Creatures of the night, what cocktails they make… such as the red and lush Vampire’s Kiss.
Who doesn’t love a good, spooky, and dare I say, romantic vampire tale? It doesn’t have to be Halloween to pop a classic blood-sucker movie on during the wee hours of a Friday night. Some popcorn, a pizza and a cocktail or two sounds like a perfect pairing with some of my favorites. There’s the Lugosi classic Dracula from 1931, the 1958 Hammer masterpiece Horror of Dracula, with the towering Sir Christopher Lee starring as the gruesome Count. In fact, there are so many to choose from that I often spend more time picking something to watch than actually watching it. Nothing beats Near Dark, in my opinion though. The late, great Bill Paxton chews the scenery like only he could.
While tonight’s cocktail doesn’t have a clear origin, it more than likely took its inspiration and name from the 1988 cult classic Vampire’s Kiss, starring the enigmatic Nicolas Cage. Cage plays a young Manhattan yuppie who enjoys clubbing, cocktails and one-night stands. One evening he brings a young woman home who happens to be a vampire, and she bites him. As Cage slowly turns into one of the blood-craving undead himself, what follows is one of the actor’s craziest and most unhinged performances of his career. The man ate a live cockroach. I mean, I can’t add any more to that.
Thankfully, the Vampire’s Kiss cocktail just contains vodka, raspberry liqueur and cranberry juice, so it only looks bloody. Don’t lounge in a black velvet cloak without one.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Vampire’s Kiss?
The best vodka is your favorite, and mine is an organic rye from Chopin, which is a Polish spirit. Crisp, clean and smooth, the peppery bite that comes with each sip is the perfect sensation to have when drinking something like the Vampire’s Kiss. And with a sweet raspberry liqueur, like a Chambord, paired with the tart and tangy cranberry juice, this cocktail will be something you’ll be excited to sink your fangs into.
Ingredients
- Red sugar for the rim, optional
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce raspberry liqueur
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- Fresh raspberries for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Dip the rim of a martini glass in water, then press it into a small plate of red sugar. Place the glass in the fridge to chill before serving.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, raspberry liqueur, and cranberry juice. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh raspberry if desired.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Chill a long-stemmed martini or coupe glass in your freezer for around 30 minutes to give yourself an extra cold and smooth drink. Garnish the rim with red sugar and a few plump, juicy raspberries on a cocktail skewer.
WHAT IS RED SUGAR?
This is simply white sugar that has had red coloring added to it for decorative purposes. There’s no blood in red sugar. At least, there shouldn’t be…
Similar Drinks To The Vampire’s Kiss Cocktail
If the deep red color of tonight’s tipple grabbed your attention, then you’ll be pleased to discover there are a nice number of similar-looking libations you can give a spin. If you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to exploring crimson-styled cocktails, you can start right here at Twist & Toast. Here are a few to pique your interest.
- Red Death – Sounds scary, but this strong elixir is quite delicious.
- Ruby Relaxer – Vodka and coconut rum combine to wash your stress away.
- Bloody Caesar – Beware the Ides of March, but enjoy this spicy eye-opener.
- Ward 8 – Sweet and spicy, this whiskey dram brings a little history with it.
Leave a Comment