Black Velvet: A Cocktail of Mourning Turned Celebration

Ingredients

3 ounces guinness
3 ounces champagne

Directions

Fill a pilsner glass halfway with chilled Champagne.
Carefully float the chilled stout on top to fill the glass, creating two distinct layers. The effect is best achieved by pouring the stout over the back of a spoon turned upside down over the glass.

A Cocktail of Mourning Turned Celebration

The Black Velvet cocktail is a drink with a somber origin, created in 1861 at Brooks's Club in London. It was invented to mourn the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's Prince Consort¹. The cocktail's dark hue was meant to reflect the black armbands worn by mourners, symbolizing that "even the champagne should be in mourning."

A Layered Legacy

The Black Velvet is traditionally made by mixing equal parts of stout (often Guinness) and white sparkling wine (often Champagne). The drink can also be served in a layered variation, where the stout is floated on top of the Champagne to create a visually striking separation of colors¹.

Modern Interpretation

While the Black Velvet began as a drink of mourning, it has transcended its origins to become a beverage enjoyed for various occasions. Its unique combination of stout's richness and Champagne's effervescence makes it a timeless choice for celebrations and gatherings¹.

Enjoy your Black Velvet, a cocktail that elegantly bridges the gap between beer and sparkling wine! 🍺🥂