Why I love this blackberry rum cocktail
Have I got a treat for you this Halloween season!
This black Halloween cocktail made with blackberry syrup and rum isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience.
The magic ingredient? Activated charcoal.
Not only does it give this cocktail its mesmerizing dark hue, making it a showstopper for any Halloween party. But it is also tasteless so it won’t affect the flavor of your drink at all.
And let’s not forget its Instagram-worthy appearance. Which is sure to get everyone talking.
So, if you’re looking to impress your guests with something uniquely delicious and perfectly spooky, this is the recipe that will make your Halloween celebration unforgettable.
More spooky Halloween drinks
Ingredients
Here is your shopping list (for 1 blackberry rum cocktail):
- Alcohol: 1½ oz dark rum
- Flavoring: 1 oz blackberry syrup – I like to buy this one* but you can make it from scratch if you prefer.
- Fresh produce: 1 lime (for the drink), 3 to 4 fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint leaves (for garnish, if desired)
- Coloring: 1 activated charcoal capsule – this is what will make the cocktail look black (you can buy it here*). Be aware that it can interfere with some kinds of medication. So you should let people know it is in the drink before serving it to them. (If you’re interested, you can find out more about it here.)
- Soda: 1 cup club soda or sparkling water – you probably won’t use this much. We’ll be topping off the glass with this, so the exact amount you will need depends on the size of the glass.
- Sugar: Black rimming sugar – (I use this one*) for rimming the glass, if desired.
- Ice
Substitutions & Additions
- Instead of dark rum you can use bourbon or whiskey for a different depth of flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use a mix of non-alcoholic vanilla extract and a touch of molasses to mimic the dark rum flavor.
- Substitute blackberry syrup with raspberry or blueberry syrup if desired.
- Fresh Lime Juice can be replaced by bottled lime juice in a pinch, though fresh is preferred for the best flavor. Fresh or bottled lemon juice will also work.
- Eliminate the activated charcoal if desired. It won’t affect the taste of the drink at all, but the color will be more purple than black.
How to make a blackberry rum cocktail
1 | Prep work
Cut a lime in half and squeeze enough juice for 1 ounce.
If you want to rim your glass with sugar:
- Pour the black sanding sugar onto a small plate so that it covers the bottom of the dish.
- Then cut a slice off the lime and run it around the edge of the glass.
- Finally turn the glass update down onto the plate and gently press it into the sugar to coat the rim.
2 | Mix the cocktail
Now, it’s time to mix your cocktail.
Begin by adding ice to a cocktail shaker. This will chill the ingredients as you shake them, ensuring your cocktail is refreshingly cold.
Pour in 1½ ounces of dark rum, 1 ounce of blackberry syrup, and 1 ounce of the freshly squeezed lime juice.
Open a capsule of activated charcoal carefully and add its contents to the shaker.
I find the easiest way to do this without spilling it everywhere is to cut the end of the capsule off with scissors.
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
3 | Serve
Carefully strain the cocktail into your prepared glass, ensuring that you don’t mess up your beautifully rimmed edge.
Top up the rest of the glass with soda water.
4 | Garnish
To garnish, thread 3 to 4 fresh blackberries onto a small cocktail skewer or toothpick.
Lay this across the top of the glass, allowing the berries to sink into the drink.
Then add a large sprig of fresh mint between the toothpick and the edge of the glass for a pop of color.
You could also sprinkle a tiny amount of edible glitter over the top of the cocktail to add a magical, shimmering effect.
How to make a big batch
To make a big batch (16 servings), mix the following in a 64-ounce pitcher:
- 3 cups dark rum
- 2 cups blackberry syrup
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Add enough activated charcoal capsules to turn the mixture black (usually 12 to 16).
Then rim the glasses with sanding sugar (if desired).
Pour 3½ ounces of the mixture into each glass and top with soda water.
Add garnish if desired.
If the mixture is standing around in the pitcher for a while, the activated charcoal may settle to the bottom. So you may need to mix it before serving the next round.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this Blackberry Rum Cocktail without activated charcoal?
Yes, you can certainly make this blackberry rum cocktail without activated charcoal. It is primarily used for achieving the unique black color and does not affect the taste. Without it, your cocktail will still be delicious but will be more red-purple than black. You might consider using black food coloring as an alternative if the color is important for your presentation. (Just don’t use too much or it can affect the taste of your drink).
Is it safe to consume activated charcoal in a cocktail?
Activated charcoal is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities, such as the amount used in this cocktail recipe. However, it’s important to note that activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of some medications and nutrients. If you are on medication or have health concerns, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming drinks or foods with activated charcoal. You can learn more about it from WebMD.
Blackberry Rum Cocktail With Activated Charcoal (the Perfect Black Halloween Drink)
Ingredients
- black rimming sugar
- Ice
- 1½ oz dark rum
- 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz blackberry syrup
- 1 activated charcoal capsule
- 1 cup soda/sparkling water
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
Equipment
- lime juicer
- cocktail shaker
- jigger or measuring cup
- small plate (optional – for rimming sugar)
Instructions
Rim the glass
- Using a lime slice, rub the rim of the serving glass.
- Invert the serving glass onto a shallow plate of colored sanding sugar. Set aside.
Make the cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice.
- Add the rum, blackberry simple syrup and lime juice.1½ oz dark rum, 1 oz blackberry syrup, 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
- Cut open the activated charcoal capsule and add to the shaker.1 activated charcoal capsule
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Serve
- Strain the cocktail into your sugar-rimmed glass.
- Top with soda water.1 cup soda/sparkling water
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Have comments or questions about our blackberry rum cocktail recipe? Tell us in the section below.
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