Dark Side Of The Moon Recipe

Prepare

If using activated charcoal to darken vodka, very briefly stir or shake 2 oz vodka with a pinch of activated charcoal until evenly suspended, then strain through a fine mesh into the shaker to remove large clumps. Alternatively use pre-made black vodka.

Dry Shake

In a cocktail shaker add black vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, creme de cassis, cold brew coffee, egg white (or aquafaba), and bitters. Dry shake vigorously without ice for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and build a silky foam.

Wet Shake

Add a large handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch and the mixture is well chilled and frothy.

Strain

Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture and remove any ice shards or charcoal granules.

If using edible silver dust, stir a small amount (about 1/4 tsp) into the remaining foam on the top of the cocktail or lightly dust the surface for a subtle shimmer that evokes 'moonlight.'

Carefully place one candied black cherry or Luxardo cherry on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim or float it gently on the foam.

Optional: add one small pinch of activated charcoal to the foam edge for extra darkness, then serve immediately.