Paul Kushner
The Black Death Cocktail is a bold and spooky drink that combines dark flavors with a refreshing finish, making it perfect for Halloween or late-night gatherings. This cocktail starts with a base of rich dark rum, giving it warmth and depth. Blackberry liqueur adds sweetness and a deep berry taste, while pomegranate juice brings tartness and a striking red tone. A few dashes of Angostura bitters enhance the flavor with subtle spice, and a splash of soda water on top adds light bubbles that keep it crisp. The Black Death Cocktail is flavorful, dramatic, and always a party favorite.
Tasting Notes
The Black Death cocktail is a bold and layered drink that brings together deep fruit flavors, subtle spice, and refreshing fizz. Dark rum provides a smooth, molasses-rich base, while blackberry liqueur adds a lush, jammy sweetness. Pomegranate juice enhances the drink with tart brightness, creating balance and depth. Angostura bitters introduce a warm, aromatic spice that complements the dark fruit notes perfectly. Topped with soda water, it finishes light and effervescent, preventing the drink from feeling too heavy. Each sip delivers richness, refreshment, and complexity—a perfect combination for an evening of intrigue and atmosphere.
Equipment and Glassware
To make The Black Death cocktail, you’ll need a few reliable bar tools. A cocktail shaker ensures the ingredients blend smoothly and chill evenly. A strainer allows for a clean pour, while a jigger helps measure ingredients accurately. Use a bar spoon to gently stir in the soda water without losing carbonation. Serve the drink in a rocks glass to highlight its deep, dark hue and sparkling top. Have cocktail picks on hand for garnishing the blackberries and ice tongs for easy glass preparation. Pre-chill your glass for best results.
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Soda water to top
- Blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the dark rum, blackberry liqueur, pomegranate juice, and Angostura bitters.
- Shake vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and carefully pour the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Top with soda water to add a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with skewered blackberries for an elegant touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your The Black Death cocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality dark rum for a smoother, richer base.
- Shake firmly to fully chill and integrate the bitters and juice.
- Add the soda water last to preserve the bubbles.
- Avoid overfilling with soda just enough to give a gentle sparkle.
- Use large, clear ice cubes to maintain temperature without excess dilution.
- Garnish with fresh, plump blackberries for maximum aroma and color contrast.
- Chill the glass beforehand to enhance presentation and flavor.
When to Serve
The Black Death cocktail is perfect for Halloween parties, evening soirees, or dark-themed gatherings where a dramatic, flavorful drink sets the mood. Its deep hue and bold taste make it ideal for cooler months, yet the soda water keeps it refreshing enough for year-round enjoyment. Serve it as a signature cocktail for mysterious or gothic-inspired events—it’s both striking and approachable. The balance of fruit, spice, and rum warmth ensures it appeals to a wide range of palates. Best served freshly shaken and chilled for full effect.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Dark Rum: Gosling’s Black Seal, Myers’s, or Kraken for depth and rich caramel notes.
- Blackberry Liqueur: Chambord or Bols for authentic fruit flavor and smooth texture.
- Pomegranate Juice: POM Wonderful or Lakewood Organic for tart vibrancy.
- Bitters: Angostura for classic spice and aromatic complexity.
- Soda Water: Fever-Tree or Perrier for crisp carbonation.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Soda water to top
- Blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the dark rum, blackberry liqueur, pomegranate juice, and Angostura bitters.
- Shake vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and carefully pour the cocktail mixture into the glass.
- Top with soda water to add a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with skewered blackberries for an elegant touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your The Black Death cocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh blackberries for garnish to enhance the blackberry flavor and add visual appeal.
- For a sweeter drink, add a touch of simple syrup or increase the amount of pomegranate juice.
- Experiment with different bitters, such as orange or cherry, for a unique twist.
