Witch Doctor - Turmeric Ginger Rum Cocktail

Photos & Cocktail by Sola Onitiri

I told the witch doctor I was in love with this ginger turmeric and honey rum cocktail

The witching hour is upon us and unfortunately so is flu season. This week’s cocktail, The Witch Doctor is applicable to both of those issues. Made with a homemade ginger turmeric and honey syrup (we’ll get to that in a minute), this cocktail is a nod to Sam Ross’ famous cocktail Penicillin. It’s also an homage to magical potions, elixirs and cure-alls from around the world. I kind of like to think of it as Santeria in a glass (the alternate name to this cocktail is La Bruja).

So if you have a slight tickle and are trying to get tickled this Halloween, grab a bottle of Bacardi and the rest of the ingredients listed below and Let’s Get Going.

Turmeric Ginger Cocktail The Witch Doctor

“This cocktail is a nod to Sam Ross’ famous cocktail Penicillin, and a homage to magical potions ELIXIRs and cure-alls from around the world.”

Ginger Turmeric Cocktail with Rum and Honey

So good For you it’s scary

The driving force behind this cocktail is the sweet and earthy flavor of the syrup and the soothing tang of the citrus. Besides being super tasty, every ingredient in this syrup can benefit the body.

According to a lot of holistic healers, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that has the ability to increase the antioxidants in your body. While Ginger helps with digestion and honey can coat the throat when it’s feeling sore. So here’s how to make this nutrient packed syrup.

Bring 1 cup of water and 5 inches of fresh peeled ginger to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of raw organic honey and bring to a simmer. Stir for one minute. Turn heat off and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Strain with a fine strainer or coffee filter.

Let’s Get brûléEing

If you’re ready to knock the socks off your guests then I would suggest bookmarking this page. Because I’m about to teach you how to brûlée citrus. And here’s a hint - It’s way easier than it looks. All you need is cane sugar, your citrus of choice (in this case lemon), and your broiler. If you’re one of the lucky few with a flambe torch, feel free to use that too but I’m just going to assume you already know what you’re doing with that.

First up, make sure to cut your citrus in thin pinwheels. With a paper towel, blot out as much moisture as possible. You want enough moisture for the sugar to nestle onto the fruit, but not enough that it dissolves on contact. Evenly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cane sugar onto your slices. Throw them in the broiler on high for 3 to five minutes depending on your broiler. Keep an eye on them because it can go from lightly toasted to on fire within a manner of minutes. That’s it!

The Witch Doctor

What You'll Need:
- Your magical ginger turmeric and honey syrup
- Cane sugar
- Lemons for juicin’ and brulee-ing
- White rum
- Ice ice baby
- Jigger for measurin'
- Shaker for shakin’
- Your Halloween costume
- Thyme for a picturesque garnish

The Build:
- 2 oz of Bacardi
- .75 oz of ginger turmeric honey syrup
- .50 oz fresh lemon juice
- Shake until shaker is cold and double strain
- Garnish with brûléed lemon and thyme for #aestheitc

Make this Turmeric Ginger Rum Cocktail your own!

Alrighty, let’s make this cocktail recipe yours. Incidentally, if you’re really under the weather, this recipe also makes a pretty nice hot toddy style drink. Follow all the steps above but instead of a rocks glass of ice, switch it out for a cozy mug with a good grip. Add 2 oz of hot water on top and give your cure-all a good stir.

Enjoy Responsibly!