Black Cat Blackstrap Cocktail Recipe

When I first tried the Black Cat Blackstrap Cocktail, I was honestly surprised by how different it tasted from other drinks I’d made at home.

This cocktail mixes the deep flavor of blackstrap rum with a bit of chocolate, so it’s a great pick for anyone who loves mixology or just wants to impress friends at dinner.

I usually whip it up when I’m hosting people for steak or grilled meats—it really matches up with rich foods.

The Black Cat Blackstrap is honestly pretty simple to make, and you only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.

It’s a fun way to try something new at home, even if you’re not a pro bartender.

If you’re into pairing drinks with chocolate desserts or just want to offer something unique at your next get-together, this one’s worth a shot.

Black Cat Blackstrap Cocktail Recipe

I really love how the Black Cat Blackstrap Cocktail brings together the bold flavor of blackstrap rum with a bit of fruitiness and fizzy cola.

It’s honestly easy to make at home, and you might already have most of the ingredients around.

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger for measuring
• Bar spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, but nice if you want a super smooth pour)
• Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)
• Ice cube tray (so you can have plenty of fresh ice)

With these tools, I can get the cocktail ready and served without much fuss.

The shaker chills and mixes everything nicely, and the spoon is perfect for blending right in the glass.

The jigger helps me keep things balanced.

I like serving it in a highball glass—it just looks classic.

If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use the fine strainer to keep out any little bits from garnishes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz blackstrap rum (for that deep flavor; but hey, another dark rum works in a pinch)
• 1 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz cherry brandy
• 1/2 oz blackberry liqueur (or muddle up some fresh blackberries if you like)
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Cola (top off with about 2 oz)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: fresh lime wheel, maraschino cherry, or blackberries

Blackstrap rum is the star here—it’s got that strong, molasses kick.

Vodka just gives it a bit of a lift.

Cherry brandy and blackberry liqueur make the color gorgeous and the flavor fruity.

Cranberry and lime juices bring in tartness and freshness.

Simple syrup sweetens things up, cola brings in fizz and a little more sweetness.

For garnishes, I just grab whatever’s handy—lime, cherry, even a few blackberries.

Instructions

• Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to chill it while you get everything else ready.
• Add the blackstrap rum, vodka, cherry brandy, blackberry liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker.
• Shake it up for about 10-15 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Dump the ice from your glass and strain the cocktail over fresh ice in the glass.
• Top with cola (about 2 oz, or just eyeball it), then give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Add your garnish—a lime wheel, maraschino cherry, or a few blackberries on a pick.

I always save the cola for last so it stays bubbly.

Stir gently—no one wants flat soda.

The drink should look dark and mysterious, kind of like a midnight black cat.

Notes

Sometimes I swap in golden rum if I want something a bit softer, but honestly, the molasses taste of blackstrap is what makes it pop.

No cherry brandy? Grenadine works in a pinch, though it’s definitely sweeter.

Fresh lime juice is best, but if you’re out, bottled will do.

If I want it more tart, I’ll sneak in a splash of lemon juice.

You can tweak the simple syrup to dial up or down the sweetness.

Garnishes matter—a maraschino cherry is classic, but blackberries or a lime wedge look fresh and cool.

It’s easy to change this cocktail up depending on what’s in your bar or fruit bowl.

Tasting Notes

The first sip of the Black Cat Blackstrap Cocktail always hits me with that deep molasses from the rum.

It’s bold, a little bitter, and honestly stands out from the usual sweet stuff.

There’s a bit of sweetness to balance it out, but it never gets syrupy.

I catch some spice and even a hint of caramel in there.

The finish is smooth, but there’s a subtle herbal note that lingers.

Flavor Profile:

Flavor	Presence
Molasses	Strong
Sweetness	Medium
Spice	Light
Herbal	Subtle
Caramel	Hints

If you’re up for trying something different, this drink is for you.

It’s definitely not your average sweet cocktail—there are layers you might not expect.

Some foods I think go well with this cocktail:

• Grilled meats
• Dark chocolate
• Spicy barbecue
• Roasted nuts

I like this drink best when I’m in the mood for something bold.

The Black Cat Blackstrap Cocktail is a little adventurous, and every sip seems to show off something new.

Substitute

Honestly, I run out of blackstrap rum more often than I’d like to admit. When that happens, I just grab regular dark rum—it’s a little lighter, but honestly, it gets the job done.

If I’m skipping alcohol, I’ll swap in chilled black tea or even cola. Both keep the color and that sort of deep, rich vibe.

Craving something fruity? Sometimes I’ll trade a bit of blackstrap rum for blackberry or blackcurrant liqueur. Adds a nice berry kick, and I’m not mad about it.

Dietary Options:

• Vegan: I always double-check mixers and bitters for animal products. Some brands sneak them in, which is annoying.
• Sugar-Free: Sugar-free soda works, or I’ll just whip up a quick homemade syrup if I’m trying to avoid extra sugar.

Substitute Table

Ingredient	Substitute Option
Blackstrap Rum	Dark Rum, Black Tea
Blackberry Liqueur	Blackcurrant Liqueur
Cola	Diet Cola, Soda Water

Instructions:

• Mix the substitute ingredients using the same amounts as the original recipe.
• Give it a taste and tweak the sweetness if it feels off.
• Toss in some fresh berries for color, or if you want that berry black cat look.

Equipment:

• Jigger
• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Glass for serving

Ingredients:

• Substitute spirit (dark rum, tea, or berry liqueur)
• Blackcurrant or blackberry syrup (optional)
• Cola or soda
• Fresh berries (optional)