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.

• 50ml vodka
• 20ml crème de mûre
• 20ml fresh lemon juice
• 10ml simple syrup
• Pinch of activated charcoal powder
• Blackberries
• Rosemary sprig

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.