A little bit mysterious, a little bit playful—this cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser. The Black Cat is a bold and fruity drink with a hint of fizz and a deep, jewel-toned color that makes it perfect for parties, especially around Halloween. I’ve made this drink countless times, and there’s just something about that sweet-tart balance that keeps people coming back for more.
Black Cat
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) cherry brandy
– 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice
– A squeeze of fresh lime juice (about 1/4 lime)
– A splash of cola (regular or diet)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedge or cherries, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and cherry brandy.
- Add the cranberry juice and a good squeeze of lime juice.
- Shake well for about 10 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top it off with a splash of cola. You’ll hear that gentle fizz as it hits the glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or a few cherries.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice—it really brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness.
– Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before mixing for an extra-refreshing sip.
– If you’re watching sugar intake, swap in diet cola and look for a low-sugar cranberry juice.
– Want a deeper flavor? Let the drink sit for a minute or two before sipping. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests.
Storage & Make-Ahead
You can prep a batch of the base mix (vodka, cherry brandy, cranberry juice, and lime juice) ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick shake before serving. Add the cola only when you’re ready to pour to keep the bubbles lively.
Flavor Notes
The Black Cat is all about contrast. You get the tartness from the cranberry and lime, a soft sweetness from the cherry brandy, and that fizzy bite from the cola. It’s not too strong, but definitely not shy either. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails—it’s a fun twist that feels both familiar and fresh.
Food Pairings
Spicy Snacks: Buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy tacos. The sweetness in the drink cools the heat.
Grilled Meats: Try it with BBQ chicken, burgers, or steak skewers. The fruity notes cut through the smokiness.
Chocolate Desserts: Dark chocolate brownies or flourless cake. The richness pairs perfectly with the drink’s bright berry notes.
Ingredient Swaps
– No cherry brandy? Use raspberry liqueur or even a splash of grenadine for a similar effect.
– Vodka can be replaced with white rum or even gin for a different twist.
– No cranberry juice? Try pomegranate juice for a deeper, slightly less tart flavor.
Variations
Midnight Black Cat
– Add a splash of blue curaçao to the classic recipe.
– It gives a magical color shift and a hint of orange flavor.
Golden Black Cat
– Swap cherry brandy with gold rum.
– You’ll get a warmer, toasty flavor that’s perfect for cooler nights.
Berry Black Cat
– Use raspberry liqueur instead of cherry brandy.
– Muddle a few fresh berries in the bottom of the glass before pouring.
– It adds a burst of real fruit flavor and a pretty finish.
Virgin Black Cat (Mocktail)
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice, a squeeze of lime juice, and a splash of cola over ice.
– Garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry.
– Perfect for kids or anyone skipping the booze!
Q&A
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes! Multiply the base ingredients by the number of servings. Keep the mix chilled in the fridge and add the cola just before serving.
How strong is the Black Cat?
It’s a medium-strength cocktail. The sweetness makes it easy to drink, so sip mindfully.
Is bottled lime juice okay?
You can use it, but fresh lime juice gives a brighter, cleaner flavor that really makes a difference.
What’s the best garnish?
Try a lime wheel, maraschino cherries, or even a blackberry on a skewer for a little drama.
Can I use soda instead of cola?
Sure! Try ginger ale or sparkling water for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
The Black Cat is a cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. Whether you’re mixing up a batch for a party or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, it’s got that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fizzy. Try a variation or stick with the classic—either way, you’re in for something special.
