Drinking is an activity that transcends cultures and subcultures, and Goths are no different than anyone else in their enjoyment of a well-made cocktail. However, many cocktails catered to the subculture are either hokey and Halloween-y, or out-right gorey. Here is a list of more sophisticated drinks that might tempt those creatures of the night.
Vodka for the Dark at Heart
Black vodka, such as BlaVod, is given its unusual color by extracts of certain plants like acacia trees. This liquor can be flavored or unflavored, just like clear vodka, and makes for an interesting ingredient in dark colored cocktails.
Martha Stewart uses black vodka in her Screwed-up Screw Driver, also called an October Screwdriver, and it is one of the top drinks in her list of Halloween cocktails. It is also the key ingredient in the Black Widow, Black Cat, or an Apple Passion. This liquor is perfect for a dark and tasty concoction or for simply adding some flare to a classic cocktail.
Absinthe – the Drink of Ill-repute
Absinthe, like Goths, is misunderstood. Many have claimed that the wormwood in absinthe is either poisonous or can make a drink insane with visions. While it will not create hallucinogenic euphoria, it will give the drinker what is sometimes called a “clear-headed drunk.” The dark history behind this drink, along with its unique licorice flavor, makes this a popular liquor among the Goth subculture. Like any other liquor, it has also been paired well with other mixers and made into cocktails.
Commonly, absinthe is louched with ice or cold water and sugar in what is considered an absinthe ‘ceremony,’ however, many bartenders have strayed from tradition and added absinthe to other liqueurs, liquors and mixers for some truly dark and intriguing creations. Death in the Afternoon, made with absinthe and champagne, is a perfect example of the macabre connections made with the wormwood liquor.
One unique drink that is made specifically for the Goth subculture with absinthe is the Perky Goth made with absinthe, gin, blood orange syrup, ginger liqueur, and aromatic bitters. This drink is served shaken and strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a lemon twist. For a little flare, add a black bat stir stick available at liquor and party stores around Halloween.
Miscellaneous Goth Cocktails
Much like those cocktails named after famous celebrities in various bars and hang-outs all over the United States, there are many night clubs that offer drinks named after celebrities of a dark stint. These include Elvira aka Cassandra Peterson made up of vodka and soda, or the Tim Burton with Dr. Pepper, rum, cherry herring, Disarono, and Amaro Ciociar. Betty Page, idol for many Goth girls with curves, has her own cocktail made with gin, vermouth and cherry liquor.
Drinks named after fictional characters are also enjoyed by many of the subculture, especially those that enjoy a little campy humor. The Barnabas Collins consists of gin, blood (which can be substituted with blood orange or hibiscus syrup) and a dash of chocolate syrup shaken and poured with ice into a Collins glass.
Other popular drinks at the Goth club include snakebite or snakebite and black, Chartreuse and Vampire wine (which can be easily made into bloody sangria and other wine mixers) or Raven Beer. This is of course not to say that Goths don’t enjoy other ‘normal’ drinks as there simply is nothing more poetic than a black clad youth sipping red wine.
December Fields - I am a student of herbalism, aromatherapy, alternative health, alternative subculture, and life. I Chose Health ...
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