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Black Widow Smash

Dark, sultry Black Widow Smash cocktail with bourbon, blackberry, and a hint of maple—perfect for Halloween with rich flavors and spooky vibes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1 cocktail

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Small Saucepan
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Rocks glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Ice

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh blackberry syrup see recipe below
  • 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.25 oz maple syrup for added depth
  • 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Club soda to top
  • Ice

Blackberry Syrup Recipe:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for extra warmth

Garnishes:

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Mint sprigs

Instructions

Make the Blackberry Syrup:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries, sugar, and water. Simmer until the berries break down and release their juices (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat, add vanilla extract (if using), and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the berries to extract as much liquid as possible. Let cool before using.

Prepare the Cocktail:

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, 1 oz of the cooled blackberry syrup, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 15 seconds).

Serve:

  • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Top with a splash of club soda to add a bit of fizz and lighten the texture. Gently stir.

Add Garnishes:

  • Add a few fresh blackberries on top and tuck in a sprig of mint