History & Heritage
“The Black Magic is the signature creation of Mariano Licudine for the legendary Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, representing the pinnacle of mid-century Polynesian Pop culture. This complex, powerful Tiki cocktail has been a carefully guarded secret for over half a century, with its recipe reverse-engineered by dedicated Tiki historians like Jeff "Beachbum" Berry.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1.5 oz
1 oz
1 oz
1.3 oz
1.3 oz
1.3 oz
Chilled
1.3 oz
0.5 oz
1 tsp
1 tsp
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine all ingredients in a blender
Add 1.5 to 2 cups of crushed ice
Flash blend for 5-8 seconds until frothy and well-chilled
Open pour (do not strain) into large snifter or goblet
Top with additional crushed ice to fill glass
Garnish with spiraled lemon peel
Glassware
Served in a large 24-ounce snifter or goblet
Garnish
Long, spiraled lemon peel
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use freshly brewed, strong black coffee, chilled
Flash blend briefly—5-8 seconds maximum
Large snifter captures complex aromatics
All fruit juices must be freshly squeezed
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Mai Tai Swizzle
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Three Dots and a Dash
Donn Beach's WWII tribute—rhum agricole and Demerara rum layered with falernum, allspice dram, citrus, honey, and a dash of bitters, served tall over crushed ice.
Don the Beachcomber's Planter's Punch
Donn Beach's 1937 masterpiece that transformed the rustic Jamaican punch into a complex tiki classic with three distinct rums, falernum, grenadine, and Angostura bitters.