The Black Widow’s Kiss takes inspiration from the mysterious allure of gothic femme fatales and the poisonous beauty of black widow spiders. This cocktail riffs on the classic vodka sour but deepens it with blackberry liqueur and activated charcoal, giving it an inky, venomous finish. Historically, dark cocktails were popular in speakeasies where secrecy and mystery were part of the charm; this one modernises that idea for Halloween.
Ingredients
50 ml Vodka
20 ml Creme de Mure
20 ml lemon juice
10 ml Simple Syrup
1 dash Activated Charcoal (pinch)
2 pieces Blackberry (for garnish)
1 sprig Rosemary Sprig (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions
Add the vodka, crème de mûre, lemon juice, simple syrup, and activated charcoal powder into a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for around 15 seconds until the outside feels frosted.
Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a silky texture.
Skewer 2–3 fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick and place across the rim.
Add a small sprig of rosemary for aroma. Serve immediately.
Recommended glassware
Coupe Glass (recommended)
An elegant stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails served up.
Elegant dark sour serve.
120–240 mlStemmed glass with a broad shallow bowl.
Best for: Daiquiri, Sidecar, Manhattan served up, Gimlet, Clover Club.
Garnish: Great for expressed citrus peels, cherries, and small edible flowers.
Quick facts
5 mins Easy Approx. 16.5% ABV 1.6 units 165 kcal Ice
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