You can easily make Black Vodka at home to make fun Halloween or craft cocktails. You can use any vodka you like and make this recipe in just a few steps.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Black Vodka is fun and easy to make, and this recipe is a quick way to turn any clear spirit black using water-based food coloring, similar to the green color in my Green Halloween Lychee Gin Cocktail
- There are other techniques for making black vodka, but this method is the easiest and most economical
- You control how much vodka to color, so if you only need it for a special occasion like Halloween, you don't have to have a bottle sitting on the shelf waiting for next year
- If you've seen Blavod, the commercially available black vodka, this recipe is an easy way to get a similar effect at home using any vodka you already have on hand
- The color is actually more of a super dark greenish purple, which works perfectly for Halloween and mixed drinks
- Once everything is mixed together, the result is a beautiful black cocktail like my Black Martini
What Type of Food Coloring to Use
To make black vodka, I recommend using water-based food coloring. The liquid drops are easy to count, and they dissolve quickly in alcohol.
What Other Ingredients Turn Liquid Black?
Activated charcoal is another popular way to darken vodka, but it tends to settle at the bottom of the bottle over time, giving a grayer, less consistent result. It can also carry some health considerations for people on certain medications.
Squid ink is sometimes used to darken spirits and adds a subtle briny flavor, which works well in savory cocktails but isn't ideal for every drink.
Black catechu is the ingredient used in commercially available Blavod vodka, giving it a naturally dark color.
Food coloring, as used in this recipe, remains the easiest, most neutral tasting, and most consistent option for a homemade version.
How To Make Homemade Black Vodka With Food Coloring
Step 1: Pour the vodka into a sealable bottle or jar.
Step 2: Add 10 drops of red food coloring, 10 drops of blue food coloring, and 8 drops of green food coloring to the bottle.
Step 3: Secure the lid on the bottle and shake to combine the colors.
Step 4: Store sealed in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can color any clear spirit black. If you prefer gin or tequila for a black cocktail, go for it; just make sure the spirit is clear. And if you are really feeling fancy, try it with flavored alcohol!
I do believe the better quality alcohol you use, the better your cocktail is going to taste. That being said, you can use any clear vodka for this recipe, so use your favorite! I used Tito's Vodka for this cocktail. I like Tito's because it has a smooth taste that works well in craft cocktails, and it's moderately priced.
After making this recipe, the vodka should be basically the same as clear vodka, as the food coloring doesn't significantly affect the flavor. However, it may have a slight flavor change from the food coloring used, but will most likely be masked in a cocktail with more flavors added.
Black vodka has a shelf life similar to regular vodka, which is almost indefinite if stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and ensure the bottle is always tightly sealed.
If you choose to use black coloring, I suggest using gel food coloring. You can find it online or at baking specialty stores. Start with a small amount and shake it into the vodka. Just be careful not to add too much, or it will separate.
What to Use Black Vodka For
You can make any cocktail you want with black vodka, however, if you start mixing other colored liquors or syrups, you may change the color. I use black vodka every year in my Black Widow Martini for Halloween, which has lime juice and raspberry liquor, and it works great!
Beyond a Black Martini, black vodka works great in a black Moscow Mule with lime juice and ginger beer, or shaken into a black vodka cranberry for a simple, striking party drink.
Looking for more Halloween cocktail inspiration? Check out my Halloween Cocktail Recipes By Spirit list for more fun ideas!
More Halloween Recipes to Check Out
If you get a chance to make this Black Vodka recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes right in your inbox.
Black Vodka Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces vodka
- 10 drops red food coloring
- 10 drops blue food coloring
- 8 drops green food coloring
Instructions
- Pour the vodka into a sealable bottle or jar. Add 10 drops of red food coloring, 10 drops of blue food coloring, and 8 drops of green food coloring to the bottle.
- Secure the lid on the bottle and shake to combine the colors. Store sealed in a cool dark place until you are ready to use.
Notes
- This color is more of a super dark greenish purple than true black, but it works perfectly for Halloween and mixed drinks
- You can make this ahead of time. Store the vodka in a sealable container in a cool, dark place until ready to use
- You can color any clear spirit black, not just vodka. Gin, tequila, or even flavored alcohol will all work the same way
- I used Tito's Vodka for this recipe, but any clear vodka you like will work
- The food coloring doesn't significantly change the flavor of the vodka, though it may add a very slight taste that's usually masked once mixed into a cocktail
- Black vodka has a shelf life similar to regular vodka, essentially indefinite if kept sealed and stored in a cool, dark place
- If you'd rather use black food coloring directly, use a gel food coloring and add it a little at a time, too much can cause it to separate
- Activated charcoal is another popular way to darken vodka, but it tends to settle at the bottom over time, giving a grayer, less consistent result, and it can carry health considerations for people on certain medications
- Squid ink and black catechu are two other methods used to darken spirits, but food coloring remains the easiest and most neutral-tasting option for a homemade version
- Once mixed into other ingredients, be careful, adding colored syrups or liquors can shift the final color of your cocktail away from black.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Nicola says
wow this is such a cool idea! had no idea you could make vodka black. perfect Halloween twist!
Emily says
Thanks, Nicola!
Judith says
Such an original idea. Must give this a go.
Audrey says
This was so cool to make for a Halloween party- thanks for the idea!
Emily says
You are so welcome, Happy Halloween!
MacKenzie says
Love this idea! I would have never thought to do this. Perfect
Kris says
This was super fun! Will make aagin!
Emily says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, thanks, Kris!
Jess says
This is so fun for Halloween!
Anjali says
I had no idea black vodka was even a thing before I came across your recipe! This will be so fun to make for Halloween - my guests are going to love it! 🙂
Emily says
It's a thing and so fun for Halloween, enjoy 🎃
Vanessa says
Such a fun idea for Halloween cocktails!
Michelle says
This is so cool! And so fun for adult Halloween parties
Sue says
Exactly what I was looking for! Halloween is coming, and the party won't be complete without this black vodka!
Emily says
I hope this black vodka is a hit at your party!