If you’re into drinks that look as cool as they taste, black cocktails are definitely worth a try. They’re bold, a little mysterious, and way more fun than your usual go-to. Here are 12 of my favorites you’ll want to mix up at least once.
Black Russian
A Black Russian is a classic cocktail. It’s known for its simple yet bold flavor profile.
To make a Black Russian, you’ll need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour vodka over the ice.
- Add the coffee liqueur.
- Stir the drink well.
The Black Russian cocktail was created in Brussels in 1949. A bar in a hotel invented it for an American ambassador. Despite its name, it’s not Russian. The name comes from vodka, a spirit associated with Russia, and the dark color of the coffee liqueur.
This drink is not sweet. The coffee liqueur provides a rich, deep flavor. Enjoy it slowly, sip by sip.
Use quality ingredients for the best taste. An 80-proof vodka and a 40-proof coffee liqueur make a drink with about 27% alcohol by volume. Consider this strength when enjoying your cocktail.
The Black Russian has stood the test of time. Its straightforward recipe makes it a favorite for many.
Black Magic
The Black Magic cocktail is a fantastic choice for themed gatherings or Halloween parties. Its dark, spooky appearance enhances any festive atmosphere.
Ingredients
- 2 oz black vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz apple cider
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Combine black vodka, cranberry juice, and apple cider in a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge for a touch of color.
This drink is versatile. You can prepare it ahead and chill it until serving. Its simplicity ensures you can focus more on enjoying your event. Serve it in a sleek glass to accentuate its deep, mysterious hue.
Blackberry Bramble
The Blackberry Bramble is a delightful cocktail. It’s both refreshing and visually appealing. This drink combines fresh fruits and bold liquors.
Ingredients
- Blackberries: 2-3 fresh
- Gin: 2 ounces (substitute vodka if desired)
- Lemon juice: 1 1/2 ounces, fresh
- Blackberry liqueur: 1 ounce (optional)
- Simple syrup: 1 ounce (use honey, maple, or agave syrup as alternatives)
- Ice: for shaking and serving
- Sparkling water or Ginger Ale: to top
- Garnish: fresh blackberries, lemon twist, mint
Instructions
- Muddle the blackberries in a cocktail shaker with lemon juice.
- Add the gin and simple syrup.
- Include blackberry liqueur if desired.
- Fill the shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water or Ginger Ale for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries, a lemon twist, and mint for presentation.
Black Velvet
The Black Velvet cocktail is a unique blend of two distinct beverages. It combines the smoothness of Guinness with the fizz and elegance of Champagne. This drink serves as a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz chilled Guinness
- 4 oz chilled Champagne
Instructions:
- Fill half of a highball glass with chilled Guinness.
- Slowly pour chilled Champagne over the back of a spoon into the glass. This prevents mixing and creates a layered effect.
Enjoy your Black Velvet with friends or at any festive occasion. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy both beer and sparkling wine. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare yet impressive to serve.
Midnight Martini
The Midnight Martini is a sophisticated black cocktail. Its rich, dark hue and bold flavors make it a standout drink.
To make a Midnight Martini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz espresso vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (optional)
For garnish:
- Lemon twist
Follow these steps to prepare the cocktail:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add espresso vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Include cinnamon syrup, if desired.
- Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Serve immediately and enjoy the deep, complex flavors. The Midnight Martini is perfect for any evening gathering. Its energy lift comes from the espresso vodka, while the coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences. If you prefer a non-caffeinated version, use regular vodka instead. The Midnight Martini can easily be tailored to suit any occasion or personal taste.
Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy cocktail stands out with its bold, distinctive flavor. This drink combines dark rum and ginger beer for a classic combination. Goslings Black Seal Rum is traditional in this cocktail. It adds depth and character to the mix.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Goslings Black Seal Rum
- 3-4 oz Ginger beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour ginger beer into the glass over the ice.
- Gently float the rum on top by pouring over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wedge for a citrusy touch.
Black Widow
The Black Widow cocktail is a bold and intriguing choice. It blends unique ingredients to create a visually striking drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Giffard Fraise des Bois liqueur
- 1 oz black sambuca liqueur
- 1 oz coconut rum liqueur (35-40% alc./vol.)
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Fresh blackberries and basil leaves
Steps:
- Muddle several basil leaves and blackberries in a shaker.
- Add all liquors and lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a basil leaf and a blackberry on a skewer.
This cocktail is easy to make, and each sip delivers a burst of flavors. The sweet and herbal notes mingle with tropical hints from the coconut rum.
Black Mojito
Discover how to make a Black Mojito that adds a mysterious twist to the classic cocktail. This version uses activated charcoal for the signature dark hue, making it perfect for themed parties or a unique addition to your home bar.
Ingredients
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 activated charcoal capsule
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tsp sugar
- Sparkling water or soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the charcoal: Open the activated charcoal capsule and set aside.
- Muddle the mint and lime: In a glass, mash fresh mint leaves and lime wedges with sugar using a muddler.
- Mix the drink: Add the activated charcoal and white rum. Stir well with a spoon.
- Add the ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Finish with soda: Top the drink with sparkling water or soda. Stir gently.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of mint for decoration.
The Grave Digger
The Grave Digger cocktail is ideal for Halloween. Enjoy its unique blend of flavors and spooky appearance.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla-infused brandy
- 3 oz apple cider
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 2 dashes grapefruit bitters (optional)
- Top with ginger beer
- Rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the brandy, apple cider, lemon juice, and Cointreau.
- Shake until well-chilled, about 1 minute.
- Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Blackberry Smash
A Blackberry Smash is a fruity cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines fresh blackberries, mint, and a choice of bourbon or rum. This drink is both refreshing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 fresh blackberries
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges or 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 2 ounces bourbon or rum
- Ice
- Optional: splash of club soda or ginger beer
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine blackberries, mint leaves, and lime.
- Use a muddler to gently mash ingredients and release flavors.
- Add simple syrup and your choice of bourbon or rum.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Pour the mixture into a glass. Include the muddled berries and mint.
- For a fizzy version, add a splash of club soda or ginger beer.
- Garnish with additional mint leaves or blackberries if you desire.
This cocktail’s simplicity is appealing, and the fresh flavors make it stand out. Adjust the sweetness and garnish to suit your preference. Whether you choose bourbon or rum, the Blackberry Smash delivers a delightful blend of fruit and spirit. Enjoy crafting and sipping this dynamic drink.
Licorice Whiskey Sour
The Licorice Whiskey Sour offers a unique twist on the classic sour. This cocktail combines the richness of whiskey with the distinctive flavor of licorice.
Ingredients:
- 2 fl oz Blended Scotch whisky
- 1/4 fl oz Liquorice liqueur
- 1 fl oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 fl oz Rich sugar syrup (2 parts sugar, 1 part water)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously to mix and chill the drink.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a piece of licorice candy for added flair.
Enjoy the harmonious blend of sour, sweet, and anise flavors in this delectable cocktail.
Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. This drink was introduced by bartender Todd Smith in 2005. It replaces the traditional sweet vermouth with Averna amaro, adding a bittersweet flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz Averna amaro
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Garnish: Luxardo cherries, orange peel
Instructions:
- Add rye whiskey, Averna amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
- Stir ingredients with ice, about 20-25 rotations.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with Luxardo cherries and orange peel.
The Black Manhattan has a deeper flavor profile. Averna amaro introduces complexity. The addition of bitters enhances this, offering a richer, slightly more bitter taste.
Stirring with ice is crucial. It ensures the cocktail is evenly chilled and diluted. Take care not to over-stir; 15-20 seconds is typically enough.
If you prefer, serve in a coupe or similar glass. The garnish should be subtle but effective, adding visual appeal and a hint of aroma. With careful preparation, you’ll appreciate the blend of robust whiskey and rich amaro tones.
Elderberry Gin Fizz
The Elderberry Gin Fizz is a delightful cocktail. It combines sweet and tart flavors with a creamy texture. You’ll appreciate its refreshing and vibrant taste.
To craft this cocktail, you need a few ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz elderberry syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Egg white from 1 egg
- Ice
Start by chilling a 10-ounce Collins glass. Place it in the freezer while you prepare the drink.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Add gin, elderberry syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, and heavy cream to a shaker tin.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
After the initial shake:
- Strain the mixture into another shaker half.
- Discard the ice from the previous shaker.
- Add the egg white to the strained mixture.
- Shake again, vigorously, for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Once done, pour the mixture into the chilled Collins glass. This cocktail is perfect for those seeking a unique and sophisticated drink experience. Enjoy its creamy, fizzy allure and vibrant berry notes.
Vampire’s Kiss
The Vampire’s Kiss cocktail is a spine-chilling addition to any drink menu. This Halloween-themed drink mixes the sweetness of raspberry liqueur with the tartness of cranberry. A splash of champagne adds a fizzy twist.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce raspberry liqueur
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 ounce champagne
- Lemon juice to taste
- Ice cubes
- Red decorating gel for rimming
Instructions
- Rim the Glass: Coat the rim of a martini or cocktail glass with red decorating gel. This adds a dramatic, bloody effect.
- Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, and a dash of lemon juice. Add ice cubes to fill halfway.
- Shake: Shake the mixture until well chilled. About ten good shakes should suffice.
- Pour and Finish: Strain the mixture into your rimmed glass. Top it off with champagne for a bubbly finish.
