Update: This recipe was inspired by, and created for, Halloween. That said, being that it uses blackberries, it would be perfect for the summer with fresh berries, though frozen berries are perfectly suited for this, regardless of whether it’s fall or not. Just rename the cocktail for the summer months–nobody will ever know.
This year I was a bit obsessed with coming up with a purple cocktail for Halloween. It had to be an intense purple color but that wasn’t enough; it had to have a really great flavor. I was adamant that I would not use blue curaçao to get the right color. I’ve always kind of it was nothing more than triple sec that has a little bit of blue food dye #2. That said, I inevitably bought some for the first time in years and, in tasting it side-by-side with triple sec, it does have a slightly different flavor. Drastically different? No. I’d associate it as being closer to Cointreau, with a cleaner and slicker orange flavor than your run of the mill triple sec, and maybe a hint of spices. That said though, you need the gimmicky blue hue to make a true purple color.
As far as Halloween cocktails go, it might seem that one the color pumpkin-orange or slime-green (I have that covered with the Caramel Apple Martini) would be more appropriate–or even a devilishly black one–but I love the mysterious allure of a dark purple. After some tinkering and toying I very happily came up with this: The Black Cat. Its name doesn’t really come from its color, but rather the blackberries used to flavor it. Those sweet, tart and slightly spiced-tasting berries not only help to enhance the color of this drink, but also help to balance the thick and tart pomegranate juice, and the sweet, clean flavor of the curaçao. A little blackberry liqueur helps to enhance the flavor of the fresh berries, and the perfect vehicle to carry all of this over to true cocktail status is, of course, vodka.
Start by making the blackberry syrup. Mix some fresh blackberries with a little sugar and water…
Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes and then let it cool to room temperature…
Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to catch all the seeds and berry pulp…
And then mix with vodka, pomegranate juice, blue curaçao and blackberry liqueur. Pour 3-1/2 ounces into a shaker fill with ice, shake for 5 seconds, and strain over an ice-filled glass.
Enjoy the mystery and superstition of The Black Cat whether it’s Halloween or not!
And don’t forget to follow me on BLOGLOVIN’ & Medium!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 1 (or 8) cocktails | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | Passive Time |
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes |
|
|
|
|
A sweet and smooth cocktail that packs a striking visual and flavorful punch. Pomegranate juice, blackberry syrup and curacao not only lend a gorgeous color but also a balanced taste.
|
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Pomegranate juice such as POM
- 1/2 ounce blue curacao
- 1/2 ounce blackberry brandy
- 1/2 ounce blackberry syrup Recipe below
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup Pomegranate juice such as POM
- 1/2 cup blue curacao
- 1/2 cup blackberry brandy
- 1/2 cup blackberry syrup Recipe below
- 6 ounes blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Start the syrup by combining the blackberries and sugar in a small saucepan. Squish the berries to release some of their juices and put the pan over medium low heat. Let the berries liquidate, their juices coming to a boil, before lowing the heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. Give the berries another smooshing to make sure they're all broken up. Let the syrup cool for about 30 minutes before straining into a small jug through a fine mesh sieve to catch all the seeds.
- To make one cocktail pour everything into a shaker, fill it with ice and shake it all for about 5 seconds. Strain it into an 8 to 10-ounce glass filled with more ice.
- To make eight cocktails pour everything into a pitcher and stir together. Keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Measure out 3-1/2 ounces and shake in an ice-filled shaker for 5 seconds. Strain it into an 8 to 10-ounce glass filled with ice. Do each cocktail separately so you can make sure everyone gets the right amount.