The Black Widow (Halloween)

The Black Widow (Halloween)

5 oz. black vodka, such as Blavod black vodka

1/2 oz. Pernod

Sugar Spiderweb (recipe follows)

Licorice Spider (recipe follows)

Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add black vodka and Pernod. Shake vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with Sugar Spiderweb and Licorice Spider if desired.

Sugar Spiderweb:

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/3 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

Spray 2 large sheets of parchment paper with nonstick spray. Set aside. In small pan, mix sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook over medium high heat, occasionally brushing down sides with water to prevent crystallization. Continue until mixture reaches 325 on candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Working quickly, drizzle caramel with a spoon onto prepared parchment paper,forming spiderwebs. Cool completely or until set. Using a small offset spatula, carefully remove web from parchment paper and place on top of glass.

Licorice Spider:

1 black licorice wheel, found at Whole Foods Markets

Unroll a 9 inch strip from licorice wheel. Using kitchen shears, cut strip in half lengthwise along scored line. Cut each strip into 3 (3 inch) pieces, creating 6 legs. Reserve remaining part of licorice wheel for spider body. On flat surface, place licorice wheel. Using tweezers, insert 6 strips in center of reserved licorice wheel, bending strips to form spider legs. Carefully place Licorice Spider on top of Spiderweb. Serve at once. Makes 1 spider.

Source: Celebrate!