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When you want your Halloween drinks to stand out, this mysterious lunar elixir – black Halloween cosmopolitan cocktail checks every box. It’s rich, dark and glamorously gothic, with an eerie shimmer and a citrus-kissed finish. The jet-black vodka and crimson cranberry juice give this cocktail a dramatic flair that’s hard to ignore. It’s easy to make ahead and even easier to sip. So, if you’re planning a party or just want something bewitching in your glass, this is the one to try.
This lunar elixir – black Halloween cosmopolitan cocktail is dramatic, citrusy and fun to serve. A chilling ice ball adds flair to this vodka-based Halloween drink.
More Halloween treats to try include this glow in the dark coconut rum shot, panna cotta eyeballs and colorful Halloween pancakes.
Why You’ll Love It
Spooky and stunning: It looks incredible and fits the Halloween theme perfectly.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep the black vodka in advance to save time.
Simple ingredients: Just a few bar basics come together for a unique drink.
Party-ready presentation: The ice ball and black hue give it serious wow factor.
Customizable: Adjust the tartness or sweetness to suit your tastes.
Lunar Elixir Black Cocktail Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Vodka: Acts as the base of this cosmopolitan cocktail. I used Crystal Head Vodka.
Food coloring: Turns clear vodka into a bold black shade.
Cranberry juice cocktail: Brings sweetness and that classic cosmo flavor.
Triple sec: Adds citrusy notes to round out the drink.
Lime juice: Fresh lime balances the sweetness with a sharp bite.
Ice ball: Keeps the drink cold while adding visual appeal.
How to Make Black Cosmo Halloween Cocktails
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the black vodka: Stir black gel food coloring into vodka until fully mixed.
Mix the cocktail: Combine black vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec and lime juice in a shaker or jar.
Add the ice ball: Pour into a glass and gently place the ice ball inside.
Substitutions and Variations
Make it sweeter: Use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for a sweeter option.
Gluten free option: All ingredients are naturally gluten free, just verify the vodka brand to be safe.
No ice ball: Use standard ice cubes if needed, though it won’t look quite as cool.
No food coloring: Skip it for a classic red cosmo with Halloween vibes.
Serving Suggestions
With spooky appetizers: Enjoy mini charcuterie boards, spider pizza and skull potatoes.
With something sweet: Pair them with panna cotta eyeballs, Halloween bark, pots de creme and boozy dirt cups.
How to Store Lunar Elixir Cocktails
Store: Keep the mixed cocktail (without ice) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Not recommended due to the alcohol content.
Top Tips
Use gel color: Gel or icing color works better than liquid for that intense black hue.
Chill the glass: A cold glass helps the cocktail stay cool longer.
Make the vodka in advance: Give it time to settle and mellow before using.
Pour slowly over the ice ball: This keeps the layered effect looking crisp.
Black Halloween Cosmopolitan FAQs
Yes, you can replace the vodka and triple sec with flavored water and orange juice for a mocktail version.
No, but it makes the presentation more dramatic. Regular ice cubes will work too.
This black Halloween cosmopolitan cocktail is very similar to the classic recipe, in that it relies on vodka and cranberry juice. There are several people who claim to have invented the cosmo, with one of them being Cheryl Cook, South Beach’s Martini Queen. According to the story, Cook noticed how many people stood around with a martini in the hand (the epitome of style in the 1980s). That’s why she created something new which might appeal to more women because of its colour and sweetness.
Black Halloween Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Lunar Elixir – Black Halloween Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Equipment
- Ice Ball Mold
- Pitcher or Stain-Resistant Container
- Cocktail Spoon
Ingredients
For the Black Vodka (Makes Enough for 4 Drinks)
- 1 Cup vodka
- food coloring, black gel or icing colour
For the Lunar Elixir (For 1 Drink)
- 2 Ounces black vodka
- 1 Ounce cranberry juice cocktail
- ½ Ounce triple sec
- ½ Ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ice ball, 2 ½ Inches or similar
Instructions
Prepare the Black Vodka
- Pour vodka into a stain-resistant container.
- Using a cocktail spoon or disposable or stain-resistant utensil, dip into the gel colorant container and remove. Icing colors are very concentrated so a little goes a long way. It’s better to start with less dye than to go overboard so adding a smaller amount and adding more if it needs it is the best way to go.
- Insert the dye-dipped utensil into the clear vodka. Stir to mix, making sure to stir-up any dye that settles. Continue stirring until the utensil is clean and the dye has completely dissolved into the vodka.
Make the Lunar Elixir
- Pour black vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice into a sealable container such as a jar or cocktail shaker.
- Shake until mixture is incorporated. It will look a bit frothy but the bubbles will quickly subside. You may also notice a slight green, blue, or purple tinge to the bubbles depending on the brand of dye you use. The Wilton Black Icing Color gave the bubbles a subtle blue-green tint. This hue will lessen as the bubbles do, though you may still be able to see a slight tint if you hold it up to the light.
- Pour the shaken cocktail into a 6-ounce glass. Carefully place ice ball into the glass over the black cocktail and serve. You should have a bit of room from the surface of the drink to the top of the glass after the ice ball is placed, allowing for some melting to take place.
Notes
Chill the glass: A cold glass helps the cocktail stay cool longer.
Make the vodka in advance: Give it time to settle and mellow before using.
Pour slowly over the ice ball: This keeps the layered effect looking crisp.
Nutrition
This lunar elixir – black Halloween cosmopolitan cocktail is guaranteed to add drama and flair to any Halloween party. With its bold appearance and smooth, balanced flavor, it’s both a treat for the eyes and a pleasure to drink. You can mix it ahead of time and wow your guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a spooky bash or just feeling festive, the black cosmo is a haunting cocktail that definitely belongs in your hand.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I’m going to pin this to my board. I made them before but lost the recipe until just now when I found it on your website! My Halloween party this year is black and silver themed so I’m collecting black Halloween drinks and food recipes. Vodka cocktails are always good and this one is frighteningly good!!
Black cocktails are such a way to celebrate Halloween, gel food color is a great way to add that spooky feel to foods.
I love this drink! How much fun is this and it’s so festive for the new season. Totally making it for Halloween.
YES! Halloween is the BEST day of the year. I don’t care what anyone says. And I love learning new cocktails to serve up to my guests at our annual costume party. Looking forward to add this one to the mix.
You are killing it with these Halloween recipes, I’m so pumped to try this one
Saving this for Halloween! Love it