Black Betty Recipe Trio

Samad: Lina, you ever hear a name and think, yeah, that should be a whole vibe?

Lina: If the name’s Black Betty, then yes it sounds like a smoky cocktail, a comfort dish, and a decadent dessert all in one.

Samad: Perfect for Canadian kitchens looking to turn up the flavour without the fuss.

Lina: Let’s do it! First up: a blackberry-meets-bourbon cocktail you’ll want to sip all weekend.

Black Betty Cocktail (Bourbon Blackberry Smash)

Lina: This drink is dark, sweet, tart, and just the right kind of dangerous.

Samad: Like your ex?

Lina: Hah! No comment. But this one goes down smoother and doesn’t ghost you.

Ingredients:

• 6 fresh blackberries
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• 2 oz bourbon
• Ice
• Club soda (optional, for topping)
• Extra mint and blackberry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle like you mean it: In a shaker, muddle blackberries, mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup until juicy and fragrant.
2. Add the bourbon: Pour in the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake it up: Shake hard for 10–15 seconds.
4. Strain & serve: Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with soda if you like it lighter.
5. Garnish: Add a sprig of mint and a blackberry. Feel fancy.

Lina’s Tip:

You can swap bourbon for dark rum if that’s what’s on your shelf. Still gives that deep, sultry flavour.

Samad’s Tip:

Freeze extra blackberries and mint into ice cubes they’ll make your drink look pro-level without trying.

Love bold drinks? Try the Jugo Juice copycat recipes for more sips with attitude.

Black Betty BBQ Chicken with Smoky Blackberry Glaze

Samad: Okay, now that we’ve got a drink in hand, let’s talk dinner.

Lina: This chicken is so juicy and smoky, it basically grills itself. And the blackberry glaze? Game-changer.

Samad: Canadian BBQs, meet your new signature dish.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prep the chicken: Rub the thighs with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, add blackberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, and garlic. Simmer on medium for 10 minutes, mashing the berries as they soften.
3. Optional thickening: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened. Strain if you prefer a smoother glaze.
4. Grill it: Grill chicken over medium heat, skin-side down first, for 6–7 minutes per side. Brush glaze over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Serve & drizzle: Plate the chicken and spoon extra glaze on top. Go wild.

Lina’s Tip:

This glaze also works on salmon or roasted veggies just saying.

Samad’s Tip:

Toss a few blackberries on the grill for a smoky-sweet garnish. Trust me.

Black Betty Chocolate Blackberry Torte

Lina: Samad, this dessert is rich enough to pay rent.

Samad: And just mysterious enough to leave people asking for the recipe.

Lina: It’s like a flourless chocolate cake meets a tangy berry swirl. Fancy, but not fussy.

Ingredients:

For the torte:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

For the blackberry swirl:

• 1 cup blackberries
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat & prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the swirl: In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Cook until berries break down, about 5–7 minutes. Mash slightly and set aside to cool.
3. Melt the chocolate: In a large bowl, melt chocolate and butter together (microwave or double boiler). Stir until smooth.
4. Mix the batter: Whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir until fully combined.
5. Swirl & bake: Pour batter into the pan. Spoon blackberry mixture overtop in dollops, then swirl with a knife. Bake 25–30 minutes, until just set in the centre.
6. Cool it: Let it cool fully before removing from pan. Dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar if you’re feeling extra.

Samad’s Tip:

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Or just eat it cold from the fridge at midnight. We don’t judge.

Lina’s Tip:

No fresh berries? Frozen ones work too just simmer a little longer to thicken the swirl.

FAQ – Black Betty Recipes

Can I make the Black Betty cocktail without alcohol?

Yes! Swap bourbon for black tea or pomegranate juice. Still bold and berry-forward, minus the buzz.

What’s a good side for the BBQ chicken?

Roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, or a wild rice salad. Anything smoky or maple-y plays nice.

Can I freeze the chocolate torte?

Totally. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Is this menu good for Canadian Thanksgiving?

Absolutely. It’s cozy, bold, and a twist on the classics perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.

Can I use other berries instead of blackberry?

Sure! Blueberries or raspberries work, but blackberries bring that dark, jammy edge we love in this menu.

Samad & Lina’s Final Thoughts

Lina: We hope this recipe brings a little joy to your table.

Samad: And don’t forget the best meals are the ones shared with family. Or at least with someone who’ll do the dishes.

Black Betty Cocktail

A refreshing cocktail featuring fresh blackberries, mint, and bourbon — perfect for cozy nights or lively gatherings. Optional club soda adds a fizzy twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Quick & Cozy Comfort Meals

Cuisine Canadian

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 fresh blackberries
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz bourbon
• ice
• club soda optional

Garnish

• mint for garnish
• blackberry for garnish

Instructions

 

• Muddle blackberries, mint, lemon juice, and syrup in a shaker.
• Add bourbon and ice. Shake well.
• Strain into glass with ice. Top with soda if using.
• Garnish and serve.

Notes

Use dark rum as an alternative to bourbon.