Blackjack Cocktail Ingredients

What is a Blackjack cocktail?  

The Blackjack cocktail is an updated version of the Classic Coffee cocktail, which was created sometime in the 1900s. About time, we say!  The Coffee cocktail is made with equal parts cognac and port that gets shaken up with simple syrup, ice, and a raw egg. It’s then strained into a glass and dusted with freshly grated nutmeg. You’ll note that there’s no coffee in sight, so don’t let the name fool you.   

On the other hand, the Blackjack drink is vegan-friendly and made with coffee amaro, cognac, cherry liqueur, and cold-brewed coffee mixed and poured over ice. Taste-wise you’re in for a treat. This cold sipper bursts with fresh espresso flavour and has a lovely cherry and orange finish.   

Ingredients needed for a Blackjack cocktail  

To make a Blackjack on the rocks, you’re going to need good quality cognac that is orange forward. We chose Bisquit & Debouche Cognac for its spiced apricot and honey aromas and notes of honeysuckle, citrus, and mango. When choosing cherry liqueur, go top shelf. You won’t be sorry. What you’re looking for is a liqueur that’s both sweet and tart (like cherry jelly), and that has hints of warm vanilla. The heart of this cocktail is all coffee, with two types going into the mix. The first is a coffee liqueur, adding a lovely and rich sweetness. The second is cooled espresso, which will give your Blackjack drink a satisfying caffeine punch and bitterness.  

When combined on ice and garnished with a twist of orange, all the delicious Blackjack cocktail ingredients make a sophisticated and complex drink that begs to be enjoyed by coffee and cherry lovers alike.   

 Blackjack cocktail recipe tips  

If you can’t find a decent cherry liqueur, fear not! Triple sec is surprisingly similar in taste, so, go ahead, and swap it out. No one will know the difference if you play your cards close to your chest.  When it comes to presentation, the Blackjack calls for an Old Fashioned glass and a pinch of ground coffee as garnish. 

 Recipe variations  

The Blackjack drink comes in a few variations. The first substitutes cognac with scotch whiskey, cherry liqueur with triple sec, has added lemon juice and contains coffee liqueur but no cold brew. The second version is an entirely different cocktail altogether. Made with liquorice bitters, quinaquina, absinthe, amaro, triple sec, and chilled water. It’s an eye-watering amount of ingredients, and we suggest you give it a go if you’re really (like really really) in the mood for liquorice. Probably that one time in your life. If ever. We definitely prefer our cognac and cherry version, but go ahead and experiment if you feel like it.