Lunar Elixir - Black Halloween Cosmopolitan Cocktail
This Halloween cocktail is pitch black, citrusy and just a little spooky. The color comes from black-dyed vodka while cranberry and lime add a tart twist. Serve with an ice ball for eerie elegance.
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
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.