Black Velvet

Name: Black Velvet
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 120 ml / 4 oz Sparkling Wine; 120 ml / 4 oz Stout

Ingredients Instructions

The Black Velvet is an elegant and surprisingly simple classic cocktail known for its distinct visual appeal. It consists of a dark stout, typically Guinness, layered over a crisp sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco. The contrasting colors and densities create a beautiful two-toned effect in the glass. The taste is a unique blend of the rich, malty bitterness of the stout and the bright, effervescent acidity of the wine.

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Black Velvet is classified as a classic cocktail. It is a simple two-ingredient drink, often considered a type of beer cocktail or wine cocktail. Its unique layered presentation makes it a standout in its category.

Serving

This cold, layered drink is best served in a tall, chilled glass like a Champagne flute or Collins glass to showcase its appearance. Its alcohol content is relatively moderate, similar to a strong beer.

Serving size

Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz

Alcohol content

7-9% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Champagne Flute

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The drink was created in 1861 by the bartender of Brooks's Club in London. It was devised to mourn the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's Prince Consort. The bartender supposedly declared that even the Champagne should be in mourning, hence the addition of the dark, somber stout.

Origin

London, United Kingdom, 1861.

Black Velvet

The drink is consistently known as the Black Velvet. In some historical German contexts, it may have been referred to as a "Bismark." However, Black Velvet is the universally accepted name for this layered cocktail.

Original name

Black Velvet

Alternative name

Bismark

Characteristics overview

The Black Velvet presents a beautiful layered appearance with aromas of roasted malt and apple, leading to a balanced flavor of bitter stout and acidic sparkling wine. Its texture is a unique combination of creamy and crisp, making for a refreshing, all-season drink.

Flavor

Malty, roasty, crisp, effervescent, slightly sweet, dry

Aroma

Roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, green apple, yeast

Taste balance

Balanced, bitter, sweet, acidic

Aftertaste

Clean, dry, lingering roastiness

Fizziness

Bubbly, effervescent, creamy head

Color appearance

Layered, dark brown on top, pale gold on bottom, clear separation

Texture

Smooth, creamy, crisp, light-bodied

Seasonality

Refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink has a low sweetness and a balanced profile of bitterness from the stout and sourness from the sparkling wine. It is highly carbonated and has a moderate alcohol strength, with a creamy texture from the beer's head.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires only two chilled ingredients in equal parts: a dry sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco, and a dark stout beer, with Guinness being the traditional choice.

Sparkling Wine120 ml / 4 oz
Chilled. Champagne is traditional, but Prosecco, Cava, or other dry sparkling wines work well.
Stout120 ml / 4 oz
Chilled. Guinness is the classic choice.

Ice type

None

Mixing equipments

No shaker or mixing glass is needed; the only essential piece of equipment is a bar spoon to help gently layer the stout over the sparkling wine.

Bar spoon for layering

Instructions

The process involves filling a chilled glass halfway with sparkling wine and then carefully layering an equal amount of chilled stout on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon.

1. Take a chilled Champagne flute or other tall glass.

2. Fill the glass halfway with chilled sparkling wine. Let any foam settle.

3. Place a bar spoon upside down over the glass, with the tip just touching the inside edge of the glass above the wine.

4. Slowly and gently pour the chilled stout over the back of the spoon, allowing it to flow down the side of the glass and layer on top of the sparkling wine.

5. Serve immediately while the layers are distinct.

Garnishing

The Black Velvet is traditionally served without a garnish. Its striking visual contrast between the dark stout and the pale wine serves as its own decoration.

None. The layered appearance is the garnish.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, but it is not gluten-free due to the stout. Always check the specific labels of the beer and wine used for any allergens.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✕ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A serving of Black Velvet contains a moderate amount of calories, around 150-180 kcal, with relatively low carbohydrate and sugar content, primarily from the beer and wine.

Calories

Approximately 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 10-12 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 5-7 g

Sugar level

Occasions

The Black Velvet is versatile; it can be enjoyed as an alternative to a Mimosa at brunch or as a celebratory toast. It's particularly popular around St. Patrick's Day due to its use of Irish stout. It also serves as a sophisticated evening aperitif.

Brunch
St. Patrick's Day
Celebrations
Evening Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Black Velvet pairs exceptionally well with briny oysters, complementing their salinity. It also works with rich cheeses, hearty brunch dishes, and even dark chocolate desserts, where its roasty notes can shine.

Oysters
Rich cheeses
Brunch foods like eggs benedict
Chocolate desserts

Black Velvet: A Mournful Toast of Elegant Simplicity

The Black Velvet is a visually stunning and historically significant cocktail, born out of mourning for Prince Albert in 1861. Its construction is an exercise in simplicity and technique, layering dark stout over sparkling wine to create a two-toned drink. The resulting flavor is a delightful paradox: the creamy, roasted bitterness of the stout perfectly balances the crisp, acidic effervescence of the wine. It's a versatile and elegant choice suitable for celebrations, brunch, or a quiet evening.