Headless Horseman Black Margarita

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If you love tequila, then this Headless Horseman Black Margarita is a must to add to your Halloween tequila drinks list this year. The eerie black color and the jack-o-lantern garnish will mesmerize guests at your Halloween soiree.

I’m a big fan of Disney’s 1949 cartoon short “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and make it a habit to watch it every October with the family. Its classic humor mixed with a little spook is my kind of happy Halloween.

Of course, for a little more scare the 1999 film “Sleepy Hollow” is a wonderfully atmospheric and eerie ghost story that perfectly captures the love and obsession of an urban legend.

There is certainly no better way to enjoy this quintessential Halloween tale than with a Headless Horseman Black Margarita in hand. Pair this with a fresh batch of Jack-O-Lantern Chocolate Pumpkin Whoopie Pies to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth.

Ingredients you need for the Headless Horseman Margarita:

• Tequila.  Espolón tequila is my go-to, and I prefer Blanco for margaritas.
• Orange Liqueur. Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec will all work.
• Lime Juice. This must be freshly squeezed. It’s the difference between an okay margarita and a great margarita.
• Agave Syrup.
• Black Food Coloring.
• Tangerine Orange. This is the necessary Jack-O-Lantern garnish to make it a “Headless Horseman”.
• Black Lava Salt. This is optional but does add a nice smoky flavor.

Tools you will need:

• Boston Shaker
• Measuring Jigger
• Cocktail Strainer
• A Double Old-Fashioned glass. I am using the Hatch Glass from Crate & Barrel. These are sturdy, stackable and dishwasher safe.
• A pairing knife

How to make a Black Margarita:

Nothing could be easier for a delicious and spooky Halloween tequila drink.

1. If you want a salted rim, do this first. Simply rub a lime wedge around the top rim to wet it. Then dip the glass in a shallow dish with the salt.
2. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.
3. Shake vigorously with plenty of ice.
4. Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
5. Add the Jack-O-Lantern garnish. Enjoy!

For the pumpkin garnish:

1. Use a pairing knife to carve your pumpkin face out.
2. Then cut the orange in half and carefully scoop out the innards.
3. Place your carved Jack-O-Lantern on top of the drink.

Note: you can carve both sides of the orange if you are making a double batch.

Pro Tip: If you want your Jack-O-Lantern garnish to look more aged and creepy, let it sit out don’t the counter for a few days after you have carved it so it dries out and wrinkles.

What if I don’t have black food coloring?

You can easily create your own black color by mixing a combination of red, blue, and green together. For one cocktail you will need 2 drops of red, 2 drops of blue, and 1 drop of green.

Why do you have to strain the drink over fresh ice?

Many cocktails need to be strained and poured over fresh ice in order to keep the ice from melting too quickly, which will water down the drink and ruin the balanced flavors.

Can I make a large batch of this Black Margarita?

Absolutely! Just multiply every ingredient by the number of drinks you want to make. You can use a large mixing glass or pitcher and stir the ingredients with ice until condensation forms on the glass. Strain the ice out and pour the drinks over fresh ice.

For a large batch of black tequila, you can mix approx. 1-2 tsp of black food coloring into the bottle of tequila. Note: with gel food coloring you will need less as it is more intense in color.

If you don’t have black food coloring, mix 10 drops of blue, 10 drops of red, and 8 drops of green into the bottle.

What are the 3 top tequilas?

The top tequilas can vary depending on personal preferences, as I’ve stated above Espolón is my personal favorite, but these three highly regarded tequila brands are certainly worth a try:

Patrón Tequila: Patrón is one of the most well-known and respected tequila brands in the world. They offer a range of tequilas, including Silver (Blanco), Reposado, Añejo, and extra-aged variations. Patrón is known for its smooth and high-quality tequilas, which are often enjoyed both straight and in cocktails.

Don Julio Tequila: Don Julio is another premium tequila brand that’s highly regarded by tequila enthusiasts. Their tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave and include options like Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and 1942, which is an extra-aged tequila known for its exceptional flavor and quality.

Herradura Tequila: Herradura is a historic tequila producer with a reputation for producing high-quality tequilas. Their line-up includes Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Ultra Añejo tequilas. Herradura is known for its traditional production methods, including slow cooking agave in clay ovens, which contributes to the distinct flavor of their tequilas.

Of course, the world of tequila is vast and diverse, and there are many other exceptional tequila brands available. The best tequila for you may depend on your personal taste preferences and whether you enjoy tequila neat, in cocktails, or both. It’s a good idea to explore and taste different tequilas to find your personal favorites.

What are some other good Halloween tequila drinks?

If you’re looking for more Halloween tequila drinks that are easy to make and have a spooky twist, here are some of my favorites:

Blood Orange Margarita:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz blood orange juice (for a dark, eerie color)
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Red sugar or red food coloring (for rimming the glass)
• Lime wedge or blood orange slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with red sugar or red food coloring for a spooky effect.
2. In a shaker, combine the tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge or blood orange slice.

Wicked Witch Tequila Punch:

• 1 1/2 oz silver tequila per serving
• 3 oz green apple soda (or apple-flavored sparkling water)
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Gummy worms or plastic spiders (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add the tequila and lime juice to the glass.
3. Top off with green apple soda or sparkling water.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with gummy worms or plastic spiders for a spooky touch.

Tequila Black Magic:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1/2 oz blackberry liqueur
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice
• Blackberries (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the tequila, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with blackberries for a mysterious appearance.

If you liked this spooky concoction be sure to check out these haunting Halloween Gin libations.

Now Milton, let's not be greedy. Share it!