Black Velvet Cocktail

The Black Velvet, made from stout and Champagne, may initially seem an unlikely collision of sorts. It’s actually an inspired melding of effervescence and denseness, titillating and satiating, ladylike delicateness and handsome ruggedness. It’s uncannily smooth and it’s no surprise the cocktail has the word “velvet” in its title. Like its garment-minded namesake, the libation lends a sense of subdued sophistication to any celebration, whether the accompanying attire is your fanciest pants or your comfiest faded jeans. See for yourself. And when you do, bear in mind that tradition holds the stout goes into the glass first. This technique creates a rather dramatic presentation given that the Champagne, due to the difference in densities, lingers atop the stout in an impressive, if ephemeral, subsequent layer. It’s only a matter of time until the boozes mingle. To extend the lifetime of the layers, pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to prevent it from plunging headlong into the stout. Originally published December 26, 2011.–Renee Schettler Rossi

What Are The Origins Of The Black Velvet Cocktail?

The black velvet cocktail is, according to author Brian D. Murphy, “believed to have been created by a bartender at the Brooks Club in London, England. The Black Velvet was born in 1891 while the country was in mourning for Queen Victoria’s late husband, Prince Albert. The bartender thought Champagne was too celebratory for the occasion, so he combined it with stout. (A Velvet, as opposed to a Black Velvet, is made with porter instead of stout.)” While we extend our respects–albeit a century late–to the somber origins of this cocktail, there’s no way we can contain our enthusiasm, our rapture, our over-the-moonness for this comely cocktail.

Black Velvet Cocktail

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• 5 M
• 5 M
• Serves 1

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Recipe Testers Reviews

Jennifer V.

The Black Velvet is a classic and perfect for when you have a group of family or friends over and want to present some cocktail options that are quick to mix up yet go beyond your basic liquor and soda or tonic. The Guinness and Champagne pair together surprisingly well, with the latter adding a bubbly kick to the former. To make for a more attractive presentation, first pour the stout, let it settle, then carefully pour the Champagne on top (letting it carefully drizzle down the back of a bar spoon, if necessary), so that you have two distinct layers. I imagine garnishing the glass with some edible gold leaf would be particularly attractive, or maybe just a strawberry if you don’t want to get overly fancy.