Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is one of the most iconic personalities of the last 40 years. Not only was Cassandra Peterson’s creation unforgettable in her jet-black wig and cleavage-boosting dress, she was ahead of her time, sending up awful horror movies on television years before Mystery Science Theater 3000 nailed it down to a, well, science. The former Dunes showgirl even starred in her own movie, so why not her own Vegas cocktail—especially during Halloween?
Throughout October, Rhumbar at Mirage is offering the Elvira’s Kiss ($12), a creation from Drive This! Entertainment Corporate Mixologist Lillian Hargrove. It’s her spin on the Black Velvet (Guinness and Champagne), a cocktail she says was invented “to mourn the death of Prince Albert.” Latching onto the “death” theme for Halloween, Hargrove substituted Patrón’s XO Cafe Dark for Guinness, giving it a much more luscious flavor profile than the original.
The drink shares many similarities with its namesake. It’s jet-black. It’s fun. And it’s uncomplicated. Plus, “If you were to imagine Elvira enjoying a cocktail, I would picture this,” Hargrove says.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Patrón XO Cafe Dark
Moët & Chandon Champagne
fresh orange twist (garnish)
Method: Pour stirred Patrón XO Cafe Dark and ice into Champagne flute. Top with Moët and Chandon. Garnish with orange twist.