October 29th is National Cat Day, National Black Cat Day is October 27th and Black Cat Appreciation Day is August 17th so I had to do this cocktail. Not that I haven't given a cocktail homage to black cats before with my classic Black Cat Martini, but I found this pretty cool cat-face bucket that was perfect for a decent sized on-the-rocks drink and I just had to use it.
For this particular cat themed cocktail recipe I went "berry" over the top with deep, blackish, berry liqueurs and a black vodka base. I was inspired by the fact that my cat wingman, Bailey, won't let me eat a berry without sharing with him. (No, sorry he's not a black cat, he's a blond.)
REVIEW OF BLAVOD VODKA
I usually hoard my Blavod black vodka for Halloween (and those oddly multiplying requests for a creating signature Goth or Vampire wedding cocktails.) First of all, it wasn't easily available for a few scary years here in the United States. Secondly, it's the only black vodka I will use in my Halloween cocktails because it's black color is created with natural, organic ingredients. I live in fear of not having it available at Halloween so when I restock I don't buy a bottle of Blavod, I buy a case.
Blavod Vodka is black because of the infusion of Black Catechu, which, supposedly, adds little flavor to the vodka. However, along with some mild berry notes and slight hint of anise (licorice) there is a tiny bite of something akin to allspice or maybe clove at the end which I would attribute to the Catechu. However, when mixed with other ingredients these mild flavors will disappear. All in all, it's a very decent vodka with only a slight burn going down and very worthy of the higher end price, if only for the deep black and completely natural black color. It's a Halloween freak's best bar buddy.
The
BERRY, BERRY BLACK CAT
Cocktail
INGREDIENTS
2 Oz. Blavod Black Vodka
1 Oz. Briottet Crème de Cassis Blackcurrant Liqueur
1 Oz. Chambord Framboise (Raspberry) Liqueur
1 Oz. Blue Curacao
2 Oz. Pomegranate Juice
1/2 Oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Ice
Garnish: Frozen raspberries and a lime wheel in a hollowed out lemon. If you can get blackcurrants, add a few to the lemon boat as well. I added a few, fun eye ball ice cubes as well.
Tools: Cocktail Shaker, Fun Matching Straws
Glass: Tin Cat Bucket.
(I found mine in the party department at Walmart by the paper plates and napkins.)
DIRECTIONS
Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, garnish and serve. Allow guest to choose whether or when to add in the garnish.
TIP: Keep both the Chambord and Crème de Cassis refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Updated 8-2017
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
