Dusk ‘Til Dawn
Guys, we created the perfect Halloween cocktail. It totally rivals our Hocus Pocus Witch’s Brew from last year, which also layers oh-so-beautifully, but the colours are even spookier. We paired this bevy with our must-watch scary movie list for the month of October, and gotta say it’s a perfect match.
We know what you’re thinking: what is that black layer and how do I get my hands on it? The secret ingredient is food grade activated charcoal powder. If you’re not familiar with activated charcoal it’s a fine, odourless, black powder that was initially used for treating overdoses as it absorbs toxins in the body. Now, people take activated charcoal supplements in hopes of detoxing their bodies and treating a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, gas, kidney problems, hangovers, and yellowed teeth. We like to think it also looks crazy cool in as cocktail (and can only do your body good!).
This is a simple cocktail, but it will not disappoint. It can also be made into a shot, it layers in small glasses too. It actually works really well as a shot because the vodka hits you first but the grenadine, which is super sweet, is last so it’s like the booze part never even happened (which is of course a huge danger zone risk, so drink responsibly!).
- 1.5 oz of vodka mixed with 1/8 of a tsp of food grade activated charcoal powder. We used this one.
- Orange Juice
- Grenadine
- Eyeball gummy (optional, but I mean c’mon it looks so good)
1. Start by adding grenadine to the bottom of a highball glass, until its about 1/4 inch full.
2. Next, add a couple of ice cubes to the glass.
3. Pour the OJ into the glass, leaving about 1.5 inches at the top because the most important ingredient is coming up next.
4. Slowly pour the vodka and charcoal mixture over the back of a spoon so it layers at the very top.
Looking for other spooky activities, games or cocktails? Check out some of our other ideas and recipes below:
- The Ultimate List of Halloween Cocktails and Shots
- Hocus Pocus Movie Drinking Game
- How to Throw an Epic Halloween Party
- Our 31 Favourite Scary Movies
- How to Host an Addams Family Dinner Party
- Scream Movie Drinking Game
- Zombie Baby Pumpkins
- How to Host a Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest
- Host a Halloween Trivia Night (with a free 50-question download!)
I can’t find Black Vodka anywhere!? I live in California!
Hey Sophia,
Bummer that Hounds Vodka isn’t available there. What you could do is make your own black vodka by adding activated charcoal powder to your favourite vodka. Just make sure it’s food grade, there’s a couple options on Amazon. We can’t guarantee it will layer the same though since your mixture will be a different consistency than ours, but hopefully it will. Good luck!
If I can’t get a hold of black vodka, could I use black food colouring to my regular vodka to get the same look?
Hi Sophie,
We would recommend using activated charcoal powder! You can grab it on Amazon, just make sure it’s food grade. It dissolves really well in vodka and is also pretty good for you! Enjoy!
Hey, when talking about activated charcoal powder it might be important to mention that it can also absorb oral medication and render it ineffective. Birth control too. You don’t want to be serving this at a Halloween party to random people without telling them what’s in it and causing health problems. Be careful with it
Hi Daisy, yes, everyone should read the label before using activated charcoal – pregnant and breastfeeding women are also discouraged from using it.
Hi, I am wanting to make this for my upcoming party. Is it something I can make like 30 min before or will the layers start to blend? I have never worked with that charcoal before?
Hi Jocelyn, we don’t know for sure as we haven’t let the drink sit out for that long. However, it’s likely that the layers would start to blend a little bit! Good luck and have a fun party!