Throw a devilish adult Halloween party with this Blackberry El Diablo Halloween Cocktail, developed in partnership with California Giant Berry Farms. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of year, so when California Giant Berry Farms asked me to craft a cocktail for their “Scary Berries” promotion, I knew this post would be especially fun!
Back in the 80’s and early 90’s, Halloween was an event in my neighborhood. All of us kids (and then, teenagers) dressed up in costumes that we spent weeks agonizing over. The houses were decorated, intricate pumpkins carved, and several of the adults got in costume to greet trick-or-treaters at their doors.
It was one of the best nights of the year.
While I’ve retired my trick-or-treating bag and pumpkin flashlight as a 30-something (I’m lying; I still have the flashlight), I still like to throw a great Halloween party. You’re never too old to have a wicked bash with fun costumes, hors d’oeuvres, and of course, a great Halloween cocktail recipe like this Blackberry El Diablo.
The El Diablo: A Devilish Halloween Cocktail
The base of the classic El Diablo cocktail is tequila, crème de cassis (black currant liqueur), and lime. Everything is shaken, poured over ice, and topped with spicy ginger beer.
For a fun twist, I decided to replace the sweet crème de cassis with fresh blackberry syrup and added a splash of Triple Sec.
Blackberry simple syrup is a cinch to make. Just as in my Blackberry-Lemon Mint Juleps, I macerate the blackberries with sugar to draw out their juices. Cal Giant’s gorgeous non-GMO berries are perfect for making a rich syrup.
Strained to a ruby red elixir, the blackberry syrup can be used to add a sweet flavor boost to a number of cocktails and mocktails.
This Blackberry El Diablo cocktail is fruity, spicy, and packs a punch. Like most tequila cocktail recipes (I like to use a smooth resposado here), this one will sneak up on you!
Plus, the vibrant, sinister red color of this cocktail will really set the mood for your adult Halloween party. Talk about “scary berries”!
Halloween Party Inspiration: “Scary Berries” eBook
Need more Halloween party inspiration? Cal Giant has put together an eBook to help you host the best and spookiest Halloween party yet! Click HERE to download their “Scary Berries” book for Halloween recipes, last-minute costume how-to’s, and party ideas that you can use for both kid and adult gatherings.
Find out how to make the adorable Spider Web Cookies in the graphic below, plus 10 other berry-themed Halloween recipes in Cal Giant’s ebook.
Wishing you a wickedly delicious Halloween!
Blackberry El Diablo Halloween Cocktail
This Blackberry El Diablo Halloween Cocktail is a fun twist on a classic recipe. Infused with fresh blackberry syrup and topped with ginger beer, this drink is fruity and spicy with a devilish red hue that's perfect for an adult Halloween party.
Ingredients
Blackberry Syrup
- 1/2 pint California Giant Berry Farms blackberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cocktail
- 1-1/2 ounces Reposado tequila (3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 ounce Triple sec (1 tablespoon)*
- 1 ounce blackberry syrup (2 tablespoons)
- 2-3 ounces ginger beer
Instructions
Make the Syrup
Rinse berries and leave damp. Toss in a bowl with sugar. Let sit for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on berries with the back of a spoon to fully release juices. You should have about 1/2 cup blackberry syrup.**
Make the Cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and blackberry syrup. Cover and shake.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
Recipe Notes
*If you prefer a sweeter cocktail with a stronger blackberry flavor, substitute Blackberry Liqueur for the Triple Sec.
**The blackberry syrup makes more than you need for one cocktail (about enough for 4). Store unused syrup, covered, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For a frosty look on the garnish, pop a few blackberries in the freezer for a couple of hours before making the cocktails.
Camilla Hawkins says
Love the sound of this cocktail and love your stunning photography and styling too-)
Valentina says
This sound delicious and it’s so pretty. Love that you worked pretty berries into a festive Halloween drink!
Julia says
Amanda – as always, your photos are breathtaking! Just absolutely beautiful and gorgeous. Is it weird that I went trick-or-treating until i was 19 (!!!) years old? Halloween is still my favourite holiday!
Ginny McMeans says
This cocktail looks and sounds like my new favorite! I can’t wait to make it. Love your ebook too.
Jenni LeBaron says
Yum! I love blackberries and the mix with ginger beer sounds like it would balance well and be really tasty,
Sarah says
This is like a fruity margarita on the rocks with a spicy kick of ginger beer!! You can come bartend for me any day Amanda!
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
I absolutely adore how vibrant and red this cocktail is. It’s a real show stopper. And since it is made with tequila (my booze of choice). . .I can see this beauty on repeat when the hubby and I decide to throw our own cocktail hour.
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
I’d love one of these! Ginger and berries and lime. Sounds sooo refreshing and so festive for this time of year!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Oooo. This cocktail looks delicious and refreshing! I love blackberries and love to integrate them in the cocktails. I can’t wait to make your cocktail because I know it’s going to be so delicious!
Analida Braeger says
Now that is my kind of cocktail! I’ll have a double! I need to get some ginger beer but the rest I have ready.
Leslie says
I love the gorgeous color of blackberries in drinks and purees – this is a showstopper!
Tina says
This looks like fun and delicious, I love the name:) Your photography is beautiful!
cheryl says
I love this the el diablo but never thought of adding blackberries. Sounds yummy.
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
This sounds delicious, and I am in LOVE with your photos! Seriously amazing. I wish I could reach out and pluck a berry – or the drink! – right off my screen!
Ben Myhre says
I would totally drink this. Looks great.
Carrie says
I love the idea of using blackberries in a cocktail! This is a beverage that is sure to please the senses, even visually! Beautiful photos to compliment a wonderful drink.
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
This sounds like a wonderful cocktail – I’m adding it to my fall cocktails parties list! Lovely photos too!!
Leah says
The color of this cocktail is just beautiful, and I love the fresh blackberries replacing the creme de cassis! What a fresh touch! Cheers to you and to Halloween, my favorite time of year too!
Donna says
LOVE the sound of this cocktail, all my favorite flavors!! I missed Halloween, but I can totally justify enjoying this during the Holiday season :)
michele says
Even though halloween is over I can see this becoming regular in our cocktail repertoire. The fresh berries make is so flavorful and healthy …. (right, an alcoholic drink can be healthy with all that fruit right?). Ok, probably not, but Im going with it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Love the memories! This was my second Halloween so life owes me some trick or treating! This Blackberry El Diablo looks so delicious and I love the color!
Dianne says
Delicious
Andrea says
This is so good! I found it trying to recreate another blackberry cocktail I had in a bar once, this one is much better! :)