The Black Widow cocktail is spooky, dark, and dangerously delicious! Perfect for Halloween parties or anytime you want a bold, dramatic drink. Easy to mix, fun to serve, and sure to impress.

I think most of us know what a “black widow” is when we hear the term. The first thing you probably think of – just like me – is spiders.

You’re thinking of an arachnid with a red hourglass shape on its stomach, ready to strike at any time. And when it’s not striking? The spider is spinning a web. A web of terror!

Of course there is another black widow. There are a few, actually. The 2021 Marvel movie with Scarlett Johansson. Aaaand the women who kill their husbands.

You know, like in the movie So I Married An Axe Murderer?

There are shows on my favorite channel (Investigation Discovery) about this topic all the time. It feels very Halloween appropriate!

There’s a final black widow that I’m excited to share today, and it’s the point of this post: the black widow cocktail. And if you’re a Halloween cocktail fan, you’re going to love this recipe.

Fresh blackberries are muddled and shaken with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for this simple and delicious mixed drink.

Remember that making cocktails is both a science and an art, so don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your creations. Over time, you’ll develop your own signature cocktails and techniques!

Here’s what you’re going to need to make this black widow cocktail.

Ingredients

6 fresh blackberries
2 ounces bourbon – I used Maker’s Mark
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup

DRY ICE SAFETY

Wanted to include this so you’re aware that dry ice is not like freezer ice! Always handle dry ice with caution – use temperature proof gloves and never handle dry ice with your bare hands.

Store dry ice in an area with plenty of ventilation away from children and pets. Never eat dry ice. Consult a safety data sheet for complete safety protocols.

Get the printable recipe for this delicious cocktail below.

Black Widow Cocktail

This black widow drink recipe is perfect for Halloween! Add dry ice to make it super spooky.

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Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: drink

Equipment

Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

6 blackberries fresh
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add the fresh blackberries and gently muddle them until they’ve released their juices.
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker and then fill the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds, or until the cocktail is well chilled.
Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with a skewered blackberry.
Before serving, carefully add a small piece (about 1/2”) of dry ice to the glass. Wait for the dry ice to disappear before enjoying.

Notes

Blackberries are what make this a “black widow,” but it would also be delicious with cherries or blueberries if you have a hard time finding nice blackberries.

You can also sweetness with additional simple syrup if needed (if your blackberries aren’t as sweet as you’d like them to be).

Nutrition

If you enjoyed this Halloween cocktail, I’d love for you to check out these other posts:

Easy Black Widow Cocktail That’s Perfectly Spooky