The Black Widow Martini is a well-balanced dance between tart and sweet, with the beautiful Creme de Violette, lemon juice that cuts through the sweetness of the berries, and vodka that packs a punch.
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This is the cocktail that steals the spotlight at every Halloween party. Enter the Black Widow Martini, a drink that’s as alluring as its name.
This cocktail effortlessly combines the eerie with the elegant, making it the perfect addition to your Halloween soiree. You won’t need to decorate it with cheap, plastic spiders; its dark hue and mystical vibe do all the talking.
All of this happens in a martini glass rimmed with black sanding sugar for that extra gothic flair. One sip and you’ll understand why it’s a showstopper. The name not only adds to the Halloween theme, but it also promises an experience.
Ingredients You Need
- Black sanding sugar – A large part of the visual appeal of this martini is from the black sanding sugar. I bought this brand on Amazon. You can use it for all kinds of Halloween and fall cocktails, like this Pumpkin Spice Martini.
- Blackberries – I couldn’t find fresh berries, so I used frozen. They work just as well.
- Vodka – Use any brand of vodka you like. For a sweeter taste, use vanilla vodka.
- Creme de Violette – This is a violet liqueur with natural and/or artificial violet flower flavoring and coloring, with either a brandy base, a neutral spirit base, or a combination of the two.
- Lemon juice – Use freshly-squeezed lemon juice if at all possible. It’s just a better flavor.
- Fresh blackberry for garnish
- Ice
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What is Creme de Violette?
Creme de Violette is a liqueur made from violets. It is typically purple in color and has a sweet, floral flavor. It is a low proof, dark blue liqueur that has a sweet floral flavor. Some have likened the flavor to sweet tarts candy. Creme de Violette is commonly used in cocktails, especially those with a floral or botanical theme.
Creme de Violette was originally produced in France in the 19th century, but fell out of favor and was discontinued for many years. It was revived in the early 21st century by a few small distilleries, and has since gained popularity among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.
Creme de Violette is often used in classic cocktails such as the Aviation, which also includes gin, lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur. It can also be used in other floral or fruity cocktails, or added to sparkling wine or champagne for a floral twist on a classic mimosa.
What Vodka To Use
For this martini, it is recommended to use your favorite, neutral-flavored vodka. This is because the other ingredients in the cocktail provide the main flavor and color. Using a high-quality vodka will help to balance the flavors and create a smooth, well-rounded cocktail.
Some popular vodka brands that are often used in cocktails include Grey Goose, Belvedere, and Ketel One. However, any high-quality vodka that you enjoy drinking on its own will work well in a Black Widow Halloween Martini.
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How to Make the Black Widow Martini
Start by wetting the rim of a martini glass, then dip it into the black sanding sugar to coat the rim. This sets the stage for your spooky spectacle.
Place 6 blackberries at the bottom of a cocktail shaker and give them a good muddle. You want to break them down enough to release their juices but not turn them into a mushy mess.
Add the vodka, creme de Violette, and lemon juice to the cocktail shaker. Throw in some ice for good measure.
Seal the shaker and give it a robust shake until it feels cold to the touch.
Strain the liquid into your prepped martini glass.
Garnish with a fresh blackberry or two if you’re feeling extra. Your Black Widow Martini is ready to bewitch your guests.
Expert Tips for Making it Spookier
- Gothic Glassware: Opt for a martini glass with a black stem or detailing to elevate the creepy factor.
- Ice, Ice, Baby: Use an ice mold in the shape of spiders or skulls for a spooky touch. It will float on top, adding an extra layer of eeriness.
- Blackberry Web: String a few blackberries onto a cocktail skewer and lay it across the top of the glass. Not only does it look cool, but it also allows people to adjust the sweetness by mashing in an extra berry or two.
There you have it. This Black Widow Martini isn’t just another pretty face; it delivers on taste, visual appeal, and theme, making it the ultimate Halloween cocktail. Cheers to a hauntingly good time!
Notes About the Recipe
- To help rim the glass you can use honey or agave syrup instead of lemon juice or water.
- You can use frozen blackberries if you can’t find fresh ones.
- You can make your own sanding sugar if you can’t find the right shade in the stores. Try this recipe.
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Black Widow Martini
The Black Widow Martini is a well-balanced dance between tart and sweet, with the beautiful Creme de Violette, lemon juice that cuts through the sweetness of the berries, and vodka that packs a punch.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon black sanding sugar
- 9 blackberries
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce creme de Violette
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh blackberry for garnish (optional)
- Ice
Instructions
- Wet the rim of a martini glass and dip it in the black sanding sugar to coat the rim.
- Place 6 blackberries at the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle.
- Add the vodka, creme de Violette, lemon juice and ice and shake until cold.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with fresh blackberries.
Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.