Fall is HERE which means Black Margaritas are sliding into the spotlight just in time for Halloween! This black margarita is spooky but classy, questionable but delicious and one that needs to be on your Halloween cocktail menu this October!
Activated charcoal and medications: Activated charcoal may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of medicines taken by mouth, including birth-control pills and blood-pressure medicines. If you take any oral medication, check with your pharmacist or clinician before consuming this drink. Let guests know it contains charcoal, and offer a charcoal-free option. Read WebMD’s overview of activated charcoal uses and risks.
I am obsessed with Halloween. I usually throw some type of Halloween bash every year. So if you are throwing a Halloween party too, check out my spooky food and decor ideas!
This black cocktail is like my black martini. If you DON'T want to purchase the charcoal, you can see how I made my martini black using food coloring in that post!
Ingredients
- Tequila- Any silver tequila works.
- Orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)- this adds a delicious orange flavor to your margarita.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice- freshly squeezed is a must.
- Agave or simple syrup- This is to sweeten your margarita and can be adjusted to your liking.
- Activated charcoal powder or black food coloring- This gives the cocktail its black color. For the charcoal-free option, use McCormick black food coloring. Read the charcoal medication warning above before choosing your coloring.
- Honey and margarita salt or black lava salt- For the rim. Black lava salt contains charcoal; choose plain margarita salt for a charcoal-free drink.
- Ice and optional lime or orange wedges- For serving and garnishing.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is what is used to get black cocktails SUPER black!
In this recipe, activated charcoal is used for its deep black color, not for a health benefit. It can bind to oral medications and reduce their effectiveness, so please read the medication warning near the top of this page before serving.
Note* It's important to use food-grade activated charcoal when making black margaritas, and be cautious with the amount you add, as a little goes a long way in terms of color. The activated charcoal should not significantly affect the flavor of the margarita.
You can find the Viva Doria activated charcoal powder I use on Amazon. Check the current product label to confirm it is intended for food use.
Black Lava Salt
Hawaiian-style black lava salt is sea salt blended with activated charcoal to give it a dark color. It makes a dramatic rim for this margarita.
If you are avoiding activated charcoal, use plain margarita salt instead and check the ingredient list on any colored rimming salt.
What Tequila Is Best For Margaritas?
When it comes to making margaritas, it's best to use a good-quality, 100% agave tequila. The choice between blanco (silver), reposado, or añejo tequila depends on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want for your margarita.
Here's a breakdown of the types of tequila and their suitability for margaritas:
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Blanco (Silver) Tequila: This is an unaged tequila, known for its pure, clean agave flavor and a slight peppery kick. It works well in classic margaritas and allows the citrus and sweetness to shine. It's a popular choice for margaritas, especially if you want a crisp and refreshing drink!
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Reposado Tequila: Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels, which can add notes of oak, vanilla and caramel alongside the agave flavor. The exact flavor depends on the tequila; oak aging does not automatically make it smoky.
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Añejo Tequila: Añejo tequila has a richer oak character, often with notes of vanilla, caramel, baking spices and dried fruit. It can add depth to a margarita if you enjoy aged tequila.
Ultimately, the choice of tequila for your margarita depends on your taste preferences and the style of margarita you want to create. For a classic margarita, blanco tequila is a safe and popular choice. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with reposado or añejo tequila to see how their unique flavors complement your margarita recipe.
Can You Taste The Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal itself is typically tasteless and odorless when used in small amounts, so it should not have a noticeable flavor impact in this cocktail. Its purpose is to provide a deep black color for presentation purposes.
When used in a recipe like a black margarita or a black food dish, the activated charcoal is usually mixed with other ingredients, like alcohol, citrus juices, or sweeteners, which will dominate the flavor profile.
Other Halloween Recipes
Spooky Black Margarita
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare one glass per serving, choosing glasses large enough for the cocktail plus ice with room at the top. Dip each rim into honey, then into margarita salt or black lava salt. Chill the glasses until ready to serve.
- Add lime juice, Cointreau or triple sec, agave (if using), tequila and activated charcoal to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds. When making multiple servings, shake in batches so the shaker is not overfilled.
- Add fresh ice to the prepared glasses, leaving space for the cocktail. Strain the margarita into the glasses, dividing it evenly among the number of servings shown above. Garnish with a lime or orange wedge, if desired, and serve.
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!