The Black Death isn’t a gentle drink. First, it bites with citrus, then the sweetness of Blue Curaçao takes over, and finally, a hint of Tequila heat lingers in the throat. The color resembles pomegranate, but the flavor is pure bar fun: sour, sweet, herbal—all at once. Perfect for those who don’t want a long drink but still want more than just a shot.
And this is what you’ll need for the Black Death
4 cl Blue Curaçao
2 cl Blanco Tequila
1.5 cl Grenadine
2.5 cl lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
6 cl blood orange juice (straight from the fruit, not from the bottle)
Garnish: 1 lemon slice and 1 cocktail cherry
The key to success
Add the grenadine only after shaking. Why? Because otherwise it would turn the entire drink red, and the visual separation between the blue Curaçao and the red juice would be lost. The trick is to pour it slowly over the bar spoon—this keeps the layers stable without needing a layering spoon. If you want to do it perfectly, chill the glass with iced water beforehand and empty it just before pouring. The glass should be ice-cold but free of any water droplets, otherwise it will dilute the drink.
Variations
- Black Russian Death — Replace the Tequila with 2 cl Vodka and reduce the blood orange juice to 4 cl. Add 1 cl coffee liqueur. Shaken, but without the grenadine layering—instead, strain directly into the glass and garnish with a coffee bean.
- Green Death — Swap the Blue Curaçao for 4 cl Midori (melon liqueur) and the blood orange juice for 6 cl pineapple juice. Keep the grenadine, but the color will now be lurid green. Garnish with a pineapple slice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the blood orange juice with regular orange juice?
Yes, but the drink will lose its typical tart note. Blood orange juice has more acidity and a slight bitterness that balances the Blue Curaçao. If you only use regular orange juice, reduce the lemon juice to 2 cl to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
Why isn’t the grenadine layering properly?
Either the glass wasn’t cold enough, or the grenadine was too thin. Use a high-quality grenadine with a high sugar content—it should be almost syrupy. And pour it really slowly over the bar spoon, otherwise it will mix immediately.
Can I serve the drink in a tumbler?
Technically yes, but the cocktail glass is ideal because it better highlights the layers. In a tumbler, the drink looks flatter, and the visual impact suffers. If you don’t have a cocktail glass, use a small wine glass—but not too wide.
