A ride on the Knight Bus will cost you eleven Sickles, and for thirteen you can get a hot chocolate, too. Which sounds like a nice sort of nightcap for the journey. So feel free to sip on some cocoa while exploring the Al Bus, it’s a perfect potion. However, if, like me, you might be up for something a little bit stronger, never fear, I’ve got just the thing to toast this night time trip down Diagon Alley.

I’ll readily admit that the Negroni cocktail is not for everyone, and not for the faint of heart. But you might not be able to resist this one, because of how cute and magical it looks. Just be forewarned, it does not taste like grape Kool-Aid! For this wizarding variation on the classic, we needed a “London Dry” style gin, because this bus ride happens in London, after all. To achieve just the right hue, the gin is infused with butterfly pea flower tea, which is a common magic trick used in any purple colored alcohol actually. It’s magic because unlike straightforward purple food coloring, butterfly pea flower changes colors when exposed to acid, such as lemon juice, and turns from a royal azure to a regal plum! A few additional ingredients which are clear or light straw in color keep this drink in the “white Negroni” family, even if the drink is actually purple! Wands up – Cheers!

The Knightcap

1 oz butterfly pea flower infused London Dry gin

1 oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco amaro

½ oz Salers aperitif

½ oz dry vermouth

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a favorite glass over a large clear cube. Knight Bus logo lime wheel garnish, optional.

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