Black Velvet

A Black Velvet is made using a stout beer more often than not Guinness and a sparkling white wine, often champagne.

The origin of this cocktail comes from Brooks Club in London. In 1861 as people mourned the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's Prince Consort, this fine cocktail was served.

The Black Velvet is supposedly the favourite drink of Otto von Bismarck, in Germany, therefore, this is what the drink is referred to.

The Recipe

This recipe serves 1

• Guinness
• Champagne

Half fill a champagne glass with Guinness and gently pour the champagne over the back of a spoon so the liquid runs down the sides, this avoids mixing the two liquids.

Variation

To make a Poor Man's Black Velvet replace the champagne with apple cider or perry. Add the cider or perry as the bottom layer and then add the Guinness as the top layer.