The Phantom Vespa

The Phantom Vespa

Dark, mysterious, and hauntingly smooth, this drink is a ride through moonlit streets on a black scooter, with a fog of intrigue and a flash of citrus to cut through the shadows. Inspired by Halloween’s gothic tones but dressed in mod fashion: sleek, sharp, and a little cheeky.

The Phantom Vespa; A Halloween Mod Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Gin (preferably London Dry)

• 0.5 oz Blackcurrant Liqueur (Crème de Cassis or a dark berry alternative)

• 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice

• 0.5 oz Charcoal honey syrup* (see below)

• 1 dash Absinthe (optional, but gives it ghostly flair)

• 1 dash orange bitters

Charcoal Honey Syrup:Combine 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1 capsule of activated charcoal (food-grade). Stir until fully mixed and cooled.

Garnish:

• Lemon twist curled like a scooter tailpipe

• Optional: edible glitter or black salt rim for showmanship

Glassware:Coupe or Nick & Nora glass, chilled

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake hard until well-chilled (15–20 seconds).

3. Double strain into your chilled glass.

4. Garnish with the twist or rim with black salt beforehand.

Vibe:

It’s moody and mysterious, with the elegance of mod tailoring and just enough danger to flirt with the darkness. The gin keeps it bright and botanical, the blackcurrant adds a lush, vampiric depth, and the charcoal honey syrup lends it shadowy drama with smooth sweetness.