Method

Cocktail Base (Black Happy Hour Signature Cocktail)

Prepare glass

Chill a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes. If you want a black-salt rim, run a lime wedge around the glass lip then dip the rim into a shallow plate with black sea salt; set aside on a flat surface.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker add ice (about 3/4 full), 2 oz black vodka, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. If using activated charcoal for color, add 1/4 tsp powdered charcoal to the shaker. Note: if using charcoal powder, ensure it is food-grade and mix thoroughly to avoid clumps.

Shake

Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and the mixture is well chilled and slightly aerated.

Strain

Double-strain the mixture through a fine mesh or Hawthorne strainer into the chilled coupe or over fresh ice in a rocks glass, depending on presentation preference.

Add bitters finish

Float one additional dash of Angostura bitters on top by dripping it onto the surface of the cocktail; this adds aromatic depth and visual contrast.

Smoke and garnish

If using a smoking gun: place the served glass (or cover with an inverted metal mixing tin) and introduce smoke for 10–15 seconds, then seal and let sit for 20–30 seconds to absorb smoky aroma. If using wood chip: ignite a small amount, capture the smoke under a cloche or inverted glass, then seat the cocktail into the smoke and lift to reveal. Express the oils from the black lemon or lime twist over the drink (pinch peel above the surface), then drop the peel into the cocktail as garnish.

Charcoal Smoke & Garnish

If you prepared a black-salt rim earlier, wipe any excess from the outside of the glass. Use only a small pinch of activated charcoal (food grade) when adding to the shaker—too much can affect texture and flavor. For smoky aromatics, use brief, controlled smoking rather than heavy smoke to avoid overpowering the cocktail. The black peel adds a dramatic visual; twist it to release citrus oils and then rest on the rim or drop into the drink.

Non-Alcoholic Option (Black Happy Hour Mocktail)

Mix mocktail

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 oz non-alcoholic spirit (or 1 oz black tea concentrate), 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup and 1/8 tsp activated charcoal powder if using. Shake 8–10 seconds until chilled.

Finish and serve

Strain into a chilled glass over fresh ice. Top with 3 oz sparkling water and stir gently to combine. Garnish with expressed lime twist and, if desired, a light smoke as described for the cocktail.

Black Happy Hour Half Page Menu Recipe