The Black Velvet

Impress your guests with an extraordinary cocktail experience – the Black Velvet. This timeless libation, born out of history and refined through time, marries the unlikely union of champagne and Guinness beer. A tribute to the mourning of Prince Albert in 1861, this concoction blends the richness of stout with the effervescence of white sparkling wine, creating a drink that resonates with elegance and depth.

No ordinary cocktail, the Black Velvet is steeped in tradition and revered for its refined taste. Whether you’re curating a sophisticated dinner party or simply seeking a distinctive indulgence, this extraordinary elixir is the quintessence of celebration. Raise your glass to the artistry of mixology and savor the allure of the Black Velvet cocktail. Cheers to the extraordinary!

History

The Black Velvet cocktail is a classic drink that has a rich history. It is said to have been invented in 1861 by a bartender at Brooks’s Club in London to mourn the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. The drink is supposed to symbolize the black armbands worn by mourners during that time. Even the champagne used in the cocktail was supposed to be in mourning. Today, the drink is no longer exclusive to mourning and is enjoyed by many as a celebratory drink.

Prince Albert was not only Queen Victoria’s husband but also her closest confidant and advisor. His death was a major blow to the Queen, who went into a deep state of mourning. She wore black for the rest of her life and withdrew from public life for many years.

The cause of Prince Albert’s death was typhoid fever, which was a common illness in the 19th century. The disease was caused by contaminated water and food, and it was prevalent in many parts of Europe. In fact, it was one of the reasons why Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, banned the import of British beef in 1888. He believed that the disease was being spread through the import of infected beef from Britain.

How to Make It

Variations

There are several variations of the Black Velvet cocktail that you can try to add some variety to your drinking experience. Here are a few popular ones:

Red Velvet

This variation replaces the Champagne with red wine, creating a deeper, richer flavor. Simply mix equal parts of stout and red wine in a glass and enjoy.

Green Velvet

This variation uses cider instead of Champagne, giving the cocktail a crisp, refreshing taste. Mix equal parts of stout and cider in a glass and enjoy.

Golden Velvet

This variation uses ginger beer instead of Champagne, adding a spicy kick to the cocktail. Mix equal parts of stout and ginger beer in a glass and enjoy.

Irish Velvet

This variation adds a shot of Irish whiskey to the cocktail, creating a stronger, more complex flavor. Mix equal parts of stout and Champagne, and add a shot of Irish whiskey to the glass before serving.

Velvet Mule

This variation adds vodka and lime juice to the cocktail, creating a tangy, refreshing taste. Mix equal parts of stout and Champagne, add a shot of vodka and a splash of lime juice, and serve over ice.

Poor Man’s Black Velvet

The Poor Man’s Black Velvet is made with equal parts stout beer and hard apple cider, while the classic Black Velvet cocktail is made with equal parts stout beer and champagne or sparkling wine. The Poor Man’s Black Velvet is a less expensive alternative to the classic cocktail and has a slightly sweeter taste due to the hard apple cider.