Black Magic Cocktail

The Black Magic is a captivating frozen tiki drink that stands out with its prominent coffee flavor. Unlike many fruit-forward tiki classics, this cocktail balances the deep, molasses notes of dark rum with the robust bitterness of coffee liqueur and fresh coffee. A touch of lime juice cuts through the richness, creating a surprisingly balanced and complex profile that is both invigorating and indulgent.
Black Magic Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Black Magic is unequivocally a Tiki cocktail, known for its use of rum, complex flavors, and exotic presentation. It falls into the broader category of cocktails and is sometimes considered a modern classic within the tiki canon, distinct from earlier pre-war recipes.

Serving

This is a moderately strong, cold blended drink served in a large Tiki mug or a tall decorative glass. It's a substantial cocktail designed for sipping and enjoying.
Serving size
Approximately 270-300 ml / 9-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-18% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Tiki Mug
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This enchanting concoction was created around 1962 by Mariano Licudine, a legendary tiki bartender at the world-famous Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The drink was part of the second wave of tiki culture, showcasing a move towards more diverse flavor profiles beyond just pineapple and citrus. Its dark, mysterious appearance and name perfectly captured the escapist allure of the tiki movement.
Origin
Created at the Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, circa 1962.

Black Magic Cocktail

The drink is most commonly known as the Black Magic. The addition of "Cocktail" or "Coffee Cocktail" serves to clarify its nature, distinguishing it from other concepts associated with the term "black magic."
Original name
Black Magic
Alternative name
Black Magic Coffee Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a powerful coffee aroma and a rich, sweet flavor balanced by bitterness and a hint of sourness. Its texture is smooth and frozen, with a dark, mysterious appearance perfect for its name.
Flavor
Coffee, rich, dark rum, molasses, sweet, hint of lime tartness
Aroma
Roasted coffee, brown sugar, subtle citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, rich, slightly bitter, touch of sour
Aftertaste
Long, lingering coffee, warming rum
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, very dark brown, coffee-colored
Texture
Smooth, thick, frozen, blended
Seasonality
Rich, cooling, suitable for year-round enjoyment

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a rich sweetness and coffee bitterness, with a moderate alcohol strength. It has low sourness and fruitiness, and is not at all spicy, salty, or carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a blend of dark Jamaican and black blended rums, complemented by coffee liqueur and strong coffee. Fresh lime juice and simple syrup provide essential balance to the rich base spirits.
  • Dark Jamaican Rum45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A rum with rich molasses and funk notes like Coruba or Worthy Park is ideal.
  • Coffee Liqueur30 ml / 1 oz
    Kahlúa or Tia Maria are common choices.
  • Black Blended Rum15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A dark rum like Gosling's Black Seal adds color and depth.
  • Strong Chilled Coffee30 ml / 1 oz
    Use cold brew concentrate or strongly brewed and cooled espresso.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for balance.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your coffee liqueur.

Ice type

  • Crushed ice

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment needed is a blender capable of handling ice. A jigger is also required for measuring the ingredients accurately to achieve the correct balance.
  • Blender: For blending the ingredients into a smooth, frozen consistency.
  • Jigger: For accurate measurement of liquids.

Instructions

Preparation is straightforward: combine all liquid ingredients with crushed ice in a blender. Blend until smooth, pour into a tiki mug, and finish with a mint sprig garnish before serving.
1. Gather all your ingredients, and chill your serving glass or tiki mug if possible.
2. Add all ingredients (both rums, coffee liqueur, chilled coffee, lime juice, and simple syrup) to a blender.
3. Add approximately 1 cup of crushed ice to the blender.
4. Blend on high for 10-15 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and has a consistent, thick texture. Avoid over-blending, which can make it too watery.
5. Pour the blended mixture directly from the blender into your chilled tiki mug or serving glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
7. Add a straw and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A fresh mint sprig is the traditional garnish, providing an aromatic contrast to the rich coffee notes. An expressed orange peel can also be added for a brighter citrus nose.
  • Mint Sprig: Slap the mint sprig against your hand to release its oils before placing it in the drink.
  • Orange Peel Twist: Optionally express the oils from an orange peel over the drink for extra aroma.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from coffee. It is typically free from dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively high-calorie cocktail due to the sugars in the rums, liqueur, and syrup. It has a significant carbohydrate and sugar content, making it more of an indulgent treat.
Calories
Averagely 280-320 kcal / 1170-1340 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 22-27 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Black Magic is perfect for themed tiki parties or as a unique after-dinner digestif, replacing a traditional dessert coffee. Its rich and complex character also makes it an excellent choice for a relaxing evening drink.
  • Tiki Party
  • After-Dinner Drink
  • Evening Sipping
  • Social Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Black Magic pairs wonderfully with rich, sweet desserts, especially those with chocolate or coffee flavors. For a savory contrast, its sweetness can cut through the spice of dishes like coconut shrimp or spicy roasted nuts.
  • Chocolate Desserts
  • Tiramisu
  • Coconut Shrimp
  • Spicy Nuts

Casting a Spell: The Allure of the Black Magic Cocktail

The Black Magic is a standout cocktail from the golden age of tiki. It masterfully combines the seemingly disparate worlds of tropical rum drinks and rich coffee, resulting in a frozen concoction that is both unique and deeply satisfying. Perfect for tiki enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the usual fruit-centric recipes, or for anyone seeking a decadent, coffee-forward alcoholic treat. Its history at the legendary Mai-Kai adds a layer of authentic tiki heritage to every sip.

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