Black Devil

Pro tips

• Chill your coupe or cocktail glass with ice water before serving to maintain drink temperature longer.
• Stir gently for exactly 30 seconds to avoid over-dilution while achieving proper chill—this is a spirit-forward drink.
• Use a quality dry vermouth (French style preferred) as it's 50% of the flavor profile; cheap vermouth will make the drink taste thin.
• Express the lemon twist oils over the surface by twisting peel-side down over the drink, then drop it in for bitter complexity.

Substitutions

• Light Rum → Blanc or rhum agricole (slightly funky, grassy notes)
• Dry Vermouth → Bianco vermouth (adds subtle sweetness and floral notes)

What ratio of rum to vermouth should I use?

The standard Black Devil uses 2 oz light rum to 0.5 oz dry vermouth (4:1 ratio), though some variations use equal parts—adjust to taste.

Should a Black Devil be stirred or shaken?

Stir this cocktail with ice for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly while maintaining clarity and texture.

What's the best garnish for a Black Devil?

A lemon twist or olive complements the dry profile; add the garnish after straining into a coupe or cocktail glass.

Can I make a Black Devil ahead of time?

Prepare the drink fresh to order—vermouth and rum don't store well mixed—but pre-chill your glassware and have ingredients measured.

What light rum works best?

Use a neutral, unaged white or silver rum with clean flavor; avoid heavily flavored or spiced varieties that overpower the vermouth.