I stumbled upon the Voodoo Child cocktail pretty much by accident, though now it feels like it’s been a part of my summer routine forever. My first introduction was during a laid-back Saturday with friends, when the goal was simple: find something new that everyone would enjoy. Someone mentioned New Orleans cocktails, and after a bit of recipe-hunting, I landed on the Voodoo Child. By the end of the evening, it had completely won us over – half the group asked for the recipe before they left.
The cocktail pays tribute to both the soulful atmosphere of New Orleans and, yes, that iconic Jimi Hendrix song. Much like the music, the drink is bright, lively, and has a bite you don’t soon forget. The mix of rum, fresh lime, and spicy ginger beer is honestly addicting. I especially love how the mint brings this burst of cool freshness that balances the rum’s warmth.
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Here’s how I make it at home:
Ingredients & Glassware
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (believe me, squeezing it yourself is worth the tiny bit of effort!)
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
I usually use a highball or Collins glass – whatever’s clean, honestly. The drink looks best when you can see all the layers and the fizz from the ginger beer.
How I Make the Voodoo Child
- Toss the mint leaves into a shaker and give them a gentle muddle – just enough to release their flavor, not so much that they tear into bits.
- Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake it like you mean it (count to about 15 seconds – your arms will feel it!).
- Strain into your glass already filled with fresh ice.
- Top up with ginger beer and give a gentle stir.
- Pop a lime wheel on top for that extra bit of flair.
One unexpected bonus: this recipe easily transforms into a punchy nonalcoholic version. I just use extra ginger beer (or even a little splash of sparkling water) in place of the rum. Every time I’ve made it for friends who don’t drink, they’ve gone back for seconds.
As for food pairings, I swear there’s magic when you have one of these alongside spicy Cajun food – the cool, zesty drink is perfect with bold flavors, and it even holds up against a tangy grilled shrimp or a light salad. I’ve started keeping fresh mint on hand just so I can throw one together on a whim, especially when it’s hot out.
A few things I’ve learned by making a borderline embarrassing number of these: don’t skimp on the fresh mint, always shake with lots of ice, and taste as you go – ginger beer brands vary a lot in spiciness. Sometimes I’ll riff on the recipe with dark rum (for a moodier vibe), or toss in a few muddled raspberries, or even a slice of jalapeño if I’m craving heat.
Honestly, what I love about the Voodoo Child is how it fits any occasion. It feels festive enough for a party but is unfussy enough to whip up after work. There’s just something undeniably cheerful about that first, limey sip.
Give it a shot the next time you want to shake up your cocktail routine. Who knows – maybe you’ll wind up making a batch for your own friends before the summer’s out.
