Cocktail Series: Black Velvet

Black Velvet may sound familiar but have you ever actually tried it? You may be surprised by its recipe: equal parts Champagne and stout (traditionally Guinness). If you think that sounds like a weird combination, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. Just as its name and dark coloring suggest, this was first created as a mourning cocktail following the death of Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria in 1861 at the Brook’s Club in London. Others will dispute that it originated at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. No matter its true origins, this surprisingly attractive cocktail gained popularity globally for its easy but delicious formula. If you’re feeling wild, try switching up the Champagne for some cider, sometimes referred to as the Poor Man’s Black Velvet — although, with cider now gaining so much traction we’d prefer to dub it the Trendsetter’s Black Velvet. It’s also not unheard of to pour more Champagne than stout, should you favor the bubbly! We hope you’ll give this cocktail a try, or pour one for us if you already love it!

Chartogne-Taillet

Sainte Anne Brut Champagne Blend

Tracy Hall

9.5

Hazelnut honey and pear nose with just the right amount of fine bubbles finishing with a lemon curd (mouth watering) from mid to finish. Lovely! Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier Mostly 2016 vintage. Bottled 7/26/2017. Disgorged January 2019. Dosage 5-6 gr/L. Lot Sle16CT MS — 5 years ago

David, Shay and 7 others liked this

Farnum Hill

Semi-Dry Apple Cider

Grayson

9.5

Fantastic American cider. As close to French cider as I have found in the U.S. — 8 years ago

AleSmith Brewing Company

Speedway Stout

Eric Urbani

9.0

So well balanced and 12% abv. Oh yes. — 9 years ago

Shacksbury

Lost And Found Craft Cider 2015

Beau Carson

9.7

This is cider! Beautiful combination of bruised and fresh apples paired with an earthy funk and a hint of wet wool and salt. — 7 years ago

Guinness

Draught Pasteurized Stout

Scott Rowe

9.3

I could enjoy this for breakfast. — 7 years ago

with Adam

Jody liked this

Left Hand Brewing Company

Nitro Milk Stout

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.3

So creamy. Nice balance of bitterness from both coffee and hops and lactose sweetness. — 9 years ago

Maxence liked this

Suenen

Oiry Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay

Coltin Short

9.8

Best Champagne I have had this year. Explosive, floral, crystalline. Beautiful aromatics. "I want to make this into a perfume". - Gianna — 7 years ago

with Gianna, Ty and 1 other

Ty, Trixie and 5 others liked this

Ty Richchouyrod

Dude! So glad you enjoyed it!

9.4

Prairie Artisan Ales

Bomb! Imperial Stout

David Kline

9.4

Vanilla panacotta, molten chocolate, coconut and brownie nose. Big depth of flavor, with the pepper bringing heat from the get-go! Rich, mocha espresso and vanilla throughout, and just enough fire to light the fuse! — 9 years ago

with Courtney