Loaded with chocolate & cherry flavours this Black Forest cocktail is deeply warming and pleasantly sweet. It’s a particularly stylish winter drink.
It would go well with a slice of Black Forest yule log.
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This Bourbon Black Forest Cocktail is deeply warming and pleasantly sweet. In truth it’s all that is really needed to go alongside a cosy fire and fleecy blankets on a dark and chilly winter’s night. This Black Forest drink is equally well served as a grown-ups-only dessert or a comforting nightcap.
This drink is a recipe that I’ve been desperate to share for quite some time and it’s perfect winter fodder.
Ingredients notes
The name Black Forest cocktail is a bit of a giveaway here. You surely won’t be surprised to hear that alongside the bourbon I’ve incorporated:
However, there’s also a dash of coffee liqueur mixed in. This black forest drink doesn’t taste of coffee, but this ingredient pulls the other flavours together superbly well.
Step by step instructions
- Put a large handful of ice into a cocktail jug then pour in the bourbon, cherry brandy, creme de cacao and Kahlua.
- Stir for 30-40 seconds to dilute and chill the drink.
- Drop a cocktail cherry into the bottom of your serving glass and strain the drink into the glass.
- Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon suspended over the top of the cocktail to allow it to float.
- Sprinkle grated chocolate over the top and serve immediately.
Expert tips
- Don’t skip stirring the cocktail ingredients for at least 30 seconds. This is vital to fully blend the liqueurs, chill the drink and dilute it.
- This cocktail is relatively strong, so linger over it and enjoy those cosy flavours.
- Instead of the cream float, you could top your Black Forest cocktail with whipped cream and flaked chocolate for retro Black Forest Gateau vibes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. If you do so, I suggest serving it in a tumbler over a large piece of ice.
Yes, you can. Go for dark rum.
You can mix all of the ingredients together in advance. Simply decant them into a bottle or jug, stir and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, measure out a 100ml serving and proceed to stir it with ice, strain into the glass and top with cream.
I do not recommend mixing your drink with ice ahead of time, as the cocktail will not be as lusciously chilled as it should be.
Find more winter cocktails
As if this Black Forest drink were not enough, I have plenty more wintery drinks to entice you with:
📖 Recipe
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Bourbon Black Forest Cocktail
Ingredients
- 60 ml Bourbon
- 20 ml Cherry brandy
- 15 ml Creme de cacoa brown if possible
- 5 ml Kahlua or other sweet coffee liqueur
To garnish
- 20 ml Double cream (heavy cream)
- 1 Maraschino cherry
- ¼ teaspoon Chocolate finely grated
Instructions
- Put a cherry into each cocktail glass
- Put a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker or jug then add all of the alcohol
- Stir for 20 seconds then strain into the glasses
- Float a little double cream over the top of the cocktail (see notes)
- Sprinkle with grated chocolate or a little sieved cocoa powder
- Serve immediately
Olga
This looks tasty! These are absolutely mouth watering! It will quickly disappear in our house, very tasty and flavorful!
Jane Saunders
Thanks Olga.
Dana
I’m not familiar with double cream. What is it and where do i find it?
Jane Saunders
Hi Dana. What country are you in? In the UK double cream is 48% fat – the equivalent found in the US is heavy cream. It can be whipped to thicken it if recipes require and it should be available from a regular supermarket.
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant
Dear oh lord could I do with (at least) one of these now. February. mmmm……
Jane Saunders
…just about mid-way through January. Make a date with your cocktail shaker for Feb 1st?
Miranda
This looks like my kind of cocktail! Yummy!
Jane Saunders
Enjoy Miranda!