Black Cocktail for Black Friday

Who said Black Friday had to be about shopping?

Black Friday is getting a makeover, with retailers like REI keeping their doors closed and some State Parks encouraging people to get out into nature and enjoy one another’s company. So give thanks, kick your feet up, and hang out with your family, dagnabbit. Yo!  I understand, some people need a cocktail to enjoy their family… and I’m here for you.

Here are some fun Black Cocktails to enjoy on Black Friday. I met up with Josh Suchan of Los Balcones in Los Angeles to show you how to make a smoky black cocktail to take the edge off the holidays.

I put together a collection of dark as night cocktails to delight your guests, or just get you through the holidays. Featuring amaros, smoky mezcals, or captivating ingredients like squid ink & activated charcoal, these drinks originally ran in Chilled Magazine as Halloween Cocktails for Wicked Holiday Entertaining, but I’m not above recycling. It’s good for the environment, right?

Find the recipes at Chilled Magazine– 5 Black Cocktails for Halloween, Black Friday, or pretty much anytime you need some mystery in your life.

For those of you in Los Angeles – here are 3 drinks that you can try in our backyard.

The Black

by Cory James at Goldie’s on Third

Carpano Antica, Cio Ciaro Amaro, Fernet Branca, Mint & Smoked Maldon Salt

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The Black joins The Pink, The Green, and The Amber as part of @GoldiesLA's new menu which is cheekily arranged by color 🎨 A bright easy drinker that belies the dusky color, the orange garnish echoes the citrus notes in the Cio Ciaro and the fresh mint complements the Fernet Branca. Even though this is the richest drink on their menu, The Black is actually a low ABV cocktail, which despite being so savory is perfect any time day or night. Concieved by @onesnapjack for @GoldiesLA with #carpanoantica, Cio Ciaro Amaro, Fernet Branca, mint & salt ✨ find the recipe (and 4 more black as night #cocktails) at @chilledmagazine (link in profile)

A post shared by Jenn Wong (@wayofthewong) on Oct 16, 2015 at 11:58pm PDT

The Final Burn

by Josh Suchan at Los Balcones de Peru

El Silencio Mezcal, Leopold Bros Alpine Liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime & Activated Charcoal

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A smoky riff on a Last Word, with equal parts mezcal, yellow chartreuse, alpine liqueur and lime, this cocktail’s bright flavor belies its dark exterior. 🔥This is the “Final Burn” with @mezcalelsilencio, @leopoldbros Alpine Liqueur, yellow #chartreuse, lime juice, & activated charcoal. 🍸Made by @joshsuchan at @losbalconesperu or find the recipe (and 4 more black as night #cocktails) at @chilledmagazine (link in profile)🃏

A post shared by Jenn Wong (@wayofthewong) on Oct 15, 2015 at 6:58pm PDT

For the Watch

by Greg Bryson at the Wallace

Iawai Japanese Whiskey, Amaro Cio Ciaro, Cointreau Guignolet, Grapefruit Juice, Squid-Ink Rosemary Syrup

“Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death.” No spoilers here, but Game of Thrones fans know it doesn’t end well. Especially, if your name ends with Snow. Luckily for you, like revenge, this is a drink best served cold. Join the black brothers in a toast with this inky black cocktail, for winter is coming. ❄️ "For the Watch" Made by @futuregreg for @thewallacela with Iawai Japanese Whiskey, Amaro Cio Ciaro, @cointreau Guignolet (cherry), grapefruit juice & squid ink-rosemary syrup. ? & ? by @futuregreg – find the recipe & other black cocktails @chilledmagazine (link in profile)

A photo posted by Jenn Wong (@wayofthewong) on Oct 27, 2015 at 5:29pm PDT