Spider Venom Cocktail

This dark and alluring cocktail combines the rich, deep hue of fresh blackberries with the zingy flavors of a classic margarita. The tartness of blackberries is balanced by smooth tequila, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from orange liqueur.

Garnish with a red orange wheel and a creepy plastic spider for a spooky finish, and serve in a black salt-rimmed glass for that classic margarita touch with a sinister spin.

With a name like Spider Venom Cocktail, it’s made for adding a dash of creepy fun to any gathering.

Inspired by the spooky charm of Harry Potter books and the allure of creepy crawlies, this concoction draws its name from the idea of a spider’s venom—a mysterious, terrifying element that adds to the drink’s allure.

Looking for more easy Halloween cocktails? Make sure to try my recipes for Witches Brew Cocktail, Polyjuice Potion, and Poisoned Apple Cocktails too!

Ingredients

• Blackberries: Adds a vibrant hue and fruity essence that transforms an ordinary margarita into something enchanting.
• Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or triple sec intensifies the cocktail’s aroma, weaving in notes of citrus and warmth.
• Tequila: A smooth blanco tequila with its crisp and clean flavor complements the richness of blackberries while adding a slight bite — get it, spider bite?
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice lends a refreshing tang that keeps the flavors lively and balanced.
• Agave Nectar: Optional – for added sweetness.
• Ice: What creepy cocktail would be complete without crushed ice to cool it off, and give a base to the garnish?
• Garnish: A red orange slice and a sinister looking plastic spider add a fun and creepy touch to your drink. Salt the rim with black salt, or mix with kosher salt, for an extra creepy touch.
• Short Rocks Glasses – Hawaiian Black Sea Salt – Muddler – Cocktail Shaker

Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.

How to make a Spider Venom Drink

Run a lime wedge around the rim of 2 glasses. Coat the damp rim with salt spread across a small plate. Set aside.

Muddle the blackberries in a small glass. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve, pressing down with a wooden spoon to get all of the juice. Pour blackberry juice into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.

​Add the orange liqueur, tequila, lime juice; stir to combine.

Pour into ice filled, salt rimmed glasses. 

Lay an orange slice across the top of the drink and top with a plastic spider for the perfect Aragog cocktail. You can also garnish with blackberries and lime wedge for a more traditional blackberry margarita presentation.

Expert Tips

• Frozen blackberries can be substituted for fresh, just thaw them before using and muddle as you would with fresh berries.
• Agave syrup is commonly used to sweeten margaritas, but you can substitute simple syrup, honey, or even maple syrup for a unique twist. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, especially since blackberries can be tart.
• A blanco (silver) tequila is most commonly used for margaritas as its clean, crisp flavor complements the fresh ingredients. You can also experiment with reposado for a richer, more complex drink.

Note: This recipe can easily be scaled up by clicking on the 2x or 3x button in the recipe card!

Make it a meal

The spider venom cocktail is more than just a drink—it will delight your taste buds and add a splash of fun to any occasion. This enchanting cocktail is the perfect start to any Harry Potter meal.

• Gillyweed Dip (aka Spinach Dip) made without a packaged dip mix.
• Shrieking Shack Salad (aka Spooky Halloween Salad) is a fun and eerie side dish!
• Troll Feet Loaf starts with my favorite meatloaf recipe with the additional of onion ring stumps, celery toe nails, and barbecue sauce blood to create the spookiest Halloween meal ever!
• Finish off your meal with Harry Potter Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs (with caramel and pecans inside), or Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Wands.