It’s long been acknowledged that Melbourne loves the colour black. But the city’s preference for the shade has no longer just infiltrated wardrobes, but has crept into the Victorian capital’s favourite cocktail, with the emergence of the black spritz.

The nero (black) spritz has arrived in town as a part of the new drinks range at Brunetti Flinders Lane. The gothic take on the long adored Aperol Spritz is just one of 12 new flavours of Italian aperitif at the venue, and is the result of the black food trend currently sweeping the globe say the owners. While Brunetti may be better known for being one of Melbourne’s leading sweet treat purveyors, that looks set to change with their new focus on Instagram-friendly cocktails.

As for the colour itself, it’s the result of a concoction of Fabbri Marendry and Fabbri Black Gum (a 100% natural black syrup of Arabic gum and vegetable charcoal), topped with prosecco and soda water. Thanks to the charcoal element, it’s even been dubbed a ‘cleansing’ drinks option.

While we’re more than sceptical of the health benefits of the cocktail, we have to agree with Brunetti director Yuri Angele, who simply says of the drink: “it’s very fun and easy to drink!”