Black Licorice Cocktail – Dramatic Halloween Drink

Black Licorice Cocktail with whiskey, blackberries, and rosemary garnish — dark dramatic Halloween drink.

If you enjoy bold, unusual flavour combinations, this Black Licorice Cocktail will intrigue you. It’s dark, aromatic, and slightly mysterious – just right for the Halloween season. With its mix of black licorice, whiskey, and blackberries, this drink balances earthy sweetness with fruity freshness and a hint of herbal complexity. A fun twist for those who love adventurous cocktails that stand out on the Halloween table.

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Black Licorice Cocktail

Hey, folks – I hope you all are doing well!

Today, I’m thrilled to share this dramatic and flavourful Black Licorice Cocktail, a Halloween drink that’s both playful and sophisticated. Whether you love the deep anise flavour of licorice or simply want a dark, moody cocktail to match the season, this recipe is worth trying.

Why You’ll Love This Black Licorice Cocktail

  • Distinct and memorable – the black licorice syrup adds a rich, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with whiskey and citrus.
  • Naturally dark and Halloween-ready without using artificial colouring.
  • Balanced with blackberries and orange liqueur for a fruity, elegant finish.
  • Simple to make ahead — prepare the licorice base in advance for easy entertaining.
  • Customizable – try rum or vodka instead of whiskey for a lighter or sweeter variation.

Flavour Profile

This cocktail offers a striking balance of flavours – warm, earthy, and slightly smoky from the whiskey, brightened by orange liqueur and the gentle tartness of blackberries. The licorice brings sweetness and depth without overpowering the fruit, creating a silky and aromatic drink that feels both festive and refined. Yes, this creation may not be for everyone, but if you like the taste of licorice, you should try this Black Licorice Halloween Cocktail.

Ingredients You’ll Need for The Black Licorice Halloween Cocktail

Licorice Base:

  • Black licorice candy: The foundation of this cocktail – melts into a rich, aromatic syrup with a deep anise flavour.
  • Water: Helps soften and dissolve the candy into a pourable syrup consistency.

Black Licorice Cocktail:

  • Whiskey: Adds warmth and complexity; use rum or vodka for a different character.
  • Orange liqueur: Brings citrus brightness and balances the sweetness.
  • Blackberries: Add natural fruitiness and enhance the cocktail’s dark hue.
  • Licorice base: Just a touch brings in that signature flavour – adjust to taste.
  • Fresh blackberries and rosemary: For garnish, giving colour contrast and an aromatic finish.
Close-up of Black Licorice Cocktail showing deep black hue from licorice syrup and whiskey — Halloween drink idea.

More Fun Halloween Cocktails

If you are looking for more Halloween recipes just like this Black Licorice Halloween Cocktail, be sure to check more ideas:

I hope you like Black Licorice Cocktail, and you will try it this Halloween. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Black Licorice Cocktail with whiskey, blackberries, and burning lavender garnish — dark dramatic Halloween drink.
Black Licorice Cocktail

Black Licorice Cocktail – Dramatic Halloween Drink

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Cocktails, Halloween
Servings

1-2

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

A bold Black Licorice Cocktail with whiskey, orange liqueur, blackberries, and licorice syrup – perfect for Halloween.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • Licorice Base:
  • about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of soft black licorice candy

  • 3 tbsp. water

  • Black Licorice Cocktail:
  • 1 oz. whiskey (rum or vodka would work, too)

  • 1 oz. orange liquor

  • 7-9 blackberries

  • about 1 tbsp. of Licorice base or to taste

  • fresh blackberries, rosemary for garnish

Directions

  • Licorice Base:
  • In a small, preferably heavy-bottomed pot, combine the licorice and water. Cook over low heat, stirring with a spoon often, for about 5 minutes. The candy won’t melt completely, but as soon as they appear soft and pliable, you can turn the heat off. Using an immersion blender, process until homogeneous. You might need to add a little (up to 1/2 tsp.) water more, to make the process easier. Cool completely.
  • Mash the blackberries with a fork. For the cocktail, combine the whiskey, orange liquor, mashed blackberries (with juices), and the licorice. Start with a small amount (Less than 1 tablespoon) of licorice. Shake for 10 seconds to blend, try, and add more licorice base if desired. Enjoy!
Hi - I'm Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I'm glad you're here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.

24 Comments

  1. Ben -I love how moody these photos are! And wow – what a fantastic cocktail. Don’t think I’ve even thought to melt black licorice – fantastic idea!

  2. What a dramatic drink. I can only imagine what liquefied licorice must taste like! How inventive!

  3. Wow! This is createive. So dramatic and perfect for Halloween. I think I’d love liquorice in a cocktail too.

  4. What a Creative cocktail! Licorice syrup we call it (Meyan Åžerbet-sherbet) is very popular here. Especially we consume it in autumn season alot.

  5. Marissa

    So glad you had a fun getaway, Ben! My husband and I are both big fans of licorice, so I know we’d love this cocktail!

  6. So beautiful! I especially love the colored crystals on the glass to give it ghoulish vibe for Halloween fun! Pinning!

  7. What an interesting idea to melt black licorice! I tried doing that with candy corn one time, but it didn’t turn out too well. Haha. Also, you had me at whisky. :-)

  8. What a “spooktacular” perfect halloween cocktail! Ha ha! Must give it a try as its got whisky in it!

  9. What beautiful shots and amazing cocktail! We adore licorice, but have never had any cocktail with it. Such a fascinating recipe, Ben!

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