Black Hawk Cocktail Drink

Black Hawk

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Fancy a change from your usual cocktail? Give this Black Hawk Cocktail recipe a go! It’s a delicious drink loaded with intriguing ingredients and a breeze to make.

Black Hawk Cocktail Recipe

Savor the flavors of fall with this uncomplicated Black Hawk cocktail recipe! The blend of whiskey, sloe gin, and lemon zest offers a delightful warmth.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

186 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Sloe Gin
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Mixing Glass
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Start by chilling your old fashioned glass.
  • Pour 1 oz Sloe Gin into a mixing glass.
  • Add 2 oz Bourbon to the mix.
  • Ice up your mixing glass and stir your ingredients.
  • Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes or a big cube of ice.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey can be a good substitute. It has a spicier profile than bourbon, which can add a different dimension to the cocktail.
  • Sloe Gin: If you can't find sloe gin, use a splash of blackberry or raspberry liqueur for that fruity flavor.

Making a Pitcher of Black Hawk Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon and 8 oz of sloe gin.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon and sloe gin with ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual Old Fashioned glasses over fresh ice, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of whiskey quite well.
  • Sloe Gin Substitute: Opt for a blackberry or raspberry syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Brands: Most spirits are naturally vegan, but some brands may use animal products in their production process. Check the labels or do a quick online search to ensure your bourbon and sloe gin are vegan-friendly.
  • Garnish: The lemon twist garnish is vegan, so no changes are needed there!

Nutrition Facts

Calories
186
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Potassium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

 

Black Hawk Cocktail Drink

Black Hawk Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Savor the flavors of fall with this uncomplicated Black Hawk cocktail recipe! The blend of whiskey, sloe gin, and lemon zest offers a delightful warmth.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 186

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Sloe Gin
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Mixing Glass
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Start by chilling your old fashioned glass.
  • Pour 1 oz Sloe Gin into a mixing glass.
  • Add 2 oz Bourbon to the mix.
  • Ice up your mixing glass and stir your ingredients.
  • Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes or a big cube of ice.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey can be a good substitute. It has a spicier profile than bourbon, which can add a different dimension to the cocktail.
  • Sloe Gin: If you can't find sloe gin, use a splash of blackberry or raspberry liqueur for that fruity flavor.

Making a Pitcher of Black Hawk Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon and 8 oz of sloe gin.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon and sloe gin with ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual Old Fashioned glasses over fresh ice, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of whiskey quite well.
  • Sloe Gin Substitute: Opt for a blackberry or raspberry syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Brands: Most spirits are naturally vegan, but some brands may use animal products in their production process. Check the labels or do a quick online search to ensure your bourbon and sloe gin are vegan-friendly.
  • Garnish: The lemon twist garnish is vegan, so no changes are needed there!

What is a Black Hawk Cocktail?

A Black Hawk Cocktail is a whiskey-based bourbon and sloe gin cocktail. This drink is relatively easy to make, requiring only two ingredients and simple mixing techniques. The Cocktail stands out for its unique blend of the robust flavor of bourbon with the sweet and fruity notes of sloe gin.

A side shot of a Black Hawk cocktail in an old fashioned glass on a white coaster placed on a light blue table surrounded by a bowl with lemon pieces, a jigger, a shaker, and a white cloth

What is a Black Hawk Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Before starting on your Black Hawk Cocktail, assemble these ingredients:

  • Bourbon Whiskey: This forms the base of the Black Hawk cocktail. It provides a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of oak and vanilla.
  • Sloe Gin: Adds a fruity, slightly sweet element to the cocktail. It balances out the strong flavor of the bourbon.
  • Ice Cubes: Chilling the cocktail and diluting it slightly makes it smoother and more enjoyable to drink.
  • Lemon Twist: Serves as garnish. It adds a hint of citrus aroma and makes the cocktail visually appealing.

Bourbon and sloe Gin laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Black Hawk Cocktail?

Use our easy guide to learn the steps to make a perfect Black Hawk Cocktail:

1
<p>Start by filling an old fashioned glass with ice. This will ensure that your Black Hawk cocktail is served to perfection.</p>

Start by filling an old fashioned glass with ice. This will ensure that your Black Hawk cocktail is served to perfection.

2
<p>Pour one ounce of sloe gin into the mixing glass. The sloe gin will give the cocktail a fruity, slightly sweet taste.</p>

Pour one ounce of sloe gin into the mixing glass. The sloe gin will give the cocktail a fruity, slightly sweet taste.

3
<p>Add  two ounces of bourbon. The bourbon is the cocktail's base and will provide a rich, smooth flavor.</p>

Add two ounces of bourbon. The bourbon is the cocktail's base and will provide a rich, smooth flavor.

4
<p>Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes and stir the ingredients together. This will mix the bourbon and sloe gin, creating the unique flavor of the Black Hawk cocktail.</p>

Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes and stir the ingredients together. This will mix the bourbon and sloe gin, creating the unique flavor of the Black Hawk cocktail.

5
<p>Strain the cocktail into the old fashioned glass over fresh ice.</p>

Strain the cocktail into the old fashioned glass over fresh ice.

6
<p>Garnish the cocktail with a lemon zest. This will add a pop of color and a zesty and fresh note.</p>

Garnish the cocktail with a lemon zest. This will add a pop of color and a zesty and fresh note.

Finally, take a moment to admire your handiwork before taking a sip. The Black Hawk cocktail is not just a drink; it’s an experience. Enjoy!

History and Origin of the Black Hawk Cocktail

One of the first recipes of this drink is found in Jacques Straub’s Manual of mixed drinks (1913), here the drink is made with Rye whiskey, Sloe Gin and a cherry for garnish. A most recent version of the Black hawk is found in “Jones complete Bar Guide ” by Jones Stan (1977).  

A Black Hawk cocktail, shot from above, in an old fashioned glass on a beige surface surrounded by Bourbon, Sloe Gin and two lemons

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FAQ

How many calories does a Black Hawk cocktail contain?
A standard serving contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific brands of alcohol used and the size of the serving.
How strong is a Black Hawk cocktail?
The strength of a Black Hawk cocktail can vary based on the ratio of ingredients used. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 20-30%, translating to 40-60 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Black Hawk cocktail?
The primary alcohol used in a Black Hawk cocktail is bourbon or rye whiskey. Additionally, sloe gin, a red liqueur made from sloe drupes and gin, is also used to add depth and complexity to the drink.
In what kind of glass is a Black Hawk cocktail served?
Usually, the cocktail is served in an old fashioned glass with a big cube of ice but it is perfectly enjoyable served straight up in a chilled coupe glass.
What does a Black Hawk cocktail taste like?
A well-made Black Hawk cocktail offers a balanced blend of flavors. The whiskey provides warmth, while the sloe gin adds sweetness and fruitiness. Overall, it's smooth with a slightly tart finish.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Black Hawk cocktail?
The classic ratio for a Black Hawk cocktail is 2:1 - two parts whiskey and 1 part sloe gin. However, some bartenders may adjust this ratio slightly to cater to individual taste preferences.
How is a Black Hawk cocktail served with ice?
A Black Hawk cocktail can be served either straight up or on the rocks depending on customer preferences.

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