vasselheim. Featuring natural and easily accessible ingredients that seemed most likely available in Vasselheim. Barrel-aged gin makes up the core of this drink. Frangelico is a hazelnut liquor with a bottle designed to look like a Friar, representing natural flavours and religious orders. A splash of water is included to balance the drink and illustrate the wall of water that shows truth. The maple syrup sweetener and orange bitters pay homage to its natural beauty and the order of the Wild Mother. The cherry and orange peel garnish is an easily sourced garnish which ties the drink together. All smoked with pecan wood chips. An easy sipping and multi-layered cocktail. A smoky scotch can be used in place of the gin.

Ingredients:

3/4 oz Frangelico
2 oz Barrel Aged Gin (or Scotch)
2 dashes Orange Bitters
1/2 tsp Pure Maple Syrup
Splash of Water
1 Orange Wedge
1 Ice Cube
Cherry and Orange Peel Garnish

Preparation:

1. Muddle the orange wedge, maple syrup, bitters, and Frangelico in the bottom of a rocks glass
2. Add ice
3. Add the water and gin
4. Stir until chilled
5. Garnish with orange peel and cherry
6. Smoke with pecan, cherry, or oak (Optional)

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The Sunken Heart
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 3: The Sunken Tomb

Taking inspiration from the Sunken Tomb and the end of this episode, The Sunken Heart is a layered cocktail. The layers and complexity of this cocktail tease not only the eye but also the palate. The dark cherry at the bottom is a surprise that represents love and loss as it waits to be found in the dark depths of the drink. Maraschino liqueur and Amaretto add a subtle sweet and nutty note to the cocktail, adding complexity to the dark coffee-infused rum, which calls to wake up even the deepest sleeping being. Topped with club soda, the drink visually gives the impression of a layer of water which deepens to mystery. Finally, the cardamom bitters tie all the flavours together and accents the coffee rum. Each sip offers a refreshing sensation with multiple layers of flavour to tease the tastebuds.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Dark Coffee Rum
0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
0.5 oz Amaretto
5 dashes Cardamom Bitters
1 Amarena Cherry (or Maraschino Cherry)
Ice
Club Soda

Preparation:

Add rum, maraschino liqueur, and Amaretto to a Collins glass

1. Add amarena cherry to bottom of glass
2. Add 5 dashes of cardamom bitters (or to taste)
3. Add ice to glass and stir, ensuring cherry stays at the bottom
4. Use a barspoon (or back of a spoon) to layer club soda to top off
5. Serve
6. For maximum flavor, stir to combine before drinking

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Second Chances
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 4: Those Who Walk Away

With a lot of inspiration to draw from, I decided to design a cocktail based on the overall theme with select elements represented. Just like this episode, Second Chances is complex with a slight bitterness. The egg white adds a silky mouth feel and, when combined with the red wine float, represents Yar-Voss. The grapefruit oils muddled into the tequila add a bitter note to match Zara and Kash's betrayal but is countered by the fresh grapefruit juice and the subtle sweetness of the agave syrup. This tequila-forward cocktail is multi-layered with a smooth balance to avoid overpowering. A solid representation of the second chances had by the group, Vex and Vax, and the calming of the bitter tensions with the Slayer's Take.

Ingredients:

2 oz Tequila
1.5 oz  Fresh Grapefruit Juice
0.25 oz Agave Syrup
3 dashes Orange Bitters
0.5 oz Red Wine
1 Egg White (or 2 TBSP if using from a carton)
Ice
5 Grapefruit Peels

Preparation:

1. Muddle 4 grapefruit peels with tequila in bottom of shaker
2. Add grapefruit juice, agave syrup, orange bitters, and egg white
3. Dry shake with ice and cocktail spring
4. Remove spring, add ice, and shake until chilled
5. Strain into rocks glass
6. Use a barspoon (or back of a regular spoon) to layer red wine
7. Express the final grapefruit peel over top and serve

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Trial by Fire (Certified by the National Bartenders Association)
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 5: Pass Through Fire

Inspired by Pyrah, home to the Fire Ashari people, Trial by Fire is a cocktail not for the faint of heart. Designed with fire in mind, this spicy cocktail is multi-faceted and can have the level of heat altered by changing the pepper used or how much of the pepper is used. The Mezcal gives a nice smokiness to the drink, with the Cointreau and lime juice adding a citrus twist to accent the combination of flavours. Campari adds a touch of bitterness to tame the sweetness of the mango juice, while the reaper bitters and habanero add a fiery kick. Connect to your inner Keyleth, draw upon your courage, and see if you can pass your own Trial by Fire. Push through the heat and enjoy a smoky adventure.
Note: This cocktail is very hot. If you are uncomfortable with intense heat, consider using a Thai chilli pepper or jalapeño or lessen the amount of habanero used. If  you use too much heat, you will not be able to enjoy the complex flavours of this cocktail.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Mezcal
0.5 oz Cointreau
0.5 oz Campari
0.5 oz Lime Juice
3 oz Mango Nectar
2 Dash Reaper Bitters
1 Habanero Pepper (or milder pepper if preferred)
1 Mango Slice
Ice

Preparation:

1. Muddle half a habanero pepper with mezcal in bottom of shaker
2. Add Cointreau, Campari, lime juice, mango nectar, and reaper bitters
3. Add ice and shake until chilled
4. Strain into rocks glass
5. Garnish with mango slice and other half of habanero pepper

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Love & Loss
Inspired by Season 2, Episode 6: Into Rimecleft

The first thing I noticed about this episode was a strong colour theme and the visually stunning battle scene with the Sphynx. In designing this cocktail, I wanted to capture the feeling of love and loss and the majesty of the galaxy colours when Vox Machina and the Sphynx face off. This shimmering cocktail has magical colour-changing properties that take you on a voyage deep into the universe of love and loss. The flavour is gentle with a warm embrace and intoxicating floral aroma, with the colours and shimmering swirl leaving you wishing it would last forever. This cocktail has a lingering aftertaste that breaks your heart when it is over. Stir up the magic and float through the cosmos as you watch Episode 6 of The Legend of Vox Machina.
Note: Rose water and pearl lustre are very powerful, use sparingly. The magic ice, vodka, and colour changing effects are created with butterfly pea flower infusions which react to changes in ph.

Ingredients:

2 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Vodka (Click here for tips)
0.75 oz Lillet Blanc
0.5 oz St. Germain Elder Flower Liqueur
0.5 oz Lemon Syrup (Click here for tips)
1 Splash Rose Water
1/8 tsp Pearl Lustre Powder
Crushed Magic Ice (Click here for tips)
King Ice Cube

Preparation:

1. Add ice to mixing glass
2. Add Infused Vodka, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain, rose water, and pearl lustre to glass and stir until chilled and combined
3. Strain into rocks glass over king ice cube
4. Top with magic ice
5. Drizzle lemon syrup
6. Give a quick stir and serve