Black Velvet

Patrick Spears / Supercall
Patrick Spears / Supercall

This drink may only comprise beer and wine, but the result is as smooth and balanced as any classic cocktail. According to Ian Lendler’s 2005 book Alcoholica Esoterica, the drink was invented in 1861 at London’s Brooks Club while the nation was mourning the death of Prince Albert. When members of the club requested a morning glass of bubbly to clear their foggy heads, the bartender made a quick decision to top the glass of seemingly frivolous and celebratory Champagne with an equal part of Guinness. The addition creates a symbolic widow’s veil of Guinness floating atop the amber Champagne, and it’s tangy and crisp enough to still be remembered more than a century later.

Black Velvet

FLAVOR PROFILE
Dry
STRENGTH
DIFFICULTY
easy

INGREDIENTS

  • Guinness stout, chilled
  • Champagne, chilled

INSTRUCTIONS

Step one

Fill a flute glass glass halfway with Champagne.

Step two

Fill the remainder of the glass with Guinness.

Contributed by Supercall