Witches Brew Sangria (Easy Halloween Cocktail Recipe)
3
Updated Sep 19, 2025, Published Sep 30, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Unleash your inner bruja with this spellbinding Witches Brew! No spells are needed to create this dark and gothic Halloween Sangria. All you need is red wine, citrus, bubbles, and a little hocus pocus. Add dry ice and watch your cauldron bubble over with a spooky effect that will wow your guests.
This cocktail might look eerie, but it is downright delicious. Whether you are hosting a Halloween bash or handing out candy, this sangria is the perfect big-batch drink to keep the fun flowing.
What is Witches Brew Sangria?
Witches Brew Sangria is a Halloween twist on the classic Spanish punch. It is made with red wine, citrus fruit, sparkling water, and a splash of bourbon for extra warmth. What makes this one magical is the dramatic addition of dry ice, which creates a foggy, bubbling cauldron effect.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for parties because it makes a big batch.
- Only 6 ingredients so it is simple to throw together.
- Spooky and fun with dry ice that creates a bubbling potion effect.
- Easy to customize with different fruits, spirits, or even kid-friendly versions.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is what you need to make this spook-tacular potion. The full ingredient list and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Red Wine – Choose a medium-bodied red with fruity notes. I like Apothic Dark, but Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Primitivo are also good choices.
- Blood Orange – Adds a dramatic red hue. If you cannot find them, regular oranges work fine.
- Lime – Adds brightness and balances the flavors.
- Sparkling Mineral Water – Topo Chico is my go-to, but club soda or seltzer works too.
- Bourbon (optional) – Adds depth and warmth. You can also try rum, vodka, tequila, or brandy.
- Dry Ice – Creates the smoky, bubbling effect. Handle with care and never touch with bare skin.
How to Make Witches Brew Sangria
Step 1: Mix sangria. In a large container, preferably a cauldron, combine wine, citrus, and sparkling water. I found a really cute ceramic witch’s cauldron to act as my punch bowl. A black iron dutch oven or traditional caldero would also be great options.
Step 2: Add the “poison.” Pour bourbon into test tubes or shot glasses so guests can spike their own glass.
Step 3: Add dry ice. Carefully place a piece of dry ice into the serving vessel right before serving. Wait until it melts before sipping.
Optional Variations
- Kid-friendly version – Use Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea), Calientito (Warm Pear Cider), or Mexican Hot Chocolate with dry ice for spooky flair.
- Different spirits – Offer a variety of liquors in test tubes, such as brandy, tequila, or vodka, so guests can choose their favorite.
- Other sangrias – Try my Winter White Sangria or Christmas Fruit Sangria.
(Note: These variations have not all been tested. If you try them, let me know how it turned out in the comments below!)
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Be careful with dry ice. Always wear gloves when handling. It is frozen carbon dioxide and can burn skin.
- Set up a serving station. Keep cups, an ice bowl, and a ladle nearby so guests can serve themselves.
- Mark your glasses. Use charms, decals, or markers for easy identification.
- Add creepy ice cubes. Freeze blood orange juice for bloody-looking cubes or use skull molds for an extra spooky touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sangria is a wine-based punch made with fruit and mixers. This Halloween version uses dark fruit, bubbles, and dry ice for a spooky smoking effect.
A fruity, jammy red with low tannins works best. Apothic Dark is budget-friendly, but Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Primitivo are also great choices.
Mix the wine and fruit up to 48 hours in advance. Add the sparkling water and dry ice right before serving.
More Halloween Drinks
Shop the Tools
Want to make your own Witches Brew Sangria extra spooky? Here are a few items I love for serving this potion:
- Glass Test Tubes – label them “Poison” and let guests add their own splash of liquor.
- Ceramic Witch’s Cauldron – the perfect punch bowl for your bubbling brew.
- Black Iron Dutch Oven – doubles as a serving vessel and a kitchen staple.
- Traditional Caldero – a nod to Mexican cooking and just right for this sangria.
- Skull Ice Mold – for extra creepy cubes.
If you tried this Witches Brew Sangria or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Witches Brew Sangria (Halloween Cocktail with Dry Ice)
Ingredients
- 2 bottles of red wine, recommend Apothic Dark
- 1 blood orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 24 ounces sparking mineral water, chilled
- Bourbon, optional
- Dry ice, optional (see note)
Instructions
- Combine the wine, fruit, and sparking water in a large container.
- Serve bourbon on the side in test tubes.
- Place a chunk of dry ice in cauldron or punch bowl for a spooky effect.
Notes
- Wine: Any medium-bodied fruity red wine works well. Apothic Dark, Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Primitivo are all good choices.
- Dry ice: Handle with care! Always use gloves or tongs, and never touch it with bare skin. Wait until the dry ice has fully melted before sipping.
- Make-ahead: Mix the wine and fruit up to 48 hours in advance. Add sparkling water and dry ice just before serving for best results.
- Liquor swaps: Bourbon adds warmth, but rum, vodka, tequila, or brandy also taste great. Serve liquor in test tubes or shot glasses for guests to customize.
- Kid-friendly option: Replace the sangria with Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea), Calientito (pear cider), or Mexican hot chocolate for a spooky non-alcoholic brew.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
Perfect for a Halloween Party!
Scarey, this brew looks so scarey, just right for a Halloween party, I love the way it looks, oohhhh!!!!!
Love it!