Paul Kushner
The Blackberry Widow’s Kiss is a spooky cocktail that blends bold flavors with a haunting look, making it perfect for Halloween parties or festive gatherings. This drink starts with blue raspberry vodka, which gives it a fruity base, while fresh lemon juice adds tartness and orange liqueur provides a smooth citrus balance. A drop of purple food coloring transforms the cocktail into a deep, eerie shade that fits the holiday theme. To complete the presentation, a marshmallow web garnish is stretched across the glass, creating a chilling effect. With its flavor and dramatic style, this cocktail is sure to impress.
Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Widow’s Kiss is a striking cocktail that blends tart, fruity, and citrus flavors with a playful, spooky twist. Blue raspberry vodka brings a sweet, candy-like sharpness, while fresh blackberries add depth and a touch of natural earthiness. Lemon juice cuts through the sweetness with bright acidity, and orange liqueur rounds the drink out with a smooth, citrus warmth. The purple food coloring enhances its eerie appearance, while the marshmallow “web” garnish adds sweetness and texture, creating a visually stunning contrast. Each sip is balanced, vibrant, and hauntingly delicious perfect for Halloween or themed nights.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare the Blackberry Widow’s Kiss, you’ll need a few essential tools. A cocktail shaker is key for blending and chilling the ingredients evenly. A muddler will help extract the juice from the fresh blackberries. Use a fine strainer for a smooth pour, especially after muddling fruit. A microwave-safe bowl is required to melt the jumbo marshmallow for the web garnish. A martini or coupe glass works best to show off the drink’s bold purple hue and dramatic webbed top. Keep tongs or a spoon handy for handling the marshmallow once melted.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blue Raspberry Vodka
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Orange Liqueur
- 5 Blackberries
- 2 Drops Purple Food Coloring
- 1 Jumbo Marshmallow for web garnish
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the jumbo marshmallow for about 30 seconds, until it puffs up. Stir briefly and let it cool slightly.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, stretch some of the melted marshmallow across the top of your martini glass to create a web-like pattern. Repeat until you cover the top of the glass with marshmallow webbing.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh blackberries to release their juice. Add the blue raspberry vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, purple food coloring, and ice. Shake vigorously until the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass, carefully pouring it through the marshmallow web.
- Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Allow the marshmallow to cool slightly before handling it should be tacky but not hot.
- Stretch thin strands for a realistic spider web effect.
- Use a fine strainer to remove blackberry pulp for a smooth texture.
- Adjust the food coloring based on the vodka shade for your preferred depth of purple.
- Chill your glass beforehand to enhance the drink’s appearance and flavor.
- Garnish with a single blackberry or edible glitter for added flair.
- Clean marshmallow residue promptly with warm water for easy cleanup.
When to Serve
The Blackberry Widow’s Kiss is the ultimate Halloween cocktail, perfect for costume parties, gothic-themed gatherings, or any event where presentation matters. Its eerie purple hue and webbed garnish make it a showstopper on any bar table. The bright, fruity flavor keeps it approachable for guests who enjoy sweet and tangy cocktails. Serve it as a signature drink for spooky soirées or elegant October nights it’s both theatrical and delicious, delivering seasonal flair without sacrificing taste.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Blue Raspberry Vodka: UV Blue, Pinnacle Blue, or Smirnoff Raspberry Twist for vibrant flavor and color.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or Grand Marnier for balanced citrus depth.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and clarity.
- Food Coloring: AmeriColor or Wilton for strong, vivid purple tones.
- Blackberries: Use fresh, ripe berries for the best color and flavor extraction.
- Marshmallow: Jet-Puffed Jumbo Marshmallows for easy melting and stretching.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blue Raspberry Vodka
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Orange Liqueur
- 5 Blackberries
- 2 Drops Purple Food Coloring
- 1 Jumbo Marshmallow for web garnish
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the jumbo marshmallow for about 30 seconds, until it puffs up. Stir briefly and let it cool slightly.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, stretch some of the melted marshmallow across the top of your martini glass to create a web-like pattern. Repeat until you cover the top of the glass with marshmallow webbing.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh blackberries to release their juice. Add the blue raspberry vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, purple food coloring, and ice. Shake vigorously until the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass, carefully pouring it through the marshmallow web.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips
- The marshmallow web garnish adds a spooky touch but can be tricky—let the marshmallow cool just enough to be stretchable without being too sticky.
- If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your Witch’s Web, sprinkle some edible glitter on top for an extra magical effect.
- Freeze the blackberries before using them as garnish for an extra chilling look and feel.
