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The Black Widow Smash. The “spookiest” of Halloween cocktails, but also one of the simplest. Fresh blackberries muddled with rosemary, lemon, a couple dashes of orange bitters, tequila, and topped off with sparkling water, for a little bit of fizz. It’s both eerie and warming, perfect for the cool nights ahead.
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Back with another cocktail Saturday post. One that I’ve been waiting to share with you all since this time last year. Yes, I first made this “spooky” cocktail last year. But I never got around to sharing it in time for Halloween. So I put the recipe in my back pocket and saved it for a year.
It’s been a favorite ever since the day I made it. So I was happy to have an excuse to remake it come October. This drink is perfect because it’s so easy to shake up, I already have everything on hand. I just returned home from LA last night and have a busy weekend of catching up before heading out again on Monday. This time to NYC. However, I’ve set it as my goal to take tonight off, and enjoy some down time. This fun cocktail will be the perfect 5 minute drink to sip on…hopefully while watching Hocus Pocus, because I’m dying to watch that movie sometime this October.
I made this smash using my favorite ingredients…tequila, blackberries, and some sparkles.
Here’s how you make it. Smash up some fresh blackberries, along with a pinch of rosemary, some lemon, tequila (or mezcal, which is a nice smoky option), and a dash of orange bitters. Add sparkling water (ginger beer would be delicious here too) and done.
Could not be easier, and trust me, it’s so GOOD!
You can use either tequila or Mezcal, but I love using Mezcal for a depth of flavor in drinks. Its natural smokiness always reminds me of a crisp October night. It makes for the perfect warming drink for all the chilly fall evenings ahead.
To give this drink the ultimate spook factor, try torching a sprig of rosemary just before serving. This adds a nice eerie, smoky final touch, which you all know I love. This drink will quickly become your Halloween go-to cocktail. It can even double as an elegant Thanksgiving drink, or simply be sipped on a chilly night at home. Whichever way you choose, this is one of those drinks that will be on repeat weekend after weekend.
ENJOY! See you all tomorrow for another installment in our Anthropologie collaboration. I’ll be talking all things Friendsgiving!
If you make this fun cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
The Black Widow Smash
Ingredients
- 8 fresh blackberries, plus more for topping
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, plus a sprig for serving
- Juice from half of a lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 – 2 ounces tequila or Mezcal
- a couple dashes of orange bitters
- sparkling water, for topping
Instructions
- 1. In a cocktail shaker or glass jar, add blackberries, rosemary, lemon juice and honey. Muddle all of the ingredients together, squishing everything to release the juices. Add the tequila and orange bitters. 2. Add ice to your glass and strain the drink over the ice. Top the glass with a little more ice, pour the sparkling water over, and gently stir to combine. Garnish with fresh rosemary. DRINK!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Can frozen thawed blackberries be used? If making a large batch for a party how much would you pour in a cup and how much fizzy water on top?
Hey Jessica,
Sure frozen blackberries would be fine, I would add as much as you would like and a splash of sparkling water is great. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Going to make this tomorrow! Looks incredible. Would you mind sharing which glasses these are? They look like Zwilling but would love to know which specific ones!
Hey Gene,
Here is the link for the glasses: https://rstyle.me/+7RK4v39F9RqwbYmAZm0RCw
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This cocktail is delicious! I like that it’s reasonably healthy for a cocktail with no sugary mixers!
Thank you so much Kylee! xTieghan
Could this be made using plain Angostura Aromatic Bitters instead of orange? Or without bitters at all?
Hey Charlotte! Yes, of course! You can just omit the bitters all together. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??
I am practicing drinks for a Halloween party and this drink is a keeper! Not too sweet and the blackberry/ rosemary combo is delicious. Instead of muddling, as I am making for a group, I will use a stick hand mixer to wizz up a lot of the base first, then pour everything over ice when guests come. And of course the smoking rosemary! Love it!
I am so glad you love this drink and I hope it goes really well on Halloween! Thank you so much Emily! xTieghan
This was great! Although I’m not sure if I did something wrong because mine turned out more of a reddish color as a post to the beautiful purple of yours. How did you get it that awesome color?
Hi! Sounds like your blackberries where just a pinker shade than mine. Or maybe you needed to use more blackberries to achieve a darker color. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Glad you love this recipe. Thanks so much and happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
Just made this and it tastes as good as it looks! Thanks for another yummy seasonal drink!
This is a gorgeous cocktail, I love the colours!
Thank you Sandy!
My mouth is watering over these Friendsgiving recipes! But I looked at Anthropologie’s website & didn’t see any of your recipes. Could you please let me know where to look in order to see them. Thanks for the help
Thank you DeeDee! I will look for it!
This looks so good!! Is there a way to make a big batch ahead of time for a party?
Sure! You can triple the recipe to make a big batch cocktail. That will be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan
Do you think kids would like this? (Is it very sweet) (Without the alcohol obviously!) 🙂 sounds amazing!
I am sure they would love it and I hope they do! Thank you Rae!
This looks so good! Can it be made ahead in a big batch for a party?
Hi Brooke! Yes, you can make this in a larger batch for a party. I would multiply the recipe to how many people you think will drink it. Also, I would not add the sparkling water until it is served in each individual glass. I hope you love this & please let me know if you have further questions!
These photos are stunning!
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Thank you so much Rebecca!
Happy chef day
Thank you!
You absolutely nailed this recipe! Perfect combinations!! You’re becoming a real mixologist!
Thank you Breah!