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The Black Widow is as simple as Halloween drinks get and about as on-theme as they come. Citrus vodka and black sambuca are shaken cold and strained into a martini glass, where the drink pours an inky, almost opaque black. A lemon twist adds a bright flash of color against all that darkness.
Black sambuca is an Italian anise liqueur, usually colored with elderberry, and it brings a sweet licorice flavor with a slightly fruity edge. The citrus vodka cuts through that sweetness and keeps the drink crisp, so it tastes cleaner than you might expect. If you like black licorice, you will like this. If you do not, consider yourself warned.
Glass: Martini glass | Strength: Strong | Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes
Bartenders tip: Shake hard and serve it very cold, since anise liqueurs taste sweeter and heavier as they warm up. Express the lemon twist over the surface before you drop it in, and the citrus oil will brighten the whole drink. Chill the glass in the freezer first to keep the black color looking sharp and glossy.
Steps
- Add the citrus vodka and black sambuca to a shaker with ice and shake.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.
