Just in time for Halloween, Hounds Black Vodka has arrived in BC Liquor Stores. Made in St. John’s, Newfoundland through “a proprietary formula of fulvic minerals and humic acid infusion”, the smooth, slightly sweet spirit has hints of soft wheat, vanilla, and light citrus. (At 40-percent alc/vol, it retails for $34.99/750 mL.)

Jet black in colour, it’s perfect for potions. Here’s one to toast All Saints Eve.

Hunter’s Gathering

1oz Hounds Vodka
¾ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
¾ oz cloudberry purée
1oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz egg white

To make cloudberry purée, pour 1 pint of fresh berries into a blender and blend on high until fully puréed. In a separate large batching vessel, combine equal parts cane sugar and hot water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add berry purée and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Refrigerate overnight. (Blackberries can be used in place of cloudberries.)

Combine all ingredients into shaking tin filled with ice. Shake and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a mint sprig floating in middle.