Dark as Night Vodka Cranberry

A Halloween cocktail that not only looks ghoulish but tastes great? Look no further than the Dark as Night Vodka Cranberry cocktail! This simple cocktail uses color to make an otherwise classic cocktail into a Halloween party hit! The best part is this trick to turn the drink a dark blackish color doesn’t use any added charcoal or dyes.

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The secret to the color is Blue Curaçao. When the red of the cranberry juice is combined with the Blue Curaçao it makes a deep dark purple. It looks almost black and is perfect for Halloween.

Blue Curacao is derived from the dried peel of the citrus fruit, laraha and aptly named after the Dutch island Curacao where it’s grown. It’s blue because dye is added to the liqueur which gives it the trademark color. So while there isn’t added dye in the drink the Blue Curacao does contain dye. It’s a great substitute for any citrus flavored liqueur where triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier would typically be used. Another delicious cocktail which relies on the blue color is the Moonlight Margaritas which has a beautiful bright blue glow.

Halloween Vodka Cranberry Ingredients

• Vodka
• Cranberry Juice
• Blue Curacao
• Roses Lime Juice
• Fresh Lime
• Black sanding sugar (optional)

Notes about the ingredients

I like to support local businesses so whenever I’m putting together a recipe I shop local. In this case I used vodka from New Deal Distillery. I highly recommend this local Portland, Oregon distillery and have enjoyed many of their spirits as well as their convenient curbside pick up!

The cranberry juice should be unsweetened not the sugar filled juice mix. Not only will you get more of a real cranberry flavor but the blue curasao is a citrus liqueur so this gives the the cocktail all the added sweetness it needs. As for the black sugar rim, it looks good but tends to stain your mouth so beware! You can always rim the glass with white sugar or nothing at all. This Halloween vodka cranberry cocktail is plenty tasty without the added sugar rim.

The Dark as Night Vodka Cranberry Cocktail is a great touch for any Halloween party! Serve them with the Olive and Parmesan Cheese Puffs for a themed happy hour. For more party tips read How to Host the Ultimate Halloween Party

Happy Halloween!