Black Margarita

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
5 min	0 min	5 min

Introduction

This black margarita takes your classic tangy tequila cocktail and gives it a moody, midnight twist.

It is perfect for Halloween parties, spooky movie nights, or any time you want a drink with dramatic flair.

Fresh lime juice, smooth silver tequila, and a hint of agave keep the flavor bright and balanced, despite the dark color.

Ingredients (1 serving)

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Ingredients:

2 fl oz silver tequila
1 fl oz triple sec orange liqueur
1 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice
½ fl oz agave syrup
2 drops black food coloring gel (start small, adjust to desired depth)
black lava salt (for rimming the glass)
ice

Ingredient Notes *

Black lava salt: Black lava salt is sea salt blended with activated charcoal for a striking black color and mild flavor. In the U.S., charcoal is sold as a supplement but not explicitly FDA-approved as a food colorant. The look can be mimicked with FDA-approved black food coloring, without the earthy note. Coarse or kosher salt can also substitute, minus the color.

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How to Make Black Margarita

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Chill the glass

Place a rocks or coupe glass in the freezer while you prepare the drink for an extra-cold margarita.
Rim the glass with black lava salt

Pour a thin layer of black lava salt onto a small plate.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of the chilled glass, then dip the rim into the salt to coat.

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Fill the glass with fresh ice

Fill the salted glass with fresh ice cubes so the drink stays cold without getting too diluted while you sip.
Combine the margarita ingredients in the shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Add the silver tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and two drops of black food coloring.
Shake until icy cold

Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside feels very cold.

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Strain and adjust the color

Double strain the margarita over the ice in the glass using the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer, if available.
If the color is not dark enough, stir in one more drop of food coloring right in the glass.
Garnish and serve

Add a lime wheel or wedge for garnish on the rim or float it on top, then serve right away.

Substitutions

Black food coloring → food-grade activated charcoal: Use a tiny pinch of food-grade activated charcoal instead of black gel food coloring for a natural inky shade. The drink turns deeply black with a soft earthy note, and the texture stays silky if you do not overuse it. Avoid it if you take important medications, since charcoal can affect absorption.
Black lava salt → DIY black salt: Mix kosher or sea salt with a pinch of activated charcoal or very finely ground black sesame seeds. You still get that striking black rim and a clean salty flavor, with a lightly nutty edge if you use sesame.
Agave syrup → simple syrup: Swap equal parts simple syrup for the agave when you want a more neutral sweetness. The drink keeps its smooth texture, and the citrus and tequila flavors stand out a bit more.

Tips

Use clear ice for drama: Clear ice makes the black color look sharper and more jewel-like, and it melts slower than cloudy freezer ice.
Measure carefully for balance: Using a jigger keeps the sweet, sour, and boozy parts in balance, which matters more when the drink looks intense.
Shake, do not stir: Shaking with ice chills the drink fast and adds tiny air bubbles that keep the black color from looking flat.
Adjust sweetness to your tequila: Some tequilas taste sharper, so taste a drop before shaking and add a tiny splash of agave if needed.
Protect surfaces from staining: Black food coloring can stain, so work on a washable tray or board and wipe drips right away.

Energy	287	kcal
Protein	0	g
Total Fat	0	g
Carbohydrates	32	g
Dietary Fiber	2	g

FAQ

How can I make a pitcher of black margaritas for a party?: Multiply everything by eight and mix the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave in a large pitcher. Add the black coloring a drop at a time until it looks right, then chill the pitcher without ice. When serving, pour over fresh ice in salted glasses so the color and flavor stay strong.
My drink is not dark enough; what should I do?: Start with one extra drop of black food coloring, stir, and check the color against a white surface. Keep adding very small amounts until it looks truly black, because you can always add more but never remove it.
Can I make this without alcohol?: Yes, use a zero-proof tequila alternative plus a splash of orange juice instead of triple sec. Shake with lime juice, a little agave, food coloring, and ice, then serve just like the original.
My margarita tastes too strong; how can I fix it?: Add a bit more lime juice and a small splash of agave, then shake again with fresh ice. You can also top the glass with a little cold club soda, which lightens the alcohol flavor and lengthens the drink.
Can I prepare these ahead for a party without the color separating?: You can mix the tequila, triple sec, lime, agave, and coloring a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Just give the pitcher a gentle stir, then shake individual portions with ice right before serving for the best texture.