Black Superman

What is Black Superman?

The Black Superman is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea, one of the most well-known multi-spirit cocktails in bar culture. The Long Island Iced Tea itself was popularised in the 1970s and 80s — most commonly attributed to Robert "Rosebud" Butt, who reportedly created it at the Oak Beach Inn on Long Island, New York, around 1972 — and its formula of equal parts vodka, gin, white rum, and triple sec with citrus and a cola float became the template for an entire family of multi-spirit drinks built around the same structure. The Black Superman adapts that template by swapping the cola float for Chambord raspberry liqueur, which sinks through the blue curaçao and sweet and sour mix to create the drink's signature dark, almost inky appearance. The addition of both blue curaçao and Chambord is what sets it apart from the standard Long Island formula — the two liqueurs interact to produce the deep purple-black colour that gives the cocktail its name and its visual identity.

The Black Superman cocktail is a variation of a Long Island Iced Tea, containing several types of alcohol, in the addition of Chambord that complements the citrus flavors of the triple sec and blue curacao.

Don't forget to see what other drinks you can make with the ingredients you already have in your bar.

Taste profile

Despite its dramatic appearance, the Black Superman drinks more smoothly than its seven-ingredient list might suggest. The sweet and sour mix provides the dominant flavour framework — sharp citrus tartness balanced by sweetness — which ties together the four base spirits and keeps the drink from tasting like a collection of separate elements. Cointreau adds a clean orange note, blue curaçao contributes a milder, slightly more bitter citrus layer, and Chambord brings a concentrated raspberry richness that deepens the mid-palate and lingers on the finish. The four spirits — vodka, gin, white rum, and Cointreau — collectively provide the alcoholic backbone without any single one dominating. The overall impression is fruity, citrus-forward, and surprisingly balanced for a drink of this complexity, though it is worth noting that the alcohol content is considerably higher than it tastes.

Serving suggestions

Build directly in a pint glass over ice rather than shaking — this is a stirred, built cocktail in the Long Island tradition, and the gentle stir is what creates the swirling colour effect as the Chambord disperses through the blue curaçao. Add the Chambord in two stages: half mixed in with the other ingredients, and the remaining half floated on top just before serving, which produces a two-tone presentation that gradually darkens as the drink is stirred. A lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry on the rim are the classic garnish and provide a visual contrast against the dark liquid. Given the high alcohol content from four base spirits plus two liqueurs, serve with food or plenty of water alongside — this is a drink that earns its Superman name for reasons beyond colour alone.

Why You'll Love It?

Ingredients for Black Superman

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Fill a pint glass or tall highball glass generously with fresh ice.
2. Pour the vodka, gin, white rum, blue curaçao and Cointreau directly over the ice.
3. Pour approximately half of the Chambord measure into the glass and reserve the rest for the float. Stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon to loosely combine all the ingredients without fully blending the colours.
4. Pour the sweet and sour mix over the stirred base. Stir once more, very gently.
5. Hold a bar spoon just above the surface of the drink, curved side up, and slowly pour the remaining Chambord over the back of the spoon.