Dark, mysterious, and absolutely bold, this Black Margarita Recipe is a haunting twist on the classic cocktail. With silver tequila, fresh lime, orange liqueur, and a touch of agave, it has all the elements of a perfect margarita—but with a deep, inky black hue thanks to activated charcoal or black food coloring. It’s the perfect drink for Halloween parties, gothic-themed events, or whenever you’re in the mood for something dramatic and unforgettable. Served with a salted rim and garnished with lime or blackberries, this cocktail is sure to leave an impression.
Ingredients
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2 oz silver tequila
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1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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¾ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
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½ oz agave syrup or simple syrup
-
⅛ tsp activated charcoal powder (or black food coloring)
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Black salt or regular salt (for the rim)
-
Ice cubes
Garnish (optional)
-
Lime wheel
-
Fresh blackberries
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare your glass
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the edge into black salt or regular salt to coat. Set aside or chill in the freezer.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz silver tequila, 1 oz lime juice, ¾ oz orange liqueur, ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup), and ⅛ tsp activated charcoal powder or a few drops of black food coloring.
Step 3: Add ice and shake
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and the color is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Strain into glass
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice (or serve straight up in a chilled coupe or martini glass).
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Add a lime wheel or a few fresh blackberries for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold flavor and stunning color.
Variation
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Spicy Black Margarita: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick
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Smoky Black Margarita: Use mezcal in place of tequila for a smoky, layered flavor
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Frozen Black Margarita: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy version
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Blackberry Black Margarita: Muddle a few blackberries in the shaker before mixing
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Mocktail Version: Use limeade, orange juice, agave, and black food coloring or activated charcoal
Cooking Note
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Activated charcoal is safe in small amounts but not recommended for people taking medication, as it can interfere with absorption—black food coloring is a great alternative
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Charcoal does not add flavor, just dramatic color; use sparingly to avoid grittiness
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Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor—bottled will not provide the same brightness
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Shake well to ensure even dispersion of the charcoal or coloring
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Rim the glass just before pouring so the salt stays crisp and dry
Tips
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Use a fine mesh strainer if you want an ultra-smooth pour
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Serve in a coupe or rocks glass with clear ice for upscale presentation
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Chill all ingredients beforehand for the coldest sip without over-dilution
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Great for Halloween, Día de los Muertos, or themed cocktail nights
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Want a sweet rim instead? Try black sugar or cocoa-sugar mix instead of salt
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 200
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Sugar: 12g
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Sodium: 80mg
Note: Based on use of agave syrup and salted rim
FAQs
Is activated charcoal safe to drink?
In small amounts, yes—but avoid it if you’re taking medication, as it may interfere with absorption.
Can I make this without charcoal?
Absolutely. Use black food coloring instead to achieve the same look with no effect on flavor.
What tequila is best?
Silver tequila keeps the color bright and clean. Reposado adds depth but may muddy the color.
How do I get a clean layered black margarita?
This drink is meant to be mixed, but for a layered version, float the black color on top by adding it last with a spoon.
Can I make a batch of these?
Yes. Multiply all ingredients, mix in a pitcher, and shake individual servings over ice when ready.
Conclusion
This Black Margarita Recipe is sleek, bold, and perfect for making a statement. Whether you’re hosting a spooky celebration, mixing up something elegant and edgy, or simply love a unique twist on a classic, this cocktail brings dramatic style and killer flavor. With its smooth tequila base, zesty lime, sweet orange, and jet-black color, it’s more than just a drink—it’s an experience in a glass. Serve it up with flair and get ready to impress.
Print
Black Margarita Recipe
- Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
2 oz silver tequila
-
1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
-
¾ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
-
½ oz agave syrup or simple syrup
-
⅛ tsp activated charcoal powder (or black food coloring)
-
Black salt or regular salt (for the rim)
-
Ice cubes
Garnish (optional)
-
Lime wheel
-
Fresh blackberries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your glass
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip the edge into black salt or regular salt to coat. Set aside or chill in the freezer.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz silver tequila, 1 oz lime juice, ¾ oz orange liqueur, ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup), and ⅛ tsp activated charcoal powder or a few drops of black food coloring.
Step 3: Add ice and shake
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and the color is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Strain into glass
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice (or serve straight up in a chilled coupe or martini glass).
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Add a lime wheel or a few fresh blackberries for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold flavor and stunning color.
Notes
-
Activated charcoal is safe in small amounts but not recommended for people taking medication, as it can interfere with absorption—black food coloring is a great alternative
-
Charcoal does not add flavor, just dramatic color; use sparingly to avoid grittiness
-
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor—bottled will not provide the same brightness
-
Shake well to ensure even dispersion of the charcoal or coloring
-
Rim the glass just before pouring so the salt stays crisp and dry
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 0g