Yes, there is black vodka. It tastes like regular vodka, and is used the same way. The only difference is the color.

You can buy black vodka or make it. The brand available in the U.S. is Blavod, a premium vodka made in Germany for a British corporation.

It was created by a marketing consultant named Mark Dorman, and was introduced in 1998 (around $30/750ml bottle).

While different brands use different coloring agents, Blavod is colored with black catechu, an extract made from the bark of a Burmese acacia tree. The coloring agent adds no flavor, and it doesn’t stain.

It makes a heck of Halloween drink. If you’re headed to a party, bring a bottle to your hosts.
 
 
MAKE BLACK VODKA WITH FOOD COLOR

Perhaps the easiest way to get hold of black vodka is to make your own.

All you need is a bottle of vodka and McCormick black food coloring. (If you can only find coarse salt, pulse it in a food processor to the texture you want.)

Start with 10 drops of food coloring in the bottle and shake. Then add drop by drop until you achieve the color you want.
 
 
BLACK VODKA RECIPES

Make a black Martini (photo #2); if you like, use black lava salt to make a black rim around the glass.

Make a Screwdriver. Pour orange juice in a collins glass filled with ice. Float black vodka on top (it will look like photo #1).

Serve shots: orange liqueur on the bottom with black vodka on top (photo #3). For all of these, use the spoon method described in step #2 below.

There are numerous black vodka cocktail recipes online. Here’s one from Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs Caterers.
 
RECIPE: BLACK MAGIC

Ingredients Per Cocktail

 
Preparation

1. COMBINE the ice, orange juice and triple sec in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass.

2. USING the back of a spoon, pour the black vodka slowly into the glass so that the vodka sits atop the orange juice mix.

3. CAREFULLY DIP one edge of the orange wedge into the vodka or black salt, and place the wedge on the rim of the glass.
 
 
If you don’t finish the bottle of vodka, you can drink the rest on Black Friday.
 
 
MORE HALLOWEEN COCKTAILS

Check out these options. We’re especially fond of the Bloody Eyeball Martini.

[2] A black Martini (photo courtesy Honestly Yum).

[3] Black and orange shot (photo courtesy Cocktail Hacker).

[4] Blavod black vodka (photo courtesy Distil Plc).

When we saw this photo from Hope Foods, we were inspired to create our own version. It couldn’t be easier.

RECIPE: HARVEST PUDDING PARFAIT

Ingredients For 4-6 Servings

 
Preparation

1. PREPARE the chocolate pudding according to package instructions

2. Scoop a layer of pumpkin pie filling into the bottom of glass dishes or wine glasses. Add a layer of chocolate pudding and top with another layer of pumpkin.

3. CHILL. When ready to serve, garnish as desired. If using a meringue topping, brown the meringue with a kitchen torch.

This week’s picks are better-for-you snacks that have become part of our snacking repertoire. All will be welcomed by adults and kids alike.
 
 
1. CERES: SMOOTHIES TO GO

Ceres fruit juices are among the best you can buy. So when they offered us samples of their new Smoothie To Go line, we jumped.

These fruit purées—which include small chunks of fruit for a nice texture—are packaged in squeeze pouches.

While they’re called smoothies, they contain no ingredients but pure fruit—no sugar added.

The 70-calorie packets contain two servings of fruit, and are available in:

 
Toss them into your desk or locker, glove compartment, purse—they even fit in your coat pocket.

They’re shelf-stable and there’s a bonus: no mess. You don’t even need a napkin.

The line is certified USDA Organic and OU kosher. Discover more at OrganicCeresJuices.com.
 
 
2. FAIRLIFE: SMART SNACKS

Fairlife, known for its lactose-free milks, has taken its concept to lactose-free, gluten-free nutrition beverages. In case you’re wary of that term: They taste like shakes.

Each 8-ounce serving has 15g of protein and 5g of fiber, and is structured to stop hunger between meals.

Flavors include:

 
We give them two hooves up.

See the whole line at Fairlife.com.
 
 
3. MARANATHA: NUT BUTTERS

MaraNatha, one of America’s largest producers of almond and peanut butters, has introduced Light Roast and Dark Roast Creamy Almond Butters.

Just as people have a preference in coffee roasts, almond butter lovers now have a choice of roast profiles:

 
You may prefer one, the other, or both equally.

For snacking on-the-go, MaraNatha also has new 1.15-ounce single serve packets in:

 
Discover more at MaranathaFoods.com.

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEK’S PICKS.

[2] Fairlife Smart Snacks are lactose-free, with 15g protein and 5g fiber (photo courtesy Fairife).

[3] MaraNatha’s newest almond butters are Light Roast and Dark Roast (photo courtesy MaraNatha Foods).