Ingredients
- 1 oz Dark Rum
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 oz apple juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice or lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer & Fine-strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to chill.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour in a shaker ½ oz lemon juice.
- Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to balance the flavors.
- Add Apple Juice: Add 2 oz apple juice to the mix.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth into the shaker.
- Add Dark Rum: Pour 1 oz Dark Rum.
- Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake: Shake your mixture for about 15 seconds.
- Strain: Strain your drink into the highball glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add an apple slice or lemon twist into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Dark Rum: If you don't have dark rum, try using spiced rum for a different flavor profile. I've also used bourbon in a pinch, which adds a unique twist.
- Vermouth Rosso: If you are out of sweet vermouth try to use dry vermouth with a splash of simple syrup for a slightly different taste.
- Apple Juice: Apple cider can replace apple juice with a richer flavor. Pear juice offers an exciting alternative in a bind.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can substitute lemon juice if needed, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Making a Pitcher of Voodoo Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of dark rum, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, 16 oz of apple juice, 4 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the dark rum, sweet vermouth, apple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with an apple slice or lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Dark Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum substitute; these are available and mimic the flavor quite well.
- Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth or use grape juice with a touch of balsamic vinegar for complexity.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Voodoo Cocktail?
A Voodoo Cocktail is a dark rum-based drink made of vermouth, apple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s not difficult to make because it involves straightforward mixing steps with easily accessible ingredients. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors, making it perfect for fall gatherings.

What is a Voodoo Cocktail made of – The ingredients
You need the following ingredients to prepare a Voodoo Cocktail:
- Dark Rum: Provides a rich, deep flavor and is the primary alcoholic base.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds a sweet and slightly bitter complexity to the drink.
- Apple Juice: Contributes a fruity sweetness that balances the other flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a tart acidity that brightens the cocktail.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink and helps blend all the flavors.







