Black Dahlia

Why we love this black dahlia cocktail

This refreshing vodka cocktail is inspired by one I had at The Edison in Milwaukee a few months ago. It was surprisingly delicious, especially for a vodka cocktail and it had so much flavor. It was really easy to recreate at home, and they’re going to be a staple for my vodka loving friends from now on.

If you like this recipe, you have to try the classic Pimm’s cup, or a gin mojito for something a little different. We’ve also really been loving this refreshing limoncello spritz lately.

Searching for more blackberry cocktail recipes? My blackberry margarita smash is one of my most popular cocktail, but we also absolutely love this blackberry bramble.

Ingredients & substitutions

• Pepper Vodka – I used Absolut Peppar for this recipe. It’s a great flavor infused vodka that doesn’t have a ton of extra sugar. You could also infuse your own.
• Simple syrup – We made a black peppercorn simple syrup for this cocktail, but you could use a plain simple syrup, store bought or homemade – this adds just enough sweetness to balance the lemon juice and tartness of the blackberries. Plus, the peppercorn flavor enhances the flavor of the vodka
• Lemon juice – Fresh squeezed is always best, but I think you could maybe get away with store-bought juice for this one.
• Club soda
• Blackberry puree – You can make this with fresh or frozen blueberries. I prefer to use frozen fruit to make puree for cocktails, but use what you have. Just pop them in a blender and go.

The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.

How to make this blackberry peppercorn vodka collins

Make the simple syrup. In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar and peppercorns. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to an storage container or mason jar. You can strain the peppercorns before storing, or allow them to steep for a day before straining them – this will make the peppercorn flavor stronger. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Make the blackberry puree. Add blackberries to a blender and process until smooth. If you need additional liquid to help blend, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or a little water.

Mix your cocktail. Add the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and blackberry puree to a collins glass filled with ice and stir with a bar spoon until cold. Then, top with club soda and give it one more gentle stir.

Garnish and serve. Fill the glass to the top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves. Remember to tap your mint leaves to release the flavors into your cocktail.

When serving this cocktail, you can use a highball glass but you may have to skimp on the club soda since the glasses hold slightly less fluid.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a Tom Collins drink made of? The traditional make up of a Tom Collins cocktail includes gin, lemon juice and simple syrup stirred and topped with club soda. The traditional garnished would include a maraschino cherry and a lemon wedge. There are so many variations of this cocktail out there but we really love a vodka collins, like this one too!