the Black Widow.

The Black Widow

A couple of weeks ago I was approached by a work mate of mine, one Mr. Mike Levine, and asked what kind of themed cocktails I serve on Halloween? I was a bit stunned, for to be honest, I hadn't given holiday cocktails much thought until that moment. Mike was looking for something he could whip up easily for a small gathering on Old Hallows eve, which not only matched the spirit (no pun intended) of the evening but would please his guests as well. It seems I have become something of the resident barman of the workplace and am sought out for advice and recipes by lots of different folks, I am not sure how I should feel about that.

With an embarrassed half grin, I had to tell Mike that I would have to look into it for him as themed drinks had never crossed my mind before, and then began to grill him with the usual litany of questions; "How many people?, do you like drinks served rocks, highball, or up? what liquors do your guests prefer? etc. etc, etc," The answers to those questions would allow me not only to find a drink that might suit his needs, but also help to filter out a lot (and I mean A LOT) of other possible cocktails crafted specifically for the holiday.

Being challenged to find something complete strangers will enjoy on minimal data can seem a little daunting, but one never succeeds if one never even tries, so the research began that very afternoon.Within fifteen minutes I found the recipe for this beautiful Halloween cocktail, the Black Widow, and knew right there and then it was what Mr. Levine had been looking for. This simple drink will sure enough be the hit of any party no matter the time of year but especially on the night when Banshees wail and Pookas lurk.

Be sure to stir before drinking.

Ingredients:

2-3 ounces of Blavod (black vodka from England)
3-4 ounces of Cranberry juice
Lime wheel for garnish (optional)

Method:

Fill a rocks glass with clean ice, add 3-4 ounces of cranberry juice, top off with 2-3 ounces of Blavod black vodka pouring slowly to make a nice neat line between the mixer and spirit. Garnish with lime wheel if desired.

Essentially this cocktail is but a reverse Cape Cod only with black vodka as a float for presentation. It is a very pretty drink, both when you offer it up to your guests and after stirring. Just like with the Dark and Stormy  we suggest strongly giving this drink a good stir before taking a sip. With all the spirit floating on top, that first pull could be a shocker if you fail to give it a spirited whirl with the straw. When mixed your cocktail takes on a nice, dark, blood red color that catches the eye.

Usually specialty liquors such as this vodka disappoint on all levels except with their cool marketing and packaging. I've been caught a couple of times bringing home "the latest and greatest" brand of spirits only to end up pouring them down the drain after a first sip. Fortunately that is NOT! the case with Blavod. This vodka is subtle and smooth and goes down rather well (he says after two stiff drinks).  So for your next Halloween get together to celebrate the dead, mix up a couple of these suave, comforting, and pretty, cocktails for your friends, they will appreciate the night all that much more if you do.

Lastly I'd like to give a special thanks to our friend Mike Levine for not only sparking my curiosity with his question but also for being so trusting of my tastes. A brave man indeed, he chose the Black Widow sight unseen when I first suggested it though I had never made one. Lucky for both of us the drink is so easy even I couldn't screw it up.

Cheers
AL