Wednesday, March 6, 2019

The Black Velvet Cocktail

The Black Velvet Cocktail

This delightful mix of Guinness and Champagne is perfect for St. Pat’s

Sometimes a cocktail’s name really captures it.

The Black Velvet is soft, smooth, and well . . . velvety. Guinness adds dark richness to the sparkle of champagne. 

So forget the green beer. This St Patrick’s Day, make it brew and bubbles.



The Black Velvet Cocktail

Recipe: The Black Velvet Cocktail

The classic version of this drink calls for equal measures of champagne and Guinness stout. But you can alter that ratio if you wish (see Notes).

You can serve this cocktail in a Collins (tall) glass, as many drinkers do. We prefer a champagne flute. A beer tankard or pilsner glass would work too.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to make, and serves one.

Ingredients
  • chilled Guinness stout (may substitute another brand of stout)
  • chilled brut champagne (or other dry sparkling wine)
Procedure
  1. Pour Guinness into a champagne flute or Collins glass until the glass is about half full. Then add enough champagne to fill the glass.
  2. Stir gently with a long-handled spoon or swizzle stick to combine. Serve and enjoy.
The Black Velvet Cocktail

Notes
  • We like to use a 1:1 ratio of Guinness to champagne, but some people think that’s too much stout. If you’re one of them, try a ratio of 1:2, 1:3, or even 1:4.
  • You can substitute another stout for Guinness, but why would you want to? Guinness is good stuff. Plus, on St. Patrick’s Day, drinking anything other than Guinness is probably illegal.
  • We don’t recommend using expensive champagne in this drink. You can, of course, and it would be wonderful. But Guinness will overpower the delicate flavor notes of fine champagne, so you’d be wasting your money. We generally use an inexpensive sparkling wine, like a cava from Spain, when we make this drink.
  • Some versions of this cocktail use sparkling cider instead of champagne. We haven’t tried that, but it sounds interesting.
  • This drink is a bit like a Half and Half (that popular mix of Guinness and ale or lager). But in the Black Velvet, of course, champagne replaces the ale.
  • So how did the Black Velvet originate? Legend says the drink was invented to commemorate Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, on his death in 1861. (The color of the drink was supposed to mimic the black armbands typically worn by mourners.) It may have originated at Brooks’s, a fashionable gentleman’s club in London.
     
The Black Velvet Cocktail
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all our peeps

Prince Albert in a Can

“So that story about the origins of the Black Velvet,” said Mrs Kitchen Riffs. “Is it true?”

“No one is really sure,” I said. “Cocktail history can be a bit murky.”

“Not surprising,” said Mrs K R. “Since those who record it have had a few.”

“After a couple cans of Guinness, I feel like a prince among men,” I said.

“The gentlemen at Brooks’s may have been royally flushed,” said Mrs K R.

“And we know what imbibing can do to memories,” I said.

“In theory, of course,” said Mrs K R. “Not firsthand.”

That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it.

You may also enjoy reading about:

Blackthorn Cocktail
Sazerac Cocktail
Vieux Carré Cocktail
Irish Coffee
Hearn's Cocktail
Brainstorm Cocktail
Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

72 comments:

Mae Travels said...

I guess there are people who would find this a waste of champagne. And also those who would find it a waste of Guinness. But it sounds very interesting.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, this is an excellent drink! Who knew Guinness and champagne played so well together? But they do. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

I never had anything like it. My son likes Guinness and I like champagne. The next time we are drinking champagne and Guinness, I will try it . Prost

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, it's an interesting combo. I have some doubts about this one, but it works. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Savor the Best-Pat said...

Wow! John....my husband would go for this! What an interesting combo, I am not a fan of Guinness (or any beer for that matter) but mixed with the champagne, I'm in! Thanks, and have a great St. Pat's Day! ��

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, Mrs KR really isn't a fan of beer either, but she likes this. It's really a fun drink! Thanks for the comment.

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I'll take this over green beer any day--champagne is my favorite cocktail ingredient!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, champagne is one of Mrs KR's favorite ingredients, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

I always find it funny when people describe foods/drinks as velvety, because all I can think of is the material used for clothing, LOL! I have never had anything "velvety" clearly!

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I’m not a beer drinker but I actually happen to like Guinness a lot. I am so excited to try this! I never would have thought to mix the two together.

Angie's Recipes said...

wow I have never seen anything this beautiful! Wish I could have a sip! Well done, John.

Family Spice said...

This might be the only way I'll drink beer! What an interesting history for such an unusual drink!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, what, you've never had "velveted" chicken in a Chinese restaurant? :-) Although I've often thought it an odd term too, food-wise. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, it does seem a strange mix, but it really works! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, you'd want more than a sip, trust me. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, we like Guinness, but this takes it up another notch. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

What an interesting cocktail! Many of the Guinness lovers I know are not champagne drinkers and vice versa. This cocktail could possible change both sides. :) It's absolutely lovely and perfect for an Irish celebration.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, bet this would indeed change both sides. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

I'm not sure I have ever seen champagne combined with Guinness, but I love the flavor contrast between the two.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, sounds like a weird combo, but it's really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eha said...

*smile* Have never been a 'cocktail girl' - too short and usually too sweet for me - but Black Velvets: now you are talking . . . in a big beer glass . . . just heavenly . . . love Guinness . . . delightfully British . . .

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, Guinness is wonderful! Love its flavor. And it's terrific when mixed with champagne. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Why haven't I heard of this drink? There is something about the word velvet that just makes me want to sidle up close to this one!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, you should definitely sidle up to this! It's sidle-able. :-) Thanks for the comment.

savorthebest said...

oh boy, this looks so much better than green beer :) I never would have guessed to combine these two drinks, gotta try it

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, bet you'll like it! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Natalia said...

Looks so pretty ☺

Healthy World Cuisine said...

That is really unique! Need to give this a try soon. I bet this cocktail has a very rich but refreshing finish. That photo is absolutely stunning!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, tasty, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, this definitely has BIG flavor. :-) Really good -- we do recommend it. Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

if you order a black velvet in a bar in my city you'll get a pint of half apple cider and half Guinness. I like this fancy version!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, the apple cider version is pretty popular, but we definitely prefer the champagne version. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Rocquie said...

I cannot even imagine how this tastes. I love beer, including Guinnes, and I like Champagne. So does my husband. We will definitely try this. . .Rocquie

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

John, I've never gotten around to trying a Black Velvet. Think I'll pick up an inexpensive sparkler and a Guinness and try out the various ratios!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, you'll like this -- sounds a bit weird, but it's really, really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jean, very important to try all the ratios. Research, you know. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

I've had the cider version under a different name (cannot seem to remember the name however). GREG

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I DO love the name! What a perfectly elegant cocktail for St. Patrick's Day!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I've seen that drink called the Poor Man's Black Velvet, but don't know if that is the official name. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, neat name, wonderful drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Valentina said...

I'm not a beer drinker and will never (ever) drink a green beer. That said, I LOVE champagne and have cooked with Guinnes and love the flavor of it. So.... I'm thinking this might be my into the world of beer. And yes, excellent name! Can't wait to give it a go.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, bet you'll like this -- really fun flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

That is one sexy drink, sir! Cheers!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, awfully good, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

When it comes to this cocktail, you're a real Guinness. Sorry I couldn't resist.
A new one for me, that for sure. A must try libation.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, :D Good one! And this drink is a good one. Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

Wow! I've never heard of this. It sounds easy enough to try!

Mackay Sherry said...

I’m not really a guinness drinker but this does look very beautiful! And you can’t go wrong with champagne �� cheers sherry

Frank said...

Love the back story for this cocktail! Coincidentally, we just finished the most recent season of "Victoria", which ends with Prince Albert collapsing on the floor, a foreshadowing of his death, which I assume we'll see in the next season. Nice way to remember him by...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, you definitely should try this -- SO good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, Mrs KR is always telling me we can't go wrong with champagne. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I would make this just for the name alone! LOL Who knew beer and Champagne could combine for something so dazzlng!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, this drink is indeed a great way to remember Prince Albert. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, great name, huh? And great flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Oh John, this is so simple and refreshing...great idea fo the upcoming St. Patrick's Day.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Debra Eliotseats said...

Like you say, perfect of St. Paddy's day! I little of this goes a long way, I'm sure. At least it looks more imbibable than green beer!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, sometimes the simplest drinks are the best! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, we're WAY past our green beer days! This is now more our speed. :-) Thanks for the comment.

lisa is cooking said...

This is how I want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day from now on! Can't wait to give this a try.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, bet you'll love this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Oh my! Your photos are always great but this one is spectacular.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, (blush!) Thanks for that kind comment. :-)

Easyfoodsmith said...

That is such stunner ❤️

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, it is, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ansh said...

Sad to hear about the "oldster" passing. May he rest in peace. stay safe!!

Anonymous said...

I think it sounds just lovely and we're going to try it as soon as we can leave the house and go to a liquor store for the champagne. We always have the stout on hand because it's what I drink most of the time. We're not BIG drinkers but when I want a beer it's got to be a Guinness stout. Thanks for posting this!

We were very sorry to read about "the oldster". 99 years is a good long life though, I'd say. Hope you have happier days coming up soon.

Family Spice said...

Ok, I like champagne but not a fan of beer. Maybe I'll like them combined?!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Thank you.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Maybe!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Thank you.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

I'm so sorry to hear about The Oldster. My condolences to you and your family.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Thank you.