Ingredients
- 1 oz Dark Rum
- .5 oz Black Sambuca
- 1 tsp Cherry Brandy
- .5 oz Lemon Juice
Instructions
Combine
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine 1 oz dark rum, 0.5 oz black sambuca, 1 tsp cherry brandy, and 0.5 oz lemon juice.
Shake
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and well blended.
Strain
- Strain the cocktail into a cocktail glass.
Serve
- Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, dark flavors.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Black Monday isn't one of those drinks with a long, storied past or a famous bartender's name attached. Its origin story is a bit murky, likely emerging from a bar somewhere that decided to play around with black sambuca beyond just a shot or a coffee float. It feels like a modern creation, probably from the late 20th or early 21st century, designed to be a bit edgy.
This drink leans into the 'dark and mysterious' category, a cousin to other rum-based sours but with a distinct anise twist from the sambuca. It's not trying to be a classic; it's carving its own path with a flavor profile that stands out from the usual suspects. If you like a Jungle Bird but want to go a little darker, this might be your stop.
You'd order this at a dimly lit bar, maybe one with some decent house music playing, or mix it at home when you're tired of the usual suspects. It's a nightcap with a bit of a bite, or a conversation starter for someone who appreciates bold flavors. This isn't your brunch cocktail, unless you're having a particularly rough Monday morning and really need it.
What it tastes like
The first sip of a Black Monday hits you with the rich, molasses depth of dark rum, quickly followed by the distinct, sweet anise punch of black sambuca. That licorice note isn't shy, but the cherry brandy adds a layer of dark fruit sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, providing a necessary brightness and tart finish. It's a sweet and sour affair, with a bold, herbal undertone.
With about 1.5 oz of spirits, this drink clocks in around 30% ABV, making it a fairly potent pour. That's significantly stronger than your average glass of wine and definitely more impactful than a standard beer. Treat it like a proper cocktail, not a session sipper. It's designed to deliver flavor and a decent buzz, so take your time with it.
The technique
Building a Black Monday is straightforward: combine all your ingredients in a shaker half-filled with ice. Don't be shy with the ice; you want a good chill and a little dilution. Give it a vigorous shake, aiming for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is frosty. Then, strain it into a chilled cocktail glass. No fancy garnish needed, though a dark cherry or a lemon twist can add a nice visual.
The most important tip for this drink is the shake. Really go for it. You need to thoroughly chill and blend those disparate flavors. A lazy shake means a watery, lukewarm drink where the sambuca might overpower everything else. You're aiming for a cohesive, cold experience, so put some muscle into it.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Dark Rum
- Use
- A rich, aged dark rum. Something like Gosling's Black Seal, Myers's Original Dark, or even a good Jamaican pot-still rum like Appleton Estate Reserve Blend works well.
- Skip
- Light or white rums. They won't provide the necessary depth and complexity to stand up to the sambuca and cherry. Overproof rums might also be too aggressive.
- Why
- The dark rum forms the backbone, offering molasses notes, a touch of oak, and a general richness that balances the anise and cherry. It's the anchor in this flavorful storm.
Black Sambuca
- Use
- Any quality black sambuca. Romana Sambuca Black is a common choice, but others like Luxardo Sambuca Black or Antica Sambuca Black will also deliver the goods.
- Skip
- White sambuca. It lacks the dark color and often has a slightly different, less intense anise profile. Absinthe or pastis are too different in character.
- Why
- Black sambuca is the star here, providing that distinct, assertive anise flavor and the deep, inky color that gives the drink its name. Without it, you've got a different drink entirely.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Red Monday
- A berry-forward twist
- Swap the cherry brandy for a raspberry liqueur or a red berry syrup to lean into a brighter, fruitier profile while keeping the dark rum and sambuca base.
Midnight Express
- Coffee and anise
- Introduce a small dash of coffee liqueur or cold brew concentrate to deepen the dark notes and add a roasted complexity, complementing the rum and sambuca.
Spiced Monday
- A hint of warmth
- Add a couple of dashes of an aromatic bitters, like Angostura, or a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon to the shaker. It offers a subtle warmth that plays well with the rum.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A good aged brandy or even a robust bourbon could work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift significantly.
While tough to replace directly, a small amount of absinthe or a strong anise liqueur could be a stand-in, but use sparingly as they are potent.
Use a dash of cherry liqueur or even a few muddled fresh cherries with a touch of simple syrup for a similar fruity sweetness.
A chilled coupe or even a small rocks glass without ice will do the trick. The key is serving it neat and cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Black Monday?
A Black Monday contains dark rum, black sambuca, cherry brandy, and fresh lemon juice. It's shaken and served up in a cocktail glass.
What does a Black Monday taste like?
It tastes like a bold mix of rich rum, sweet anise from the sambuca, and a tart, refreshing lemon finish, with a hint of dark cherry.
Is Black Monday a strong drink?
Yes, it's a fairly potent cocktail, with an ABV around 30%. It's designed for flavor and impact, so sip it responsibly.
What kind of rum should I use for a Black Monday?
Opt for a rich, aged dark rum. Gosling's Black Seal or Myers's Original Dark are solid choices that provide the necessary depth.
Can I make a Black Monday less sweet?
To dial back the sweetness, slightly reduce the cherry brandy or increase the lemon juice by a quarter ounce, depending on your preference.
What's the best occasion for a Black Monday?
This drink shines in the evening or late night. It's a great choice for a sophisticated gathering, a nightcap, or when you're craving something with a unique, bold flavor.
Are there any similar drinks to Black Monday?
If you like bold, rum-based sours, consider a Jungle Bird. For those who enjoy anise, a Sazerac or a pastis-based drink might appeal, though Black Monday is distinctly different.
Do I need to garnish a Black Monday?
Garnish is optional. A dark cocktail cherry or a simple lemon twist can add a nice touch, but the drink stands on its own without one.
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